Jewelry Care on the Go:
Essential Travel Tips for Protecting Your Sparkles

Sometimes your vacation outfits need elevation and elegance, hence the need for your favorite jewelry. The right sparkle can add glitz and glamor to your travels, but what happens if you lose one of your baubles? Or worse, it’s stolen? Sure, you can ensure your gemstones remain safe and intact in one spot, but what about on the move? What if an airline loses your luggage? Or do your favorite earrings slip out of your purse on the walk from your car to a train?

Business trip? Tropical vacation? Weekend getaway? Luxurious cruise? There are thousands of places you could go, all with exciting opportunities for you to wear your precious jewels. However, each destination offers a unique challenge in how you tote your jewelry from one place to another. While there are cases that you can buy specifically for your wearables, not all of them are the most secure option, so extra measures may be necessary to keep your jewelry safe and secure.

In this post, we cover how to care for your precious gems while on the go. These are your essential travel tips for protecting your sparkle and shine.

Choose Wisely: Only Bring Your Must-Have Jewels on Vacation

It can be tempting to pack up your entire sparkly collection for your week at the beach but hold off. Exercise restraint in choosing jewels that pair with specific packed outfits, then leave the rest at home. The fewer items you bring with you, the less chance that you’ll lose or damage your jewelry collection. By carefully curating your selection, you can still accessorize and maximize your style while minimizing the potential for mishaps.

Be Discreet to Minimize Risk

When you travel, you’re exposed to various environments, like bustling airports, crowded tourist attractions, and unfamiliar streets. In these settings, not everyone has the best intentions, and too much flashy or conspicuous jewelry could make you a target for robbery or theft. By being discreet with your jewelry, you can avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself and refuse the risk of becoming a victim while on vacation.

• Instead of draping yourself in diamonds, pack simple and understated jewelry, like delicate chains, stud earrings, and minimalist bracelets. These are versatile options to complement your outfits without drawing too much attention.
• Opt for pieces that can be mixed and matched with multiple outfits. Avoid bringing jewelry that can only be worn with specific outfits. The less you pack, the more discreet you’ll become.
• Be attentive and aware of your surroundings. Don’t flaunt your jewelry in high-risk areas, like crowded markets or busy streets. Stay vigilant and trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Don’t make jewelry your outfit’s focal point. Instead, use it as a finishing touch, a subtle approach. It adds sophistication and a touch of shine without drawing undue attention.

Unfortunately, not every person in every destination is friendly, so it’s important to remember where you are and keep your guard up. If you venture into an area where you feel uncomfortable, leave. Use your common sense and gut feelings to navigate your travels and stay safe from pickpockets and thieves.

One thing to note is that doing all of the right things, like being discreet, can still not be enough. Some thieves are relentless, so it’s important to remember that your well-being is more valuable than precious gems. If you find yourself in a position where someone demands your jewelry, let them have it. Don’t risk your life for your gems. Instead, file a police report, go through due diligence with insurance and recovery, and be proud of yourself for making the right decision in a stressful moment.

Make Sure Your Jewelry is Insured Before Travel

Before you leave on a trip, take your precious jewels to have them appraised by a reputable, certified appraiser. They will give you an accurate value for your jewelry, which you will then take to an insurance agency to gain financial protection for your next big adventure. That way, if your jewelry is stolen or lost, you can recoup what it was worth. While it’s not the same as getting your jewelry back, financial restitution will help take the sting out of possible loss or theft.

Did you know that your jewelry could be damaged when you travel? For instance, your diamond necklace’s clasp may break, or the gemstone may fall out due to mishandling at the airport. Insurance can help you pay for repairs to restore your jewelry to the condition it was in before your trip. Plus, peace of mind is invaluable. Insurance allows you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about the safety and security of your valuables.

Avoid Hazards like Sunbathing or Swimming with Your Jewelry On

Picture yourself—lounging by the resort pool in your favorite swimwear, bedazzled with jewels, sipping on a cocktail and enjoying the warm weather. It’s a pretty picture, but did you know the sunshine and chemicals in the pool can be damaging to your jewelry? You may be tempted to wear your sparkles while you sunbathe or go for a dip but resist the temptation. Chlorine and prolonged sunlight can bleach gemstones and weaken fine metals.

What about on the beach? Sand can scratch and wear down your jewelry, especially with softer gemstones, like turquoise. Plus, the salt from the air and water can corrode silver and gold, getting into the small crevices of rings and necklaces to break down precious metals over time.

If you forgot to take off a piece of jewelry while you sunbathed or went for a swim, simply rinse it with fresh water, then dry it with a soft cloth, like microfiber. Taking care of your jewels immediately after realizing your mistake will help to prevent damage and chemical buildup.

Traveling somewhere with no water but lots of sunshine? Be minimalistic while you walk around. Plan your jewelry based on your activities. Save more expensive pieces for evening outings or indoor events. Try to be mindful of conditions where you’ll be exposed to direct sunshine or harsh weather.

When you get home from traveling, take your jewelry to a professional cleaner. They have equipment and special cleansers to inspect and thoroughly clean your pieces until your next trip.

Use Hotel Storage and Document the Pieces You Bring

As mentioned above, you should have your jewelry appraised and insured before any big trips. This not only protects you financially but also gives you clear, thorough documentation of your precious gems. You will receive a full report of your jewelry, including photographs, to help document what you’ve chosen to take. Bring this documentation with you in the event of loss or theft. It can help authorities locate your missing jewelry.

No time for an appraisal? Make your own detailed report and take photographs of your jewelry from various angles before you travel. Note distinctive characteristics and capture any unique marks or features in pictures. Type it up and print out a copy to take with you, but also keep a digital copy, just in case.

Hotels and resorts often have room vaults or lockboxes for valuables. Store your jewels in the box, but check them regularly, especially after having your room cleaned. Any jewelry you wear should be immediately placed back into the vault when you’re done with the piece. Staying vigilant will help hold yourself accountable while ensuring nothing is misplaced.

Maintain Sparkle with On-the-Go Cleaning Supplies

Your jewelry is exposed to a lot while you wear it. Dirt, sweat, and chemicals from lotions or perfumes—it adds up on the gemstone and metals, making your jewels more susceptible to damage and wear over time. For on-the-go purposes, bring your own toiletry bag of cleaning supplies specifically for your valuables.

• Travel-sized cleaning wipes have multiple purposes, but they can be great for doing a quick cleansing swipe across rings, bracelets, or necklaces. No rinsing is required afterward.
• Polish your jewelry with microfiber cloths to give jewels a quick shine. These clothes are non-abrasive, so they restore sparkle without wear and tear.
• Professional jewelry cleaning solutions can be purchased from reputable jewelers, alongside a small, soft-bristled brush to clean crevices and remove grime. Traveling by plane? Put the solutions inside a travel-sized bottle for TSA approval.

Forgotten your cleaning supplies? Microfiber cloths and a simple rinse under fresh water will do the trick of cleaning your jewelry until you can get back home. Never use harsh chemicals, like bleach, on your jewelry. Regular, professional cleaning will make your gemstones last longer, so you can enjoy them on more trips.

In Conclusion

Maintaining the sparkle of your jewelry while traveling is easy with the right on-the-go care. Choosing the right cleaning supplies may seem like a daunting task. However, when in doubt, talk to a professional jeweler about how to maintain your jewelry while you’re on vacation. They can give you tips on routine care while offering advice on how to ensure your precious pieces stay as brilliant as ever.