There’s a certain kind of heartbreak that comes with losing a piece of jewelry.
Let’s not do that this summer.
Whether you’re heading to Italy, Rehoboth, or just down the street for a long weekend, here’s everything you need to know about traveling with jewelry—what to bring, what to leave behind, how to keep it safe, and yes… how to make sure it’s insured.
1. Pack Like You’ve Done This Before: What to Bring (and What Not To)
First, let’s have an honest moment: You do not need to bring everything.
If your trip involves sand, salt water, crowded streets, or multiple hotel changes… reconsider packing the entire jewelry box.
Pieces that make sense to bring:
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One pair of stud earrings that you can wear 24/7
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One signature chain or pendant that layers well with everything
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One or two rings that won’t make you nervous every time you take them off to put on sunscreen
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A bracelet that won’t catch on beach towels, luggage straps, or strangers on the subway
Pieces to leave home:
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Anything irreplaceable or heirloom-level valuable
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Anything with a fussy clasp that takes two people and a prayer to put on
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Pieces that require constant checking or adjustment
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Loose stones, antique filigree, or anything fragile that doesn’t play well with travel
In short: Bring jewelry you love, but not jewelry that would ruin your trip if something happened to it.
2. How to Pack Jewelry So It Doesn’t Self-Destruct En Route
No. You don’t throw it all in a Ziploc bag.
Smart ways to pack jewelry for travel:
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Use a small, fabric-lined travel jewelry case with individual compartments
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If you’re in a pinch: wrap each piece separately in soft cloth or tissue and store in a zippered pouch
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Keep chains fastened and lay them flat to avoid knots
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Put your most valuable pieces in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. (This is non-negotiable.)
Pro Tip:
For earrings, you can thread them through a small piece of cardboard or even a button. Keeps the pairs together. Keeps you sane.
3. Hotel Safes: Helpful or a False Sense of Security?
Let’s be clear:
Hotel safes are better than nothing. But they’re not Fort Knox.
If you’re staying at a reputable hotel, use the in-room safe for anything you won’t wear that day. But don’t leave your engagement ring, three tennis bracelets, and your passport all together in a tiny metal box with a four-digit code that hasn’t changed since 1998.
If you’re traveling with higher-value pieces:
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Consider booking a hotel that offers in-room safe deposit boxes or has a safe at the front desk
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When possible, wear your most valuable pieces rather than storing them
4. Let’s Talk About Jewelry Insurance (Because It’s Time)
If you’ve never insured your jewelry… now is the time.
Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover jewelry up to a certain limit—and it’s not as high as you think. For most, it’s around $1,000–$2,500 total. Total. That’s barely a single earring.
For real protection, you’ll want a separate jewelry insurance policy (also called a personal articles policy).
What to look for in jewelry insurance:
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Worldwide coverage (including theft, loss, and mysterious disappearance)
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Coverage for repairs and stone replacement
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Agreed value coverage (you get paid the full insured amount, not depreciated value)
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Ability to insure individual pieces
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Fast and easy claims process (this matters when you’re in a hotel room across the country trying to file a claim on your phone)
Who offers this?
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Jewelers Mutual
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Chubb
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Your current home insurer (ask if they offer a valuable articles rider)
Before you leave, get updated appraisals on higher-value pieces, especially if you’ve recently had them resized, redesigned, or upgraded.
5. Proactive Protection: Smart Habits While Traveling
A little paranoia goes a long way.
When out and about:
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Don’t wear your biggest, flashiest pieces in high-theft areas or when using public transportation at night
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Use a discreet jewelry pouch in your purse for any pieces you remove mid-day (like rings at the beach)
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Never leave jewelry on a nightstand, bathroom counter, or pool chair unattended—even for “just a minute”
When flying:
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Don’t put jewelry in the bin at TSA. Keep it on your body or in a small case inside your bag
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If you have to remove larger pieces (watches, big metal cuffs), do it at the last possible second and keep eyes on them at all times
When at the hotel:
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Lock it up or wear it. That’s it. Those are your two choices.
6. Travel-Friendly Jewelry We Actually Recommend
If you’re shopping at Bloomstone for pieces you can take with you this summer, here’s what we’d suggest:
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Diamond studs (lab-grown, of course): Understated, secure, and easy to wear
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Tennis bracelet with a safety clasp: Just enough sparkle. Zero stress.
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Everyday stacking rings: Lightweight and low-profile
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Lariat or adjustable-length necklaces: Flexible for styling, day to night
All durable. All wearable. All designed to travel as well as you do.
Final Thought: Take the Memories, Not the Risk
Your jewelry should go places with you.
But it shouldn’t cause you to hold your breath every five minutes.
Be intentional. Insure what matters. Pack wisely. Wear the pieces that make you feel like yourself.
Because the best kind of travel souvenir is the jewelry you brought home safe.
If you’d like help choosing travel-ready jewelry or getting an appraisal before your next trip, book a private consultation with Bloomstone.
We’ll help you pack smarter.