Tips for Travelling with Jewellery: A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Precious Pieces Safe and Stylish

No matter where your travels take you, whether it’s a sun-drenched tropical escape, a busy city adventure, or a relaxing countryside retreat, your wardrobe—and accessories—should reflect your destination and personal style. Jewellery is a powerful tool for self-expression and can instantly elevate even the most basic travel outfit. However, travelling with jewellery requires careful planning to ensure your favourite pieces arrive safely and remain damage-free throughout your journey.

Regardless of your holiday itinerary, your travel wardrobe should be both practical and stylish. Wearing jewellery while travelling is a simple way to elevate your limited clothing options. However, the most challenging aspect is often deciding what jewellery to take and how best to pack it.

 

 

You may find yourself wondering which pieces to bring and how to protect each item from potential damage or loss. Whether you’re heading off on a work trip or a leisurely holiday, it’s essential to know how to pack your jewellery properly. This guide provides the best packing tips to keep your jewellery safe, secure, and tangle-free during your travels.

Many of us travel at this time of year to spend the holidays with family and friends. Whether you're travelling by train, bus, plane, cruise ship or car, you may want to bring along some of your most treasured pieces.

We’ve compiled a list of top travel jewellery tips and tricks to help you decide which pieces to pack, how to store them, and how to keep them secure while you're away.

Packing jewellery can be a daunting task. You may ask yourself: Which pieces should I bring? Will my items get tangled or damaged? How can I keep everything secure? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about travelling with jewellery—from choosing the right items to packing tips, storage options, and security advice.

Why Travel with Jewellery?

Jewellery plays a vital role in personal styling while travelling. Limited luggage space often means packing fewer clothes, so accessories help transform your look without taking up much room. A simple black dress can be worn multiple times when paired with different earrings, necklaces, or rings. From a casual beach brunch to a formal evening dinner, the right jewellery adds elegance and flair.

Whether it’s a sentimental heirloom, a meaningful engagement ring, or simply a favourite pair of earrings, jewellery helps you feel more like yourself while away from home. However, travel presents risks—loss, theft, and damage—so it’s essential to be selective and strategic about what you bring.

 

Selecting the Right Jewellery for Travel

Are you planning to take your favourite jewellery pieces with you on your next trip? The best options for travel are durable items made from materials like lab-grown diamonds, platinum, sterling silver, or 14k gold. These materials are not only strong but also timeless in style, making them ideal for a variety of travel scenarios.

When selecting jewellery to take with you, always consider safety. Depending on your destination, bringing expensive or sentimental pieces may not be the best idea. In such cases, costume jewellery can be a safer and more practical choice.

Before you begin packing, consider the purpose of your trip and the activities you'll be engaging in. Here are a few key considerations:

1. Durability Over Delicacy

Choose pieces made from sturdy materials like:

• 14k or 18k gold
• Sterling silver
• Platinum
• Lab-grown diamonds or cubic zirconia
• Stainless steel

Avoid overly delicate items or those with fragile stones (like pearls or opals) if they are likely to be knocked about or exposed to the elements.

2. Versatility Is Key

Opt for multifunctional jewellery that complements various outfits:

• A simple chain necklace can be layered or worn alone.
• Stud earrings work for both daytime activities and formal dinners.
• Stackable rings allow you to mix and match for different looks.
• A statement piece, like a colourful bangle or pendant, can dress up basic outfits.

 

3. Leave the Priceless at Home

As tempting as it may be to take your most precious pieces, consider whether it's worth the risk. Antique jewellery, sentimental items, or high-value pieces are best left in a secure location at home.

If you're heading to a destination where theft or scams are common, or where insurance may not fully cover losses, opt for more affordable or costume pieces instead.

How to Pack Jewellery?

Before you begin packing, think about the jewellery you’ll want to wear while away. The more you bring, the greater the chance of something getting lost, tangled, or damaged.

The best travel jewellery is versatile and pairs well with multiple outfits. By choosing a few key pieces that work for both day and night, you can minimise the number of items you need to pack.

 

 

Classic hoops or studs, stackable rings, and chain necklaces are excellent choices for everyday wear. To add flair to simple travel outfits, consider packing a few statement pieces such as enamel charms.

There are several ways to pack jewellery—ranging from specialised travel cases to clever DIY methods. Whichever method you choose, the most important factor is keeping your jewellery safe, tangle-free, and easy to access.

