Borrowing jewelry, especially high-end ones, can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But what happens if you accidentally damage the borrowed pieces? Is it your responsibility to pay for the damages, or is it the lending jeweler's responsibility to insure the pieces?
This debacle has been ongoing for rapper Nicki Minaj, who has been sued by a West Hollywood jeweler for allegedly not paying for 66 custom-made jewelry pieces she may have damaged. According to the lawsuit, Nicki's stylist failed to return the jewelry on the agreed-upon deadline, and when it was finally returned, the jeweler noticed damages to a set of earrings and a leaf ring.
The store claims the jewelry rental contract stipulated that Nicki's team would pay for any damages incurred under their watch. The jeweler claims they have sent invoices to Nicki's team, including her stylist, but have not received payment despite their repeated attempts to collect.
While Nicki's attorney has denied the allegations, it still brings to light an essential reminder for those who like borrowing expensive jewelry: take proper care of the pieces and follow the agreed-upon terms.
Tips for Borrowing Expensive Jewelry
1. Read the contract and understand the terms. Before signing the agreement or borrowing the jewelry, you need to understand the obligations that come with borrowing high-end pieces. Ensure that you know the timeframe for returning the jewelry, as well as who will be responsible for any damages incurred while it's in your possession.
2. Insurance is a must. Whether you're borrowing or lending jewelry, you need to ensure that everything is insured before it leaves the store. If you're borrowing the jewelry, make sure that you know whether you need to obtain additional insurance or whether it's included in the rental fee.
3. Take proper care of the jewelry. When you borrow expensive jewelry, remember that it’s not yours to do as you wish. You need to take proper care of it and ensure that it's returned in the same condition that it was borrowed in. If you can, try to avoid wearing pieces in certain situations (such as swimming or exercising) to reduce the possibilities of accidents or possible damages.
4. Prepare yourself financially. Before borrowing expensive jewelry, you should prepare yourself financially should anything happen. You need to be able to cover the costs should there be damages or loss during sthe time you've borrowed it. So, it's important to consider the worst-case scenario before signing the agreement.
As for Nicki's lawsuit, it's still ongoing, and it's uncertain what the outcome will be. However, this case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering borrowing high-end jewelry. Always follow proper etiquette, read the terms and conditions, and ensure that you're financially prepared.