Finding out your homeowners or renters insurance falls short after you’ve already lost your ring leaves you wondering what to do next. Do you pay for a replacement out of your own pocket? Or go without a ring?

Rock. Hard place.

So how do you know which insurance option won't leave you empty-handed when the unexpected happens? The first step is understanding exactly which situations are covered and for how much.

You choose the perfect location, pick up a new outfit, and select exactly the right music to set the mood. The ring is precisely what she has been hinting at and you just know she is going to say "yes." But what happens if the ring gets damaged, lost or stolen before the big moment?

A well-fitting ring is a safe ring. Ensuring a proper fit helps safeguard against rings flinging off with your gloves or needing a surprise ring-removal ER trip after an allergic reaction or a long day out in the hot sun.

Deciding to resize your ring is the first step. But who pays for it? You? Your jeweler? Your insurance company?

First things first. There should be no difference between a "jewelry appraisal for insurance" and any other type of jewelry appraisal.

All too often, jewelers hear, "I don't want to pay a lot for an appraisal. I only need it to get my jewelry insured."

What's not covered under homeowners insurance? (At least not well enough.)

Spoiler: It's jewelry.