Tips for Packing Jewellery

• Use a dedicated travel jewellery case for secure storage.
• Fasten the chains on necklaces and bracelets to prevent tangling.
• Keep earring pairs together.
• Separate delicate items, such as opals, from the rest of your collection.
• Group similar materials together.
• Use straws, tissue, or tape to secure thinner pieces.

For jewellery you’ll wear throughout your trip—like an engagement ring—it may not require special packing. However, if you’re travelling with the intention of proposing, keep the ring in its original box and store it in a secure section of your carry-on luggage.

Types of Travel Jewellery Cases

A travel jewellery case helps keep your items safe, organised, and untangled. Many options include compartments specifically designed for rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. You can choose between compact cases for a few pieces or larger ones to hold a full collection.

Choose a case that suits the type of jewellery you’re bringing. For example, if you’re packing several bracelets or necklaces, look for a case with loops that secure each piece along its length. If you’re bringing multiple rings or drop earrings, a case with padded rolls is ideal.

Most people prefer to use a specialised jewellery case, and there are options available online to suit all budgets. Others opt to keep their jewellery in its original packaging, especially if travelling with just one or two items.

DIY Jewellery Packing Tips

If you don’t have a travel jewellery case, there are plenty of do-it-yourself methods to protect your jewellery:

Earrings

You can store earrings in various ways. Push them into an eraser to keep pairs together or pierce them through a business card or piece of cardboard to keep them secure. Small tins or pill organisers are also handy for storing studs.

Bracelets and Necklaces

Necklaces and bracelets need a bit of extra care to prevent tangling. Loop each piece through a straw and clasp it to keep it secure. Alternatively, use a cardboard tube (like one from a toilet paper roll) to wrap bracelets and thread necklaces through the centre.

Rings

To keep rings organised, store them in small containers like carabiners, tins, or pill organisers. Group rings made of the same metal together, but keep more delicate styles, like cocktail rings, in separate compartments.

FAQs: Travelling with Jewellery

Can I wear jewellery on a plane?

Yes, it’s safe to wear jewellery on a plane. For added peace of mind, keep your jewellery in your carry-on luggage where you can see it at all times.

Should I bring my jewellery on holiday?

It depends on your travel plans. Consider the safety of your destination and activities. For holidays involving hiking, sailing, or other physical activities, it may be safer to leave your jewellery at home.

How can I carry expensive jewellery safely?

Store high-value jewellery in a secure travel case and always keep it in your carry-on luggage. Consider taking out jewellery insurance to cover potential loss, theft, or damage.

What is the safest way to travel with jewellery?

The safest approach is to keep jewellery either on your person, in an anti-theft travel belt, or in a locked compartment within your carry-on. Insuring valuable pieces is highly recommended.

Can I bring jewellery in my carry-on luggage?

Yes, jewellery is allowed in your carry-on and should be stored there rather than in checked baggage to reduce the risk of loss.

Do I need to remove jewellery for airport security (TSA)?

No, small metal items like rings and earrings usually don’t need to be removed. If you prefer a private screening for your jewellery or case, you can request one from airport security.

Final Travel Tips for Jewellery

• Before setting off, keep these extra tips in mind:
• Choose a storage option that matches the jewellery you’re bringing.
• Check your travel itinerary and destinations to ensure it’s safe to wear jewellery.
• Make a list of the pieces you’re taking.
• Pack similar items together.
• Use all compartments in your travel case to prevent movement.
• Consider jewellery insurance for high-value items.
• Secure chains and fasten earrings properly before packing.
• Keep your jewellery with you at all times in your carry-on.
• Once you arrive, store your jewellery in a secure spot.
• When you return home, check your inventory to ensure everything is accounted for.

Travelling with jewellery doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning and the right packing strategies, you can bring your favourite pieces along and enjoy wearing them safely. Whether you’re packing minimalist everyday items or a few standout accessories, the goal is to combine security, style, and convenience.

So go ahead—pack that favourite necklace or your lucky ring. Just make sure it’s packed smart, worn safely, and insured just in case. Bon voyage, and travel in style!

With a little preparation, you can travel safely with your favourite jewellery. Think about the nature of your trip, your destinations, and how best to protect your pieces for peace of mind throughout your journey.