Frequently Asked Questions

Your GemCheck validator will be trying to ascertain as closely as possible the value of your lost item/s. If you have any receipts, quotations, photographs or valuations it is helpful to have these at hand so you can provide the validator with essential details. Also, it helps to have a list of the items, so you can ensure all items are dealt with. Apart from asking you about the stones and design of the pieces, we will ask you about their history, age and where purchased etc. This enables us to understand the likely manufacture of a piece, and whether it is replaceable today. Having a ruler, pen and paper handy can also assist with the claim validation.

Your validator will have conducted many hundreds of these claims and will make the process as simple as possible.

With 90% of claims, GemCheck will have a fully typed report forwarded to your adjuster within 24hrs of speaking to you. Should there be some unusual items that need further research the Validator will advise you of any likely delays.

All GemCheck validators have a long history within the manufacturing and retail Jewellery Industry. They also have access to experts in every field from Antiques to Asian goods throughout the world. Without a vested interest in supplying replacement items, we are able to cost items irrespective of their origins - from mass produced items, to the finest handcrafted pieces. There are also always a minimum of 2 Gemmologists and 2 Registered Valuers on staff at all times.

Should you discover that other pieces have been missed from your original report, you can advise the GemCheck validator during your conversation and they can assist you. Usually you require to notify the Insurer immediately and ask them if the items need to be added to your police report. At time of validation GemCheck can take details of these pieces and incorporate them into the validation if appropriate.

Usually no. The GemCheck validation system is used by the Insurance Industry because we provide a professional detailed quotation directly to your Insurer. They will have everything needed to obtain extra quotations if they wish. This means you don't have to trudge around chasing jewellers quotations.

The price of jewellery is subject to various world market fluctuations. For example, both the fluctuation in precious metal prices, and the rate of exchange between the Australian and US dollar or other currency, can determine whether your jewellery has increased or decreased in value. Other changes such as Tax changes etc., can also affect the value of your items at any one time. It is usually appropriate to have your jewellery re-valued every 3 yrs by a Registered Valuer. Whilst your jewellery may increase or decrease in value, please remember that the ability of a jeweller to replace your items is impacted also, so if prices have reduced due to market trends, your jeweller should be able to replace at a reduced value.

Usually your Insurer will ask you to contact us and we can review the value with you. Should there be evidence that the validation was incorrect we will report directly to the Insurer on your behalf.

Some Insurers will ask you to use one of their panel of jewellers, but in most cases your insurance company will send us an authority to forward to a jeweller of your choice. You simply tell us where you would like to go to replace your jewellery and we organize the paperwork for you. Then, all you need do is select the pieces you would like and the rest will be taken care of for you. The Insurance Industry does require your jeweller to be in Australia, and registered for GST.

If your jewellery replacement is being managed through GemCheck we have authority to allow you to choose more than one jeweller. You will need to ascertain the exact amount of money to be spent in each store and we will arrange the appropriate paperwork.

GemCheck can arrange for you to purchase items at Sale cost. Should your Insurer have any restrictions on this, GemCheck will inform you at the time of replacement.

Generally, no. Many pieces are irreplaceable today because of their sentimental value, or they were purchased overseas, or rarely being worn for one reason or another. So many claimants purchase new pieces reflective of their current lifestyle. Once the replacement value of your stolen pieces have been assessed, that money can be used to purchase different jewellery pieces, or perhaps just one nice piece that you can wear every day. However, your Insurer generally has the right to insist on identical replacement under some circumstances, where that is possible.

In most cases this will be dependant on the wording of your insurance policy and is best taken up with your insurance claims handler who has details of your personal Policy limits and agreements. GemCheck does not handle cash settlements, and has no authority to arrange them.

Firstly, it is important to know your Policy limits, and to discuss this with your Broker or Insurer. You should think about having any items over your Single Article value specified on your Policy. This means preferably having a Registered Valuation showing the replacement value today. Ask your jeweller to supply one with your next purchase, most will oblige.

Keep receipts for your smaller items in a safe place alongside their photographs. You can easily photograph your pieces collectively by placing them on a dark background with a clearly read ruler next to the items before taking the photograph. If you apply a date to the photograph, together with the receipts, you will have your "Proof of Purchase" following a burglary or loss. It is also a good idea to keep records and jewellery separate, and to consider having your records ‘off site’, as often laptops and computers are taken at the same time as jewellery.