How to travel with jewelry

When you travel with your fine jewelry, pay attention to these tips for how to keep it safe as you move through airport security and customs, and when you arrive at your hotel. You'll also learn about the benefits of jewelry insurance and when it makes sense to buy it.

Steps to take before traveling with jewelry

Before you travel, take a moment to decide which jewelry pieces you plan to bring with you. Limiting the pieces you bring with you reduces the potential loss if one or more of them is stolen or lost during your trip. Here are some additional steps you can take to ensure your jewelry is kept safe throughout your trip.

1. Get your jewelry appraised

Have an appraiser give you a report on the value of each piece of jewelry. Having documentation of the appraised value of each piece will be helpful if you decide to insure it and need to file a claim later.

2. Document your jewelry collection

Photograph each piece and write a quick description of it. When you travel, bring a copy of these documents in case you need to file a police report or make an insurance claim.

3. Insure your jewelry

Insuring your jewelry protects you against loss, theft, or damage. Check if your homeowners insurance policy covers your jewelry when you travel, but consider a separate jewelry policy which is typically more comprehensive. Your homeowners insurance may only reimburse you for a portion of the value of your jewelry unless you have added an insurance rider, which is a change to an existing policy that changes the terms or scope of the original coverage to meet the policyholder's needs.

Jewelry insurance protects your valuable earrings, necklaces, watches, and bracelets from theft, damage, loss, or natural disaster. If you lose your jewelry for any of these reasons, you can file a claim, and your insurer will reimburse you. Learn more about jewelry and engagement ring insurance.

Taking jewelry through TSA security

While traveling with jewelry, always keep it close to you. Here are some tips for where to put jewelry when flying:

• Protect jewelry while traveling by using specially designed jewelry cases, which will keep your pieces organized and undamaged throughout your journey
• Wrap rings in a soft cloth to protect them from scratches
• Secure watches on a watch roll and store them in your carry-on bag
• Thread necklaces through a plastic drinking straw to keep delicate chains from tangling
• Keep earring pairs together and secure them by inserting the earring through the holes in a button and fastening the backs
• Place your jewelry case on top of the other items in your carry-on bag to avoid it getting crushed by the heavier items in the bag

Always keep your jewelry in your carry-on bag, never in checked bags or a bag you'll be handing off to someone else. TSA permits you to carry jewelry in your carry-on bag and checked bags. However, they advise keeping your valuable items close to you rather than putting them in checked baggage. You can request a private TSA screening for security purposes.

Traveling internationally with jewelry

Your jewelry is likely the safest when you're wearing it. You can wear your jewelry through security at the airport if the pieces are not large and heavy. Travel security officials may ask you to remove it when moving through the scanners.

Do you have to declare jewelry when flying?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces customs regulations, which include declaring items when you leave or enter the U.S. If you bring jewelry or other merchandise into the U.S. purchased overseas, the CBP requires that you declare it if the value exceeds the current $800 duty-free limit.

If the jewelry you'll be traveling with — whether wearing it or in your carry-on bag — you might carry documentation and proof that you own it, including receipts, an appraisal document, or a certificate of authenticity. These documents may be helpful to prove that you own the jewelry and did not acquire it while overseas.

If the value of the gold and jewelry you bring into the U.S. exceeds $10,000, the CPB requires you to complete a FinCen Form 105. The consequences of failing to declare jewelry or other items you purchase abroad that exceed the $800 exemption might include CPB seizing the item, charging fines or penalties, and possible criminal charges.

Is my fine jewelry protected in a hotel's safe?

No. While the main hotel safe is a more secure location than the safe in your hotel room, the hotel is not responsible for the theft of guest's possessions. Jewelry insurance will protect your valuables if stolen from either location.

What to do if you lose your jewelry while traveling

Follow these steps if you lost a piece of jewelry during your travels:

• Retrace your steps: Return to the last place you were when you had the item. Check the lost and found for the hotel, airport, or other public areas.
• File a police report: If the jewelry is valuable, you must file a police report before filing a claim. It will help you get it back if the item turns up later.
• Report the loss: Notify the hotel, restaurant, station, or other venue of the lost item. Give a detailed description and photos of the item.
• Contact your insurance company: If you have jewelry insurance, contact your insurer right away to report the loss. Your photos and detailed descriptions will come in handy when filing the claim.
• Visit local pawn shops: If you suspect your jewelry was stolen, a local pawn shop might be where the thief would visit to sell it.

What's the best way to travel with jewelry?

Here are a few final tips to protect jewelry while traveling:

• Use a travel jewelry case: Find a case with compartments for the different types of jewelry you own that will protect it from scratches and keep things organized
• Keep your jewelry with you: Never put it in checked bags
• Be discreet: Don't draw attention to the valuables you're carrying
• Insure your jewelry: Check if your homeowners or renters insurance covers jewelry when traveling or consider jewelry insurance for your treasured pieces