March 20, 2023

How to Travel With Luxury Jewelry

Written By: Vahid Moradi

Nothing completes a vacation outfit like your favorite piece of jewelry—and nothing ruins a vacation like losing your favorite piece. Luckily, you can avoid any damage or losses with a few trusty guidelines.

From engagement rings to luxury watches, expensive jewelry can safely come with you on vacation (yes, even to that tropical beach getaway). To bring your most beloved pieces on the road or overseas, we'll share the top tips and tricks for how to travel with jewelry.

#1 Decide What Jewelry You Need

Every packing venture starts with a list. For your expensive jewelry and essential accessories like diver watches, you’ll need to decide exactly what pieces you’ll need on your trip—and, more importantly, which ones you don’t need after buying jewelry online.

Consider the daily schedules and environments on your trip:

Will you be outdoors in nature or walking around cities?
Are you staying inside with family or heading out on solo adventures?
Do you plan on fine dining or keeping it casual?

All of these questions can help you pick the right jewelry for your trip. Then, make a written and visual inventory of these chosen pieces to bring with you on the trip. In worst-case scenarios, this will come in handy if you need to file a police report.

#2 Do Your Research

Just like your vacation itinerary, your jewelry requires a plan before hitting the road.

Mostly, planning how to travel with jewelry involves researching your destination and its local regulations.

Certain countries restrict the types and quantities of jewelry that can be brought into their domain. If you don’t comply with these rules, you just might leave your favorite necklace in the hands of customs security or face some hefty fines. For example, you must declare your jewelry to the customs of these countries if its total value exceeds the following amounts:

United States – $10,000¹
United Kingdom – £390²
France – €10,000³
Australia – $10,000⁴
Japan – ¥1,000,000⁵

Additionally, many countries also ban jewelry made from animal-based substances. This could include coral, ivory, pearls, or any endangered species. Certain countries also have strict rules on bringing gold into their country, even as a traveler. Depending on the amount of gold owned, India may charge a custom duty or request documentation from travelers.⁶

Explore our diamond jewelry collection today!

#3 Appraise and Insure Your Jewelry

Whether traveling or not, it’s important to both appraise and insure your jewelry. Before you hit the road, take these steps to find a quality appraisal and insurance policy for your chosen jewelry:⁷

Find a reputable appraiser – An appraisal is a written document that provides a detailed description and valuation of your jewelry. Down the line, a jewelry appraisal can help with insurance claims, estate planning, or selling a piece. Look for an appraiser who is certified by a reputable organization, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).
Keep a safe appraisal copy – Make sure to keep a copy of the appraisal for your records. This will be important if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Research insurance companies – First, check that your insurer specializes in jewelry policies. Then, consider any reviews, compare rates, and research your coverage options before choosing the right jewelry insurer.
Choose a coverage policy that includes travel – Decide if you want partial or full coverage for your jewelry, and make sure your policy includes coverage for any losses while traveling. Also, review the limitations of your policy, such as coverage for damage.
Maintain your policy – Like any insurance policy, your jewelry insurance requires a premium. Always pay your premium in full on time so that you aren’t left without insurance while traveling.

#4 Pack Strategically (and Safely)

Finally, it’s time to hit the road—and your jewelry needs a safe ride along the way.

Packing jewelry can be a daunting task. After all, you don’t want to unzip your suitcase only to find dented rings or torn necklaces. To keep your luxury belongings in fine condition, consider these packing tips when you pack jewelry:

Use a travel jewelry organizer –Your jewelry’s best friend on the road is a travel-ready jewelry box, jewelry case, or jewelry organizer. These organizers range from small pouches to large cases with multiple compartments. Whatever your size needs, they can provide the safe coverage your jewelry needs while bumping around in the trunk or flying in the air.

Roll your necklaces – Don’t let your necklaces get in a twist. Roll your necklaces gently into a soft cloth or tissue paper to keep them tangle-free upon arrival. For delicate chains, weave the chain through a straw and clasp it shut.

