Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
IndependentsJul 19, 2017
Jewelers Unblocked Now Offering Jewelry Rental Insurance
The coverage is designed to help jewelers and wholesalers compete in the new “access” economy.
Mahwah, N.J.--Jewelers Unblocked recently announced that it has rolled out a formal program providing insurance coverage for the rental of fine jewelry that both wholesalers and retailers can utilize.
Jewelers Unblocked President and CEO Patricia Low said while the policy will be specific to each situation, generally the rental insurance will cover loss, theft, damage and “mysterious disappearance,” with the policy written based on how much it would cost the jeweler or wholesaler to replace the piece.
“We’re starting to see many jewelers be interested in doing this for larger pieces,” Low said, noting that a handful of the company’s “forward-thinking” clients have requested jewelry rental insurance recently.
“Our thought was this is something that would help the jewelry industry. It’s an area where jewelers are trying to move forward.”
Jewelry rental insurance is designed to help the jewelers grow and access clients in the new “shared” or “access” economy.
RELATED CONTENT: 3 Retail Predictions for 2017The access economy refers to goods and services that are exchanged on the basis of access, not ownership. In other words, the consumer pays to use the item for only a short period of time; it is often utilized for high-value items that are needed only occasionally.
A few of the more well-known companies in this space include Rent the Runway, which rents clothing and accessories, particularly for special occasions like weddings and formal events; and ZipCar, which gives people access to vehicles on an as-needed basis.
There’s also a fine jewelry rental website, Adorn.com, which went up for sale in fall 2016.
Low said it’s a way for retailers to, first, generate a little more income--she said they can build the cost of the insurance into the rental fee--and, second, to connect with existing or even new clients.
The jewelry rental program can be a draw to a store’s physical location or website. And while the client might not buy that $50,000 necklace they rented for a ball today, perhaps they will in the future or maybe they’ll go with a smaller, less expensive version now.
Low acknowledges that renting out jewelry is not for every retailer; some might already have a system in place for loaning out pieces to VIP clients, while others would rather concentrate on selling the jewelry they have in their showcases, not lending it out.
“Everyone will run their own business in the manner that’s appropriate to them,” she said. “But what we
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
are seeing is an interest (in jewelry rental insurance) in the industry at large, and we’re responding to that. There might be some jewelers that have no interest whatsoever in this, but we have seen some who do.”
For more information on the jewelry rental insurance, contact Laurette Merusi, lmerusi@jewelers-unblocked.com or 201-794-7705, ext. 122.
For more information on the jewelry rental insurance, contact Laurette Merusi, lmerusi@jewelers-unblocked.com or 201-794-7705, ext. 122.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
