How to Travel with Jewelry Safely

Traveling can be a great way to explore new places and see the world. But when it comes to bringing your jewelry along with you, it's important to take some precautions to ensure that your prized possessions are safe and sound. Here are a few tips on how to travel with jewelry safely:

1. The less jewelry you travel with, the less there is to lose or have stolen. So only bring along the pieces that you really need.

Pack as little jewelry as you can to match what you’ll be wearing. Be savvy by bundling outfits that work together in similar color palettes or complement each other enough to allow you to match different outfits with the same few pieces of jewelry. This way, you can save valuable suitcase space and have more outfits to choose from while on your trip.

2. Fine jewelry is generally more expensive and more likely to be targeted by thieves. So unless you're going to an event where you'll need to dress up, leave your fine jewelry at home.

3. Take an inventory list. Before you leave for the trip, take an inventory list of the items in your suitcase. This precaution might not be necessary if you're not carrying anything too valuable on the plane. However, if you are bringing something of value along with you, it is best to know exactly what is in your purse or carry-on bag so that if something does go missing, you have a better chance of getting it back.

Try to pack a few anti-tarnish strips alongside your precious jewelry and seal every jewelry piece in individual, airtight poly bags before placing them away in the pockets of your jewelry roll. This will protect your jewelry from any harmful chemicals the airplane cabin may contain, keeping your beautiful pieces looking as good as new!

4. The best way to pack jewelry for travel is by using a jewelry roll. This will keep all of your jewelry safe and organized, so you don’t have to worry about losing or misplacing anything. A jewelry roll will also reduce the amount of space your jewelry takes up in your bag, which will make it easier to fit everything you need. You can just unzip, choose your outfit, and go!

Try to pack a few anti-tarnish strips alongside your precious jewelry and seal everything in individual, airtight poly bags before placing them away in the pockets of your jewelry roll. This will protect your jewelry from any harmful chemicals the airplane cabin may contain, keeping your beautiful pieces looking as good as new!

5. If you're not using a jewelry roll, it's good to pack your jewelry in a small, sturdy jewelry box. This will help protect your pieces from being damaged while in transit and keep them organized.

If you're traveling with a lot of jewelry, it might be good to invest in a special jewelry case with multiple levels and compartments. This special jewelry case will help keep your pieces from getting tangled up or lost in the bottom of your suitcase.

6. As an alternative to using a jewelry box, you can choose to use a jewelry pouch instead. A jewelry pouch is very convenient if you own a lot of jewelry and need to access it often.

Like a jewelry box, a jewelry pouch will protect your pieces from being damaged and help keep them organized. And because it's small and compact, it is easily stored in your purse or carry-on bag.

Choosing a soft and flexible jewelry pouch is best, not stiff or rigid. You also want to ensure the zipper is sturdy and won't accidentally unzip by itself. You may want to choose a jewelry pouch that closes at the top with a flap instead of a zipper if you want your items to be out of sight.

7. When packing for a trip, it's important to make sure all your valuables are securely stored. This includes jewelry. While it is tempting to pack your jewelry in your checked luggage, this is not the safest option. There is always the possibility that your luggage could be lost or stolen while in transit.

Instead, pack your jewelry in a carry-on bag. This way, you can be sure that your jewelry will stay with you at all times. When packing your carry-on, use a small pouch or case to store your jewelry. This will help protect it from getting scratched or damaged.

8. Find a safe hiding spot. This method doesn't necessarily keep your precious jewelry safe, but it increases the chances of security and lessens the odds that they will get stolen. A hidden space in your carry-on luggage will not be found easily and, even if it is found, it will take a long time to find the items inside. This process would deter most thieves from attempting to access your luggage at all. Hide your precious jewelry somewhere non-obvious where you think no one would look, such as in an empty shoe or between clothes.

10. For extra safety, consider investing in a TSA-approved padlock. Just attach this small lock to your luggage, and it is sure to deter any would-be thieves from trying to get through your suitcase. A TSA-approved padlock also makes it easier for you when going through the security line at the airport!

9. If you're wearing personal jewelry at airport security, you don't have to take it off. Placing your personal jewelry in those containers increases the likelihood of loss, damage, and theft. Wand searches are available, and you can ask for one, so you won't have to part with your personal treasures.

If you are traveling with a lot of valuable jewelry and don't want to put it on public display, you can ask for a private search in an area separate from public view. It would be wise to insist on the supervisor's presence as an additional safety measure.

11. Keep an eye on your belongings. This includes any checked bags as well as carry-on items. Avoid leaving bags unattended, and make sure that you keep a constant watch over them when going through security checkpoints. Sometimes things get lost or misplaced during the x-ray process, so it is always good to keep an eye on your stuff even when getting scanned.

12. While staying at a hotel, the safest place for your stockpile of jewels is in your room's hotel safe (if you have your own combination that only you have access to) or in the hotel's safe deposit box. There are other clever ways of storing your valuable jewelry- in falsely labeled containers (curled in bubble wrap, so it doesn't rattle), in your clothing, etc. Try to get creative.

13. When you are out and about in a new city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Wearing jewelry can make you a target for pickpockets, so it is important to take precautions to protect your valuables. Here are some tips on how to avoid pickpockets when wearing jewelry while traveling:

1. Keep your valuables close to your body. When wearing jewelry, keep it close to your body and under your clothing if possible. This will make it more difficult for pickpockets to access.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you and what they are doing. If you see someone who seems to be paying too much attention to your jewelry, be sure to move away from them.
3. Keep your hands free. When possible, keep your hands free so that you can easily defend yourself if necessary. Pickpockets often target people carrying bags or other items, as this makes it more difficult to defend yourself.
4. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If you have a bad feeling about someone or something, be sure to move away from the situation and/or contact authorities if necessary.
5. Be prepared. If you are traveling to a country where pickpocketing is common, take extra precautions. Pack your jewelry in a secure location (such as inside your luggage) and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of pickpocketing while wearing jewelry.

14. If you find yourself traveling with large, luxe jewelry, get them insured. Jewelry insurance is great because it covers all types of loss or damage, including robbery, house fires, and even acts of nature like floods or earthquakes.

Jewelry insurance is different from travel insurance which covers luggage or lost baggage. Although you can buy both from one company, there are still some differences between the two types of policies regarding claiming a loss. Also, if you're traveling coast-to-coast with lots of jewelry, you should purchase separate jewelry insurance from luggage insurance.

If you do lose your jewelry, or it gets stolen from your room or hotel safe, you'll need to file a claim with the insurer as soon as possible. Most policies state that you must notify them within a few days of discovering your loss. Also, keep receipts for any repair or reasons to account for any loss.

So, now you know how to travel with jewelry safely! By following these tips, you can avoid losing or damaging your valuable jewelry pieces while on the go. Pack them in your carry-on bag if possible, and keep them close at hand. If you're worried about theft, store them in a safe place like your hotel room safe. And finally, always check the airline's regulations before packing any jewelry in your checked luggage. Enjoy your trip!