Travelling With Jewellery: Tips for Safe Trips

Whether you are travelling to a wedding, a holiday or a business trip, jewellery needs a plan. The golden rule is to take less than you think you need.

Take less

Decide which pieces you will wear, and take only those, with perhaps one spare. The more you carry, the more you risk. Pieces you do not take cannot be lost.

Carry, do not check

Keep jewellery in your hand luggage or on your person. Checked luggage can be delayed, lost or searched. A small, discreet bag that stays with you works best.

Pack it well

• Pouches: one for each piece or pair.
• A small case with compartments: to stop pieces rubbing.
• Chains straight: thread them through a straw, or lay them flat, with the clasps fastened.
• A list and a photo: note what you packed, so you can check at each stop.

On the journey

• Do not wear valuable pieces in crowded places if you can avoid it.
• Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
• Do not discuss what you are carrying with strangers.
• Keep a quick-to-reach way to remove rings if you need to wash your hands, and put them in a safe pocket, not on the sink.

At the hotel

• Use the room safe, or ask reception to store valuables.
• Do not leave jewellery on display, such as on a bedside table.
• Check that you have everything before you leave. Make a habit of counting.
• Avoid leaving valuables in a hotel room when you go out, even in a bag.

For weddings

Weddings bring crowds and distraction.

• Assign a trusted person to hold the pieces you are not wearing.
• Keep a list of every piece and who has it.
• Do not leave jewellery in changing rooms unattended.
• Check the count at the end of each event.

See wedding season jewellery shopping timeline.

Security and customs

When travelling abroad, check the rules on carrying jewellery and declaring it. Carry the invoices for valuable pieces. If you are carrying a lot of gold, find out what applies, and keep your documents with you.

Insurance

Check whether your insurance covers jewellery while you travel, and what documents you need. See jewellery insurance in India: what to know.

Protect during activities

Take jewellery off for swimming, hiking and sports. See jewellery and water: bathing, swimming and the gym.

If something goes missing

1. Check again carefully.
2. Tell the hotel, airline or venue immediately.
3. File a police report if needed, since insurers ask for one.
4. Inform your insurer and your jeweller. Give your jeweller the details of the piece.

Common questions

Is it safe to wear jewellery on a plane? Yes, though remove items before security if asked, and put them back in a safe pocket.

Should I wear my best pieces on holiday? Most travellers choose modest pieces and leave the best at home.

What about travelling with a wedding set? Plan carefully, carry it in hand luggage and keep it with a trusted person.

A packing checklist

Before you leave, check that each piece you are taking has a pouch, that clasps are closed, that earring backs are on and that you have the list and photographs. Put the small case in the same part of your bag every time, so that you never have to wonder where it is. When you arrive, put it straight into the safe, and check it again when you leave.

Plan with confidence

For advice on which pieces suit travel, book an appointment, or browse our daily wear collection.