NAICS CANADA CODE: 448310 Jewellery stores

Description of Operations:

Jewellery stores can offer either high-value precious jewellery or low-value costume jewellery. Operations that sell precious and semi-precious jewellery often offer additional services such as jewellery and/or watch repair, jewellery manufacturing, re-settings, and sizing, as well as custom designed jewellery. Financial condition of the operation is a concern as well as inventory control and turnover. Careful consideration needs to be given to these items to ascertain sound operations.

  • Property exposures can be high if operation is involved in repair, manufacturing, or resetting. Hazards result from the heating or soldering of metals, and metal forming or setting. The inventory will be excluded from coverage under the common property forms. An inland marine Jewellers Block will need to be purchased in order to provide coverage necessary. Gift items and stock other than jewellery may be included in either the Jewellers Block policy or the property coverage form.

  • Inland marine exposure for Jewellers Block is always significant. Theft is the major exposure concern if precious or semi-precious metals and gems are used. What is the inventory of unset or loose gemstones? Theft controls, alarms, lighting, and access to the premises are items to evaluate. Other considerations are to the number, type and size of safes or vaults. Are there any window displays and, if so, what are the theft or crime controls? The Block may include coverage for the bailees customer exposure from repair work.

  • Crime exposures focus on employee dishonesty. Upfront security clearance is the first line of defence along with references. Next is separation of duties and monitoring of inventory. Any travelling with expensive items should be tightly controlled.

  • Occupiers’ liability is always a concern in a retail exposure where the public comes to the premises. Floor covering must be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup systems in case of power failure.

    Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slip and fall. If the business is open after dark, adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area must be present.

  • Products liability for this type of operation is normally low.

  • Workplace safety exposure is from lifting, which can cause back injury, hernia, sprain, and strain. What kind of training do employees receive, and what types of material lifting or conveying devices are used. Additional exposures could be from cuts and burns in the manufacturing or repair operations. Chemical exposure also may exist, and potential for eye, skin, or lung injuries must be reviewed.

Minimum recommended Insurance coverage for jewellers:

Business Personal Property, Business Income, Dishonesty, Disappearance and Destruction, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Jewellers Block, General Liability, Umbrella, Non-owned Automobile

Other Insurance coverage to consider for jewellers :

Building, Leasehold Interest, Real Property, Computer Fraud, Bailees Customers, Fine Arts, Employment Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage