8 Essential Tips for Traveling with Jewelry

If you’re going on a trip, you’re going to want to keep your jewelry organized and safe. You don’t want to lose your most precious items on a vacation. Check out these top tips for traveling with jewelry that will help you have a worry-free trip.

Whether flying or driving, traveling well with your jewelry takes some skill.

Sure, you can throw necklaces or earrings into your bag with your bras and underwear without any thought. But you’ll waste valuable time after you arrive while searching for everything and untangling your necklaces.

You also risk losing a favorite piece without a little organization and care when packing.

To help you get your jewelry safely and effectively to your travel destination, here are some essential tips for traveling with jewelry.

1. Carry It On

If you are flying with jewelry, pack it in your carry-on luggage or your purse.

Your carry-on will be with you and under your control during your entire flight. We hope our checked bags arrive to us on time, but we also know that bags can get lost or delayed during flights.

To help avoid losing a favorite ring or necklace, keep it with you at all times.

2. Wrap it Up

One of the biggest jewelry travel struggles is packing necklaces to arrive without tangles.

But even if your jewelry is expensive, the way you package it for travel doesn’t have to be. You probably have Saran Wrap, Press’n Seal, or another cling wrap in your kitchen right now.

A sheet of cling wrap is a great tool to keep your necklaces flat and free from tangling when packing for travel.

Unroll a length of cling wrap, but don’t tear it yet
Lay your necklaces flat on the cling wrap
Unroll more cling wrap (enough to lay over the top of your flattened necklaces), then cut

Your necklaces will be trapped–flat–between the two layers of wrap. Then roll the whole thing into a washcloth, secure with rubber bands, and tuck it safely in your carry-on.

It might not be pretty. But your necklaces will be flat and tangle-free when you arrive at your final destination.

3. Recycle Containers

If you prefer to spend more money on your jewels than on ways to transport it, household items can make perfect containers for jewelry.

An empty tin that held breath mints becomes a small yet sturdy case for small jewelry items like rings and earrings.

One of those days-of-the-week pill containers is also great for keeping pairs of earrings together.

Still not sure how to pack necklaces? Feed a necklace threw a new clean plastic straw, then clasp the ends together. This keeps the necklace untangled and easy to find in your luggage.

An empty glasses case from an old pair of glasses serves as an inconspicuous case for rings and bracelets.

4. Make it Cute

If you prefer to travel with a little more style, there are plenty of necklace travel cases, jewelry wraps, or drawstring pouches to choose from.

Shop online or in your favorite boutique to find wraps or rolls with the latest patterns and designs. Most of these wraps will have secure places inside for packing necklaces and bracelets.

Then roll or wrap everything, then tie or fasten it to keep your jewelry neat and ready to wear.

Still feeling frugal? Google “DIY Jewelry Wrap” or check Pinterest for ideas to make your own!

5. Buttons, Baby!

Take those extra buttons that come with most clothes these days and put them to good use!

Insert a pair of earrings through the holes in a button before packing into your jewelry pouch. This keeps the pair together for the entire trip and saves the hassle of having to look for them separately.

Just about any kind of post earring can travel this way, from hoops to dangles to studs.

6. Not the Crown Jewels

If you are traveling to a wedding, a gala, or an event where you want to impress in your dress or gown, it’s tempting to take your most expensive jewelry to accent.

But consider leaving your crowning jewels at home in your safe. The loss of a favorite, expensive, or sentimental piece of jewelry is heartbreaking. And the opportunity for loss or damage increases when traveling.

Choose a less expensive piece (or costume jewelry) that is bold and can impress, but won’t break your heart if it’s lost or damaged during your event.

7. Accessorize for Your Adventure

The type of adventure that awaits on your trip should determine the jewelry you take with you.

Kayaking, hiking, surfing, or a few days at an outdoor festival doesn’t require the diamond tennis bracelet your husband gave you for your anniversary last year. And you should leave the ice at home if you’re crossing a glacier with sled dogs.

You can also leave expensive wedding or engagement rings at home and replace with a meaningful ring or another piece while you have your adventure. Click here for some great personalized jewelry ideas.

8. Keep it Concealed

Hide your amazing jewelry? But you want everyone to see it!

We know you want to show off that new diamond ring your fianc? bought for you, but wait until you get to your destination. As eye-catching as it is, that new diamond ring might catch the eye of someone who’d like to steal it.

Airports, trains, and train stations are hotspots for pickpockets or anyone looking for an opportunity to take advantage of a tourist. They are very skilled at removing valuables and leaving the area before you notice anything is missing.

Plan ahead to keep your jewelry safe. Before traveling through airports and on public transportation, remove expensive jewelry and hide it in your carry-on or purse–not in your pocket where it can be easily reached.

When in your hotel room, keep your jewelry in the room safe. Avoid leaving anything valuable out in the open as a temptation.