Avoid outer compartments – Don’t give your jewelry the last spot in line for your suitcase. Storing jewelry in outer compartments runs the risk of dents and even theft. Instead, pack jewelry in the interior part of your suitcase.

Add cushioning – The more sturdy cushioning, the better. Add clothes or bubble wrap around your jewelry and jewelry case to protect it inside your luggage.

Keep it close – If you’re flying, you may be tempted to pack your jewelry in a checked bag and forget about it. However, this could easily lead to a lost-and-found situation. Keep your most precious jewelry close and pack it inside your carry-on luggage or personal bag.

#5 When In Doubt, Wear It Out

One way to avoid any packing damage to your jewelry? Simply wear it while you’re traveling.

If traveling by car or train, it’s easy to rock your favorite necklace or ring as you head to your destination. However, you can also wear your jewelry in the airport. In fact, the TSA recommends that you wear your own jewelry.⁸ That way, you can avoid any damage, losses, or extra bag searches. Most body detectors won’t pick up on your jewelry, even if it’s made of precious metals.

#6 Plan for Safe Storage

You’ve finally arrived at your destination. Now, it’s time to find a temporary home for your precious jewelry—and it requires some security so learn how to store fine jewelry correctly.

No matter how luxurious or guarded your hotel is, it’s never advisable to leave your fine jewelry unprotected inside your room. To keep your jewelry safe while abroad, consider these storage methods:

Wear it with you – One way to keep your jewelry under a watchful eye is by wearing it. Unless you’re adventuring into nature or swimming, it’s relatively safe to wear your jewelry. However, always consider the relative safety of your surroundings. Don’t make yourself a target for any pickpockets or thieves.

Bring a portable safe – A portable safe is a trusty tool for any jewelry collector. These lightweight and compact safes are meant for travel, allowing you to protect your jewelry in any location. If you’re staying in a rented home or non-hotel accommodations, a portable safe is particularly useful.

Use or request a room safe – Many hotels automatically provide a safe for your precious valuables. If there isn’t one in your room, you can ask the hotel staff to provide one.

Leave it with hotel staff – If no safes are available and you can’t wear your jewelry, then you may need backup. When staying in a hotel, ask the staff if you may leave any jewelry with the front desk or a trusted manager.

#7 Know When to Put Your Jewelry Away

No matter how much you love your favorite watch, there is a time and place for it. To stay safe, your valuables may need some downtime while on the road under any of these conditions:

High-crime settings – Some of the most beautiful places in the world can have crime issues, particularly with tourists. For example, cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Rio de Janeiro are all known for their high levels of pickpocketing.⁹ It’s best to limit your wearing of luxury jewelry in these areas.

Nature adventures – Environments like the beach and the jungle are the foes of fine jewelry. The elements, like rough waves or snarly branches, can easily detach or damage any pieces. Once an earring is lost in the ocean, it’s likely gone forever.

Exercise – The more you move, the more likely you’ll break or lose any jewelry you wear. Whether you’re hiking or working out inside a hotel gym, it’s best to remove your jewelry while exercising.

Social media – While rare, theft incidents spurred by social media are still dangerous. Avoid posting photos while wearing lavish jewelry abroad, particularly if you geotag your photos. You may attract unwanted attention from locals or even hackers who can track your location.¹⁰

Travel in Style with CJ Charles

Traveling is a chance for your most relaxed self free to roam—and to let your style shine. From tropical vacations to holiday hometown visits, you can take your favorite luxury jewelry with you using these tips. And to find those favorite pieces, look no further than our store.

At CJ Charles, our hand-picked collection offers the finest jewelry and watches available. Our pieces possess a timeless edge, created by coveted makers like Cartier, IWC, Panerai, and Omega. Whether you're looking for the best watches under $20,000 or a stunning piece of jewelry for your travels, our team of experts can help you find the perfect travel companion. Check out our online collection today to start traveling in style.