Insuring a diamond ring? Better get an appraisal first to determine whether the stones are mined or lab-created.

The good news for the insurance industry is that, in general, rate increases may have outpaced loss trends in the third quarter. But the benefits to companies may be offset by growing reserve pressures and the continued slow-motion collapse of investment income, according to a Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analysis....

Power-generating companies have had at least one major loss in excess of $25 million each year since 2005, and the continuing trend could lead to price and capacity issues if insurers begin to leave the market, according to a report from insurance-broker Marsh.