I have a great “Guest Blog” to share today, from Calvin Campany, owner of Adornment Fine Jewelry in Wakefield and Newport, Rhode Island. If you’ve ever wondered how to pack your jewelry for a trip, how to keep it safe in your hotel room, and whether you ought to be bringing it in the first place, read on:
Leavin’ On a Jet Plane? — Tips for Traveling With Your Fine Jewelry
Be it for work or for pleasure, if you are going on a trip you want to look good! And that probably includes adorning yourself with your favorite pieces of jewelry. What bracelet will look best with my new swimsuit? Will this pin work with my suit? Before you start selecting those amazing pieces from your jewelry box – ask yourself these questions before you pack them in your suitcase:
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. If losing your jewelry on a trip (even if it would look amazing on the beach or at a fancy dinner party) would be devastating, then leave it secured at home.
Are the pieces you are traveling with insured against loss or theft? 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.
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 store 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.
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?
While on route to your destination, 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.
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 individually 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.
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 lose 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, steel, platinum, etc.). These two color options extend the possibilities for when you can wear them.
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.
Have a safe and happy trip!
Calvin Campany, Adornment Fine Jewelry
