How to look after your jewellery when travelling.
You‘ve got your ticket, considered the in-flight wi-fi situation and Jenga-puzzled numerous clothing-shoe ensembles into your suitcase.
But have you considered what jewellery you’re taking and how you should carry it? Who is responsible for it? And the worst-case scenario; what happens if you lose it?
Regardless of why you’re heading away, there are few simple principles that should always be applied when traveling with fine jewellery.
These are the rules I employ whenever I travel for work with consignment jewellery; and are perfectly applicable to travelling with personal jewellery.
1. Consider your jewellery edit. Travel requires forethought into what occasions you need to be prepared for and the jewellery you wear is no exception. A relaxing holiday is the perfect opportunity to take some more unusual pieces you don’t wear every day, however you don’t want to overpack on valuable items. Think pieces that have versatility to cover several occasions, plus one or two wildcard items that you otherwise don’t get the opportunity to wear. Only pack jewellery you’re comfortable wearing at that destination.
2. Pack your jewellery for travel. Considered jewellery packing not only saves loose items from being lost, it can also reduce irreversible damaged in transit. Jewellery is made from hard, durable materials, however the stones can rub against each other leaving scratches on metal, tangling chains, and particularly damaging soft gems such as pearls. The best way to pack jewellery is to use a jewellery roll organiser, soft pouch or a travel jewellery box to prevent scratching. Many high-end jewellers sell travel pouches or offer them complimentary to VIP customers. If you’re looking for a suitable travel solution, refer to my edit below for travel jewellery cases.
3. Carry valuables in your possession. ALWAYS. This may sound like common sense but I’m still amazed when people pack valuables in their check in luggage. Motto to live (and pack) by “never pack anything in your check in luggage that you can’t live without” because it’s a reality of life that luggage can get lost.
4. Know your insurance. Whether your jewellery is covered by personal contents insurance, travel insurance or work insurance you should always know what situations you’re covered for and which specifically you’re not. Some insurance policies might only cover you if you’re wearing the jewellery at the time its lost or have it in your personal possession (refer tip 3 above) other policies can cover you for a huge range of situations. You may need to alert your insurer if you plan on travelling with high value items in certain circumstances, be sure you know your policy fine print on what amounts you’re covered for.
5. Store your jewellery safely. I’m the biggest advocate for always wearing your jewellery, however I appreciate it’s not practical all the time. Hotels have numerous staff with access to rooms so make sure valuables are safely locked up when you’re not there. Some high end hotels can accommodate valuable or commercial jewellery in their main hotel safe or safety deposit boxes. This should be requested in advance to ensure its available and keep in mind these services can sometimes attract an additional charge.
These tips are so simple and could save the unnecessary heartache of losing a valuable piece of jewellery. I speak from experience that the absolute safest place for your jewellery is on you, I’ve only ever lost jewellery when I’ve taken it off. And although insurance may cover the cost of replacing some pieces like-for-like, it can never replace the sentimental value of a treasured piece you love.
My jewellery travel case edit:
There are so many travel cases on the market to choose from it can be overwhelming. Remember to choose what suits your jewellery collection and consider what types of compartments you use: if you need to keep chains separate, have bulky rings or lots of earrings. Choose the packing system that works for you and is lightweight to carry. Below are my recommendations for personal jewellery cases, perfect for holiday travel:
Wolf has several travel jewellery cases in a range of sizes and colours. This Palermo zipped case has a good number of compartments, reasonable size and a very considerate mini mirror.
Make it personal with a monogramed jewellery case from The Daily Edited.
If you’re looking for something modest, Seed has several travel cases in various sizes and colours.
This Kailis Jewellery Roll is the perfect size for handbags and made from quality leather it’s going to last. Great for pearl jewellery.
If you’re really stuck a quick cheat is to wrap individual pieces in tissues so they don’t rub and place them in a zip lock bag you can carry – it does the job!
Happy travels.
Mel
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