Jewelry can often mark a special occasion. However, it can also bring a sense of responsibility when it comes to safeguarding it, along with other valuables.

Some will turn to purchasing a fireproof safe where they can store valuables they are not wearing. A fireproof safe can often be purchased for under $100 at a hardware store, supercenter or an office supply store. Unused jewelry may also be stored in a safe-deposit box at a bank.

In addition to insuring jewelry and storing it, owners should take photos of their jewelry and store them in a safe and secure location outside the home. The safe-deposit box is handy here as well.

Owners should also have their jewelry inspected and reappraised periodically. Most jewelers will recommend that you bring your pieces by for a “checkup” once a year.

Surprisingly, even though many people take these steps, each year a great number will report their valuables missing or damaged. Experts say the top 10 reasons given are:

•Lost at the beach or swimming pool.

•Left it in a public restroom.

•Lost while traveling.

•Accidentally threw it in the garbage.

•Flushed it or lost it down the toilet.

•Lost it at a hotel.

•Left it behind at a restaurant.

•Dropped it on the floor and damaged the item.

•Chipped a stone when they bumped the side of something.

•Mysterious disappearance. They don’t know what happened to the item, they just can’t find it.

While that may sound like the equivalent of “my dog ate my homework,” it can be much more serious, since most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover such loss.

In fact, homeowners policies usually cover only a small dollar amount for jewelry, unless a floater or rider is attached to the policy.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.