How Do I Safely Travel With My Jewelry?

Written By Allie Perry September 27, 2024

In my twenty-eight (twenty-eight!😳) years as a jeweler, I have repaired more pieces of jewelry than I can count. Some days I may have only fixed one piece or three or five, and I think my single-day record is 108 pieces, but my career repair total is easily in the tens of thousands, and still growing.

Lots of that was regular maintenance. Yes, your jewelry needs regular maintenance; no, we’re not going to talk about that today.

Another significant portion can be attributed to two main culprits: kids and dogs. If you’ve ever had or met a kid or a dog, this needs no explanation. 

But I didn’t just fix jewelry that was broken or needed maintenance. 

Sometimes, I recreated client jewelry that had been stolen or lost (RIP to all of those shiny new wedding bands that customers…usually men who refused to buy the correct size because it was “too constricting”…wore on their honeymoon and immediately lost on the beach or in the ocean).

Other times, customers had me make duplicates of their expensive jewelry so they could travel with the dupes and not risk the originals to loss or theft. More on that later…

Either way, if you’ve got the travel bug and don’t want to leave your jewelry at home, you need to learn how to safely travel with your jewelry and what to do once you arrive at your destination to make sure your jewelry sticks around to make the return trip home.

1. How Do I Keep My Jewelry Secure During Car or Bus Travel?

When traveling by car or bus, jewelry is less likely to get lost or mishandled, but it's still important to take precautions:

• Use a travel jewelry case: Invest in a travel-friendly jewelry case with individual compartments to keep your pieces organized and tangle-free. Hard-bodied cases work best to prevent jewelry from impact or pressure.
• Bring your jewelry with you: Never leave your jewelry in your checked luggage or in a visible spot in your vehicle. 
• Keep it discreet: Whatever you choose to store your jewelry in, make sure it doesn't attract attention. Avoid branded boxes or cases that may indicate valuable contents.
• Consider temporary storage: While my first recommendation would be to wear your jewelry whenever possible, for long bus or car rides it might be safer to remove rings or necklaces and store them securely in your case to prevent accidental loss.

2. How Do I Fly Safely With My Jewelry?

Traveling by plane introduces the risk of misplaced luggage or airport security mishaps, so take these extra precautions:

• Carry it with you: Always carry your jewelry in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Checked bags can be lost or damaged, and valuable items are best kept on hand.
• Prepare for security checks: To avoid complications at airport security, wear minimal jewelry while passing through the metal detectors. Store delicate or expensive pieces in your carry-on or personal bag until you're through the checkpoint.
• Use padded compartments: Your carry-on should have padded compartments for jewelry storage to prevent damage from bumps and movement during the flight. If it doesn’t get a hard-bodied travel jewelry case. Pill boxes work too, but try to get one that’s opaque so people can’t see your jewelry inside.

3.  Do I Need Jewelry Insurance When I’m Away from Home?

Accidents and theft can happen while traveling, which is why it's smart to consider jewelry insurance that covers you while you're away:

• Get a specialized policy: Standard homeowner or renter’s insurance policies may not cover high-value jewelry outside your home. Always make sure you know exactly what your policy covers, and consider purchasing a separate jewelry insurance policy that covers theft, damage, or loss during travel.
• Take an inventory: Before leaving home, document your jewelry by taking photographs and noting the value of each piece. This will be essential if you need to make a claim. Take clear, well-lit photos that show as much detail as possible, and include something in the photo for scale, like a ruler or a coin.
• Have an appraisal ready: Some insurance companies require an appraisal for particularly valuable items, so have these documents on hand before your trip.

4. How Do I Keep My Jewelry Safe in a Hotel?

Hotels can pose a risk for jewelry theft, especially if you're staying for an extended period. Here are ways to store your jewelry safely:

• Use the hotel safe: Most hotels provide in-room safes, and this is the best place to store your valuable jewelry when you're not wearing it. Be sure to lock it away every time you leave the room.
• Avoid leaving it out: Never leave jewelry out on countertops or tables in your room, even if you’re just stepping out for a short time.
• Bring your own portable safe: If you have high-value pieces and feel uncomfortable using the hotel safe, consider bringing a small portable safe with you. These are designed for travel and can give you added peace of mind, particularly if you’re staying in an owner-owned rental that may not have a safe available to you.

5. How Do I Protect My Jewelry While Traveling?

Safety is paramount when traveling with expensive or sentimental pieces. Here are some general tips:

• Don’t flash your jewelry: Avoid drawing attention to your valuables by wearing flashy or expensive-looking jewelry in busy or unfamiliar areas. This goes for fine jewelry as well as costume jewelry.
• Know your surroundings: Be aware of the security in the places you're visiting, especially if you're in an area known for pickpocketing or theft.
• Pack light: Consider bringing only the essential pieces that you’ll need for your trip, especially if you’re traveling to multiple locations.
• Duplicates or Costume Jewelry: Someone looking to rob you of your jewelry has no idea if you’re wearing an heirloom or a dupe, so while this method protects your originals from being stolen, it does not protect you from being robbed. If you’re got valuables, keep your head on a swivel.

While you may have to sneak a bit of extra planning and preparation into your itinerary, traveling with jewelry doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right precautions, you can keep yourself and your favorite jewelry pieces safe throughout your trip. So travel safe, have fun, and be sure to send me a postcard!