Tips for travelling with fine jewellery and watches

According to a survey from PwC, more than half (52%) of those surveyed said they will travel this 2021 holiday season1. This is an important increase over past years where PwC’s data revealed that only around a third of the population travelled during the holidays. As we prepare to hit the road, get dressed up again and celebrate with loved ones, here are a few tips to keep your jewellery and watches safe when travelling:

Before you leave, contact your insurance agent or broker to confirm what coverage you have in place. With the different risks when travelling with jewellery and watches, you’ll want to make sure your items are protected no matter where you go. Consider adding a valuable articles policy that provides worldwide, all-risk coverage with no deductible, including loss for mysterious disappearance—which is when you lose an item but are not able to pinpoint exactly when or how it was lost.

It’s also important to have the right amount of coverage in place. With high demand and challenges with sourcing and disruptions in supply, prices in certain categories of the jewellery and watch market are increasing. You’ll want to reappraise your valuables every 3 to 5 years, and more frequently for those high value and very sought-after items, including luxury steel sport watches and jewels with rare, fancy-coloured diamonds and coloured gemstones.

Before you pack your jewellery, check to make sure each piece fits properly, and that there are no loose stones, broken clasps, or damaged prongs. If you find any damage or issues, avoid wearing those pieces and take them to a professional for repair.

Keep jewellery items separated by a soft cloth. Use fabric pearl folders to protect necklaces, pearls, and other pieces of jewellery from scratches and abrasions. Choose a watch roll that will protect your watches so they’re not tossed around when you’re on the move. Ensure all valuables are packed in a nondescript box to help conceal its contents.

While travelling, whether by plane, train or car, keep your valuables with you and never leave bags containing jewellery unattended. Storing jewellery and watches in checked luggage is not recommended, even when travelling by private plane, as valuables can still go missing. For increased privacy, you can ask the airport security officer to screen you and your carry-on bag in private.

Store your jewellery and watches in the hotel’s main vault rather than the in-room safe, which provides minimal protection and is easily accessible by third parties. Consider contacting your hotel ahead of time to understand how they can best provide accommodations for protecting your valuables. Always carry your bags containing precious items personally, never leave these with hotel staff.

When you’re back home, have your pieces professionally cleaned and inspected for any wear and tear that may have occurred during travel, such as loose stones or clasps, damaged prongs, or scratches. To keep your jewellery and watches in their best condition, it’s important to address any issues immediately so that a small problem does not turn into a bigger one. 

Jewellery and watches are made to be worn and enjoyed, especially when celebrating important life moments! Just remember when items are not worn, they should be safely stored in a high security safe bolted to the floor or in a safety deposit box at the bank.