Tips for Traveling with Your Fine Jewelry
Saturday, June 30, 2012
It's summertime, and undoubtedly you are planning a fantastic get-away to beat the summer heat. Does your plans include traveling with your jewelry? It does not matter if you are flying to Paris and Rome or cruising to Martha's Vineyard and Block Island, ask yourself a few questions before you pack your jewelry for your trip.
Is it sentimental or irreplaceable if it is lost or stolen?
Never take along any highly valuable or sentimental piece of jewelry that would be impossible to replace. It not worth loosing your jewelry on a trip.
Are your pieces of jewelry protected and securable where you are traveling?
If you are staying in a hotel, it may be difficult to find a secure place to stash your jewelry during your stay. I would not recommend walking around your destination with it in your purse either. Check with the hotel to see if they have a safe deposit box that you can use or if your room has a safe that is secured to a wall where you can customize the code. Either of those may work well, but hotels usually have a disclaimer where they won’t be responsible. Speaking with the security staff at your hotel to ask their advice may be the best bet.
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It is a good idea to have written appraisals that include pictures on all the pieces of jewelry that you will be taking on your trip. Make sure you check with your insurer that all your paperwork is up to date before departure.
Is it advised to wear jewelry where you are going?
Sometimes it is important to consider where you are going and what you will be wearing. Will the jewelry you are wearing make you a target for a crime? Are you traveling through areas or neighborhoods that are known for theft?
Three recommendations for your fine jewelry while traveling to and from your destination:
1. Make sure you keep your jewelry on your person or in your carry-on luggage.
It is difficult to secure your jewelry when it is not with you. Make sure you are in control of where your fine jewelry is at all times, and make sure it is secured from other’s hands and eyes.
2. Make sure your jewelry is protected against scratching or being crushed or other damage.
Travel jewelry cases are nice, but I suggest packing your jewelry in zip top plastic bags. Put each piece in a separate smaller bag and then put all the smaller bags in a larger bag. This way there is less risk of the items scratching each other or getting tangled. If you are packing a fine chain or earrings that need support, cut a piece of cardboard to fit in the zip bag, and then cut two slits along one edge of the cardboard. Drape the chain over the cardboard, placing it into each of the slits or place the earring posts or wires into the slits before placing it into the bag. Put the larger bag with all of your jewelry near the top of the items in your purse or carry on, but not on the top. You don’t want it falling out accidentally or being seen by a thief looking for an opportunity.
3. Make sure your jewelry is not all in one place!
You can minimize your risk of loss by not keeping all your jewelry in one place. If your luggage is lost or stolen, or if all your jewelry is kept in one easy to grab pouch, you will potentially loose everything you bring with you. It is a good idea to wear some pieces, keep some on your person while you travel, and pack other pieces
In order to carry less jewelry – wear versatile pieces that look great with any outfit or color. Pack earrings, a necklace, a watch, and a bracelet that can be worn with casual or dressy garments and that are a combination of a yellow gold and a silver metal (white gold, silver, platinum, etc.). These two color options extend the possibilities for when you can wear them.
One last thing to consider: Make sure when you travel your jewelry at home is secured! Many an opportunistic thief preys on folks who are away from home. I recommend placing your valuables in a safety deposit box while you are on vacation, and have someone check your home occasionally while you are away.
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