Travel Jewelry: What to Take And What to Leave At Home

Traveling can be stressful. Don’t let your jewelry be the source of any anxiety when packing. Decide what pieces you want to bring along based on your plans and your outfits. Will you be lazing by the pool, hiking a Costa Rican rainforest or attending a formal event? Select your jewelry with care. A pair of stud and hoop earrings, a few bracelets, a watch, and a pendant necklace will provide versatility and keep you accessorized from day to night.

Some simple studs are an easy way to add a touch of elegance to your appearance without worry that your jewels will impede any planned activities. To up-level your lobes, try a pair of bespoke solid gold hoops or gold drop earrings for a fun flair.

A single strand gold necklace detailed with diamonds or a gold pearl & diamond necklace are perfect casual chic selections that can transform from day to night. Now that you’ve selected your accessories, here are some tips for traveling with them.

SAFETY TIPS

Safety is, of course, one of the biggest concerns when traveling with jewelry. It’s important to be realistic about what you will need and what you may decide to keep at home. If you are bringing expensive jewelry, be sure to keep it with you at all times. You may wonder, “Can I take jewelry on a plane.” The answer is yes, but you should not put it in your checked luggage. Either store it in your carry-on or wear your jewels.   

Use a safe in a hotel room to lock up valuable possessions when you are not in your room.  Because wedding bands and engagement rings hold sentimental value, you may want to consider using a replacement band for a trip so as not to worry about misplacing or losing them. A gold band can serve as the perfect stand-in if you prefer not to travel with your wedding ring.

If you are traveling with expensive jewelry, you may want to invest in insurance. Some home owners’ and renters’ insurance policies provide for jewelry loss. You may also opt for separate jewelry insurance for specific items. Another tip is to take a photo of your jewelry before departing so that should it go missing you’ll have a picture to assist insurance agents, restaurant and hotel staff with finding it again.

PACKING TIPS

Once you decide what to take, you’ll want to ensure you’ve packed your treasures securely to avoid tangled chains or scratching. A travel jewelry case that organizes your accessories and prevents smaller items from getting lost in your luggage is a good place to start. Some have hard exteriors and are water resistant. Some offer quilted interiors with zippered pockets or pouches to keep items separate.

For those looking to display your jewels, a hanging travel jewelry organizer with clear pockets and zippers may be the right option. These often contain upward of a dozen pockets and may hang in a closet when opened and fold over for easy packing. These are ideal for those who cannot choose only a few prized pieces for the journey.

HOW TO TRAVEL WITH JEWELRY WITHOUT TANGLING

One of the most frustrating encounters is unpacking a necklace that is tangled. A jewelry roll, which allows you to attach your clasp to a connector, will prevent this from happening to you. If your organizer has pouches, limit each compartment to only one necklace or bracelet.

There also are some DIY methods for when you are in a rush or do not have a dedicated jewelry case for travel. Using a drinking straw, thread a necklace through and clasp the ends together to avoid tangles. This would also work using toilet paper rolls or any other hollow, tubular item. Vitamin or pill containers may also be used to store individual accessories. The hard exterior will certainly keep your precious gems protected. In a last-minute pinch, you may use a Ziplock sandwich or snack bag to keep your rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings separate.