Aloha everyone,

Over the years, I’ve had many customers ask whether Niʻihau shell jewelry can be insured. It’s a very natural question — these pieces are meaningful, carefully made, and often gifted to someone special.

What many people don’t realize is that authentic Niʻihau shell jewelry can indeed be insured, and insurance companies do recognize and accept it as fine jewelry. In some cases, they may simply ask for a little extra documentation to support coverage, especially for unique, handmade pieces created with rare shells and traditional techniques.

To help make this process clear and comfortable, I’ve shared a few common questions and answers below, so you know exactly what to expect and how everything works.

Certificates & Insurance Documentation – FAQ

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

A Certificate of Authenticity is provided with qualifying jewelry purchases and confirms that your piece is handmade with authentic Niʻihau shells, created by Janjira of ShellsHawaii. It documents the item number, materials, date of purchase, and the original purchase value at the time of sale.

Each certificate is a personalized, signed document prepared with care to reflect the authenticity, origin, and meaning behind your Hawaiian heirloom jewelry or loose shell purchase. It serves as a permanent record of your one-of-a-kind item.

A Certificate of Authenticity is included at no additional cost with individual items priced over $500. For items priced under $500, a certificate may be added for $10 per item.

If you would like to learn more about Certificates of Authenticity or add one to your purchase, please click here ›

Can Niʻihau shell jewelry be insured?

Yes. Authentic Niʻihau shell jewelry can be insured, and many insurance companies do accept it as fine jewelry. Because each piece is handmade and unique, insurance providers may request additional documentation to support coverage.

Can the Certificate of Authenticity be updated later?

No. The Certificate of Authenticity reflects the original purchase details at the time of sale and should not be altered or updated later. This helps keep records clear, accurate, and consistent for both the owner and the artist.

What if I need documentation for insurance purposes?

If you are considering insuring your jewelry, it’s best to first speak with your insurance company to confirm what type of documentation they require and the coverage amount they recommend. Each insurance provider may have slightly different guidelines.

If your insurance company requests supporting documentation from the artist, I can provide a separate Insurance Replacement Value Statement upon request. This document supports insurance coverage and includes an estimated replacement value based on material rarity, availability, and the labor involved in creating the piece.

This insurance document is separate from the Certificate of Authenticity and does not change the original purchase price.

✨ A $35 documentation fee applies for preparing this Insurance Replacement Value Statement, which covers the time and professional documentation required for insurance purposes.

Does the insurance document guarantee an identical replacement?

No. The Insurance Replacement Value Statement provides an estimated replacement value only. It does not guarantee that an identical piece can be recreated, as shell availability, colors, and materials may change over time.

What happens if my Certificate of Authenticity is lost?

If your original Certificate of Authenticity is lost, a reissued copy may be provided upon request using the original item number and purchase details.

Who is responsible if the jewelry is lost or damaged?

Once the jewelry has been delivered, responsibility for loss, theft, or damage rests with the owner. Insurance coverage and claims are handled directly between the customer and their insurance provider.

If you have any questions about certificates or insurance documentation, please feel free to contact me. I’m always happy to help and guide you through the process.

With aloha,
Janjira
ShellsHawaii

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Disclaimer

The information shared here is provided to help explain how Certificates of Authenticity and insurance documentation generally work for handmade Niʻihau shell jewelry. Insurance requirements, coverage terms, and acceptance of documentation may vary depending on the insurance provider.

If requested by an insurance company, ShellsHawaii may provide an Insurance Replacement Value Statement to support coverage. This document reflects an estimated replacement value based on materials, availability, and the time and care involved in creating the piece at the time the document is prepared. It does not represent the original purchase price.

ShellsHawaii does not guarantee insurance approval, coverage amounts, or the ability to recreate an identical piece, as shell availability, colors, and materials may change over time. Once jewelry has been delivered, responsibility for loss, theft, or damage rests with the owner, and insurance matters are handled directly between the customer and their insurance provider.