Tips for traveling with fine jewelry and watches

According to a recent survey from PwC, more than half (52%) of those surveyed said they will travel this 2023 holiday season*. This is an important increase over past years where PwC’s data revealed that only around a third of the population traveled 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 jewelry and watches safe when traveling:

Make sure you have adequate coverage.

Before you leave, contact your insurance agent or broker to confirm what coverage you have in place. With the different risks when traveling with jewelry, 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.

Have your jewelry appraised.

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 jewelry 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-colored diamonds and colored gemstones.

Check for wear and tear.

Before you pack your jewelry, 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.

Make sure it’s packaged carefully.

Keep jewelry items separated by a soft cloth. Use fabric pearl folders to protect necklaces, pearls, and other pieces of jewelry 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.

Keep items close.

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

Call ahead to make safe arrangements.

Store your jewelry 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.

Visit your jeweler.

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 jewelry 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.

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

Jewelry 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.

*https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/consumer-markets/library/2021-holiday-outlook.html

This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only, and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.

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This article is provided by Chubb, a  Bolder Insurance partner.