Top Ten Tips: Traveling with Jewelry

When you’re jetting off to a new and exotic location, you’re going to want to look your best — and a big part of this is going to involve the selection of jewelry you bring on the road with you. But whenever you remove your favorite pieces from the safety of a jewelry box, there’s always a chance that something could happen to them: Whether it be theft, damage, or plain-old loss, there’s nothing that will put a damper on a fun trip like something happening to an expensive piece or a sentimental keepsake. We’ve rounded up a selection of common-sense tips and DIY tricks to make the process of traveling with jewelry a stress-free, no-hassle experience — all the better to take the focus off your belongings, and on having a good time. Bon voyage!
PART 1 – Packing It Up
10. Drinking straws
This one’s actually pretty clever. The more necklaces get tangled together, the higher the chance that the fragile links will become damaged over time. That, and untangling a mass of chains is a pain. String a plastic drinking straw through one half of the chain the keep everything organized and tangle free (take it off before wearing, of course).
9. Toilet Tissue
No straw? Lay your pieces flat on toilet tissue and roll them, using the paper to protect the layers, then fold in half. It’s easy, quick, and everyone has some lying around.
8. Get Glad
You know that Glad Press ’n Seal wrap? Sealing larger pieces, like bangles and chunky necklaces, between a pair of sheets is a perfect way to keep them from banging around during transport. When you arrive, separate the sheets, and you’re good to go.
7. A la Carte
We’re always surprised by how few people have invested in a miniature jewelry box. If you’re ready to graduate from the previous tips, a little shopping around can leave you with a trendy accessory hardly larger than a sunglass case (needless to say, an LV travelers’ jewelry box makes a bit more of an impression than toilet paper).
6. Don’t Forget to Bring a Cloth
Be as attentive to taking care of your jewelry while on a trip as you are at home. Make sure a microfiber cloth is a part of the whole package, so you can give your pieces a low-friction buff before donning. Even a treatment with a regular towel can scratch a fine piece, so microfiber is a must.
PART 2 – Getting It There
5. Gauge Your Surroundings
Planning on hanging out in the swanky eateries of Aspen? You’re probably much better off bringing the bling-y accessories than you would be, say, perusing the souks of Marrakesh. Know where you’re going, and apply common sense accordingly. Travel should be safe, so no need to make yourself stand out unnecessarily.
4. Snap a Pic
Like we said: losing a cherished piece of jewelry can kill a trip. Make sure you have pictures of all the pieces you’re bringing along with you. That way, friends, family, and hotel security will know exactly what to look for if something goes missing. Plus, you’ll have proof that you owned an item before you traveled, easing the friction with an uppity customs agent who wants to charge you duty.
3. Contact Your Insurance Carrier
If you have pieces that are insured, let your carrier know before you embark. It’s the same principle as with credit card companies: a little work in the foreground can save a lot of suffering during your downtime.
2. Carry On
This is a no brainer, but never, ever, check your jewelry in your baggage. If you’ve got your packing game down pat (thank you, Nos. 10-6), your stash shouldn’t take up a lot of room, and you can avoid that sinking feeling in your gut if a suitcase goes missing.
1. Safe-ty First
The hotel safe is always a nice choice, and most of the larger destinations off them gratis. Same for those little safes in the room that nobody ever uses (tip: use them). Anywhere but just chilling out on the bathroom counter. Nothing against the hotel staff – we’re sure they’re nice folks – but an ounce of caution, and all that.
Bonus: Don’t Bring Too Much
Like the man once said: sometimes, less is best. Find those few pieces that go with everything, and leave the rest at home. Don’t worry: you’ll still look Marvelous, Darling!
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com