How to keep your jewelry safe when you're traveling
(BPT) - Love to travel, but worry about bringing special pieces of jewelry? You're not alone. According to a Jewelers Mutual® 2025 travel study,* nearly 80% of surveyed travelers who wear jewelry while traveling choose dedicated travel pieces (or duplicates) - items selected to reduce the chance of losing expensive or sentimental items.
Whether attending a destination wedding, going on a honeymoon or planning an overseas trip, you can take steps to ensure your beloved jewelry stays safe, so you'll look and feel your best throughout your trip. Wearing duplicates won't bring you the joy of wearing your favorite pieces.
"Dupe or travel jewelry is a trend that's grown in recent years," said Emili Vesilind, jewelry trends expert with Jewelers Mutual. "The disconnect often stems from education - many people simply don't know there are dedicated jewelry insurance policies out there that cover loss even when you're traveling."
Protect valuables while traveling with dedicated jewelry insurance
Instead of bringing dupes on your next vacation, consider investing in dedicated jewelry insurance. All fine jewelry can be covered by jewelry insurance, including rings, bracelets, earrings, chains, watches, pendants and more.
"Jewelry insurance offers protection wherever in the world you travel," Vesilind explained. "It covers not just loss, theft and damage, but also disappearance. After all, the most common place to lose jewelry when traveling is at the beach or near water."
Dedicated jewelry insurance provides protection specifically designed for your fine jewelry. While homeowner's or renter's insurance might provide some coverage for lost, stolen or damaged jewelry when you travel, coverage often isn't as comprehensive as a dedicated policy. Get a quote for a dedicated jewelry policy here. Insuring your jewelry could cost as low as 1-2% of your jewelry's value per year.
The greatest benefit of a policy with Jewelers Mutual is that they work with your jeweler of choice to ensure any damaged piece is repaired or lost or stolen items are replaced.
Practical safety tips
In addition to a dedicated policy, there are safety precautions you can take while traveling to ensure your beloved pieces are protected. To prevent loss or damage before it happens, follow these guidelines:
- Wear fine pieces.By keeping jewelry on your person, you'll know where it is at all times. Worried about a large diamond engagement ring or special necklace? Turn your ring around or wear your necklace beneath your shirt.
- Store in a carry-on.For items you can't wear, store them in a solid, zippered jewelry travel case with enough space for pieces to prevent damage en route - in a carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
- Use hotel safes.Safe storage is recommended for fine pieces anytime you're not wearing them. The best safes allow you to create your own security code.
- Document jewelry. Take pictures of pieces to support your claim in case of damage, theft or loss, and store photos to the cloud for safekeeping. It's recommended to have fine pieces appraised every two years, since the value of gems and precious metals fluctuates. Keep all appraisal records and receipts to support potential claims.
Purchasing jewelry while traveling
Many travelers plan purchases while traveling to take advantage of lower prices or even duty-free purchasing options. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or choosing a piece to commemorate a meaningful trip, it's important to know what to look for when purchasing jewelry away from home.
- Check for red flags: Do a quick online check before purchasing. See multiple bad reviews? Consider finding a well-known brand you can trust.
- Choose items with reputable gem certifications or serial numbers: Certifications provide documentation to authenticate your purchase.
- Read fine print on return policies/receipts: If an issue arises before heading home, can you return it?
- International purchases: Be aware that import taxes may increase the cost.
- Insure jewelry while traveling: Many travelers plan purchases while traveling to take advantage of lower prices or duty-free purchasing options. Jewelry is no different - and it's important to understand the value of investing in dedicated coverage right after a purchase.
Jewelry purchases while traveling are no different than at home, and dedicated coverage is a must to ensure your new pieces are protected. Don't delay coverage until your trip is over, set up a policy as soon as you can as the unthinkable could happen at any time.
Bring your favorite pieces along, worry-free
Wherever you're headed, preventive measures help ensure your jewelry stays where it belongs - with you - and dedicated jewelry insurance gives you peace of mind that if jewelry is lost, stolen or damaged, your insurer will work with your jeweler to have it repaired or replaced.
"Travel should be all about enjoying things you love, including your favorite jewelry," said Vesilind. "With the right precautions and dedicated jewelry insurance, you can travel with your best pieces, worry-free."
Learn more about dedicated jewelry insurance before your next trip, and get a quick and easy coverage quote for all your jewelry online in just minutes by visiting JewelersMutual.com.
* The Jewelers Mutual study was conducted in February 2025. A sample of over 1,500 adults in the U.S. aged 18+ who were responsible for making insurance decisions in their household and had at least one piece of fine jewelry were recruited via an online research panel and surveyed via online self-completion.
Insurance coverage is subject to underwriting approval, and actual policy terms. Any descriptions of coverage are not a substitute for the actual policy language. Coverage options may vary by state and product. Coverage is offered by a member insurer of the Jewelers Mutual Group, either Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, SI (a stock insurer) or JM Specialty Insurance Company. Policyholders of both insurers are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Company.
Source: BrandPoint
