Your flights are booked, your hotel reservation is confirmed, you’ve planned your sightseeing itinerary, and you’ve even bought travel insurance. But what about the really important stuff, like your jewellery?
Traveling with jewellery can be a lightweight, low-bulk way to keep your style fresh and personal while on the go. But caring for your precious pieces is crucial to ensure they arrive safely at your destination, whether it’s a beloved ring, a statement necklace, or your favourite pair of earrings.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about travelling with jewellery. From planning and packing to insurance and security, we’ll explain how to indulge your wanderlust without losing your lustre.
Planning: jewellery for your trip
You might be spoiled for choice at home with a jewellery box bursting with treasures. Unfortunately, though, most of us have a fixed baggage allowance when traveling, meaning we have to be strategically selective about the pieces we pack.
Remember, prior planning promises painless packing!
Which jewellery you decide to take depends on all kinds of factors. The length of your trip, the events and activities you have planned, the size of your luggage, and the frequency with which you’ll wear each piece.
Before you pack your jewellery, take some time to plan which pieces will offer the most utility. Keep the following in mind:
- Earrings: Choose versatile pairs that match lots of the clothes already in your suitcase. Studs are generally safer than hoops or dangly earrings as they are less likely to get caught or damaged.
- Rings: The safest place for a ring is on your finger when you're on the go. So, bring only the rings you wear daily or those that have significant sentimental value. Rings can be easily misplaced, so a secure carrying option is essential.
- Necklaces: Choose sturdy necklaces that can be worn with different outfits. Consider leaving delicate chains at home to avoid tangling or breaking.
- Bracelets: Like necklaces, bracelets should be chosen based on their versatility and durability. Bracelets risk being either too bulky or too fragile, so avoid the extreme ends of the size spectrum.
By carefully selecting your jewellery, you minimise the risk of damage or loss and ensure you have the right pieces for any occasion.
How to pack jewellery
Choosing the right pieces is just step one; next, you need to find the right jewellery travel case. Proper packing is key to preventing damage and helping ensure you don’t waste your vacation time untangling tiny chains or frantically removing scratches.
Pure platinum might not tarnish, but a lot of damage can happen if it’s not in the right container. Generally, it’s all about finding containers that team soft interiors with cosy spaces. Here are the best ways we’ve found to protect your investments:
- Jewellery rolls: These are designed specifically for travel, with compartments and straps to keep items secure and organised.
- Jewellery pouches: Soft pouches can be a great option for smaller pieces. Look for ones with padding to provide extra protection.
- Jewellery boxes: Small travel jewellery boxes offer rigid protection and usually come with multiple compartments.
- DIY options: If you don’t have a specialised jewellery bag for traveling, you can use everyday items. Resealable bags or pill organisers can work well for separating and protecting pieces.
Expert tip: 7879 founder Sach Kukadia recommends wrapping each piece in a soft cloth before placing it in a pouch or box:
“Adding just that one extra layer of protection helps prevent scratches and tangling during transit. That can save you a trip to the jeweller for repairs down the line.”
Travel insurance and jewellery cover
Sure, you’re not planning to lose or damage your jewellery, but… what if you do..?
Travel insurance for jewellery is a key consideration when traveling with valuable pieces. When shopping around for insurers, keep these points in mind for your deliberations:
- Coverage: Not all travel insurance policies cover jewellery. Look for policies that specifically mention travel insurance with jewellery cover, and make sure that you understand the terms.
- Value: Check the maximum value covered by the insurance. You may need to declare high-value items separately.
- Weight: Be aware of any weight restrictions, as some policies may have limits on the total weight of covered items.
Packing jewellery for check-in or hand-luggage only
To stow away or carry on? That is the question. Deciding whether to pack jewellery in your check-in luggage or hand luggage is important.
Generally speaking, hand luggage is the best option for valuable or fragile items. Keeping hold of these items means you know they’ll come to no harm.
To make security checks a little easier, keep jewellery in a secure, easily accessible part of your bag. When traveling from the UK or the US, it’s advisable to keep your jewellery in a transparent bag for easy inspection.
If you must pack jewellery in check-in luggage, use a hard case and place it in the centre of your suitcase, cushioned by clothing.
It’s also worth checking with your airline whether it has any specific rules around traveling with valuables.
Enjoy your golden ticket anywhere
Sure, traveling safely with jewellery requires careful planning and packing to ensure your pieces remain secure. But once you’ve mastered the process, you’ll thank yourself for your diligent jewellery care.
Remember to choose versatile, durable items, use appropriate packing methods, and consider travel insurance that covers your valuables. Whether traveling by plane, train, or car, these tips will help you keep your jewellery safe throughout your journey.
Need some style inspo for your next vaycay? Browse our collection, where you can shop both women’s jewellery and men’s jewellery, all made from pure gold or platinum.