People collect silver, gold, platinum, and other precious metals for several reasons. For many, a jewelry collection of any kind has enormous sentimental value, having been passed down from generation to generation, with pieces symbolizing milestones in life. For some, precious metals serve as a status symbolif you've got it, flaunt it! Others collect jewelry and coins as an investment, one that is much less volatile than stock investments.

No matter why you possess these metals, your passion (or investment) has recently reached a peak in value. This increase in value is a trend that is expected to continue over the next couple of years and across several precious metal markets.

'Countries such as China and India have emerging economies that are using precious metals for industrial and jewelry use; this increases the demand for such metals, which in turn increases the price,' said Roger Ponn, appraiser and owner of Roger Ponn Associated Appraisers LLC. 'In the current market it is safe to say that the prices of gold and platinum aren't coming down to any large extent for any long period of time, at least not anytime time soon.'

In the past few years, metal prices have been on a steady and consistent climb. Gold and platinum values have doubled in the past five years, while silver has tripled. In May 2006, gold reached an all-time high of $700/ounce, a figure that has been on a steady and consistent climb. To the average consumer, this means that a family heirloom jewelry collection could be worth substantially more now than it was appraised for just a year ago. But if something were to happen to that collection, would insurance cover the current value?

'Consumers who collect and appreciate fine things are generally aware that it is important to have their valuables appraised every few years,' says Chris Heidrick, vice president of personal insurance at Fireman's Fund. 'However, the jump in the value of metals has subsequently created a gap between what consumers have insured their jewelry collection for and what it is actually worth.'

Experts agree that it is important to have a collection appraised to determine its current value. But equally important is to have insurance that covers the current value, not just the last appraised value. 'Jewelry and coin collection values have really skyrocketed in the last five years, leaving many consumers vulnerable to a potential catastrophic loss if their insurance is limited to an outdated appraisal value,' explains Ponn.

Of course, with any family heirloom or fine jewelry, there is the sentimental value to protect in addition to the market value. In addition to insuring a collection for its financial worth, it is equally important to work with an insurance agent or appraiser who will offer guidance on how to properly store and care for jewelry to protect it from theft or damage.

'We understand that the emotional attachment to a jewelry piece is just as important as the actual value. To reflect this, our Prestige CollectionSM policy includes preferred pricing with a highly regarded appraisal service, and expert advice on protecting a valued object or collection,' says Heidrick. 'We also work with our customers to have damaged pieces restored to their original splendor, and work closely with law enforcement to have stolen pieces found and returned to the rightful owner when possible.'

What steps should consumers take to ensure that they understand the current value, and protect their jewelry collections accordingly? Following are a few basic tips for protecting your jewelry collection:

1. Account for, and take pictures of each piece of jewelry. In the event of loss or theft, this will expedite the claims process.

2. Keep a copy of the appraisal, along with photos, away from the actual jewelry or coin collection. That way, if the collection is lost or stolen, your paperwork is not.

3. Keep your collection in a safe, dry place, away from the elements and out of view of common visitors to your home. A fire-proof safe is ideal.

4. Have your jewelry collection appraised regularlyespecially after a reported increase in metal or gem value. In the current market, jewelry and coin collections should be re-appraised every two years.

5. Ask your insurance agent to recommend a reliable, trustworthy appraiser.

6. Talk to your insurance agent about what policies will best protect your collection.

Following these tips will not only ensure that your collection is adequately covered by your insurance plan to its current value, but will also allow you to quickly expedite a claim in the unfortunate case of loss or theft. Properly caring for your collection, both physically and as a financial asset, will allow you to enjoy it for years to come. - ARA