It’s summertime, and it’s at peak heat, so you know what that means: Time for a trip! Sink your toes in the sand as the waves lap the shoreline. Jet-set to Europe to marvel at the ancient architecture and indulge in local fare. Take a tour of the National Parks of the Western U.S. Or maybe this is your summer to relocate to a new home or city.
Wherever your wanders take you this season, you’ve probably carefully considered your wardrobe — and the square footage inside your suitcase. Don’t let your jewelry be an afterthought. Here’s our primer on how to pack necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings, and how to store jewelry when traveling, whether you’re going on a long-haul trip or planning a big summer move across town.
how to pack jewelry for travel
No matter where you’re heading, you’ll want to carefully plan out how to pack summer jewelry for a trip so it’s safe, organized … and not a huge, tangled mess. Here’s how to pack like a pro, particularly if you’re traveling with treasured pieces you want to keep in good condition:
don’t check it
How many times have you heard nightmare stories about checked luggage? Even if you haven’t experienced it first-hand, always carry your valuables with you, safely stashed in a carry-on or purse.
wear it
Even better: If you’re only bringing a few staple pieces of jewelry and you’re going to be on planes or public transportation throughout your trip, go ahead and wear your jewelry. A simple chain, stud earrings and a stack of bangles work great for casual outfits while traveling as well as business wear or more formal occasions once you get to your destination.
pack it right
A jewelry organizer is a handy item to have when traveling. But if you’re a relatively infrequent traveler, it’s totally okay to get creative. Trying to figure out how to pack earrings for travel in a way that won’t take up too much room? Store your studs and small hoops — and your rings, too — in a pillbox or a small jewelry travel organizer. Use a metal ring to hold your bracelets. Wondering how to prevent necklaces from tangling? Wrap those delicate chains, as well as your bracelets, in a silk scarf, and then fold it up and tuck it into your carry-on to prevent knotting.
keep it safe
Before any trip, or move, take inventory of the jewelry you have. Make sure your insurance policy covers any jewelry, particularly those valuable pieces like your engagement ring or wedding band. If you’re going to be sightseeing during your journey, the best way to keep jewelry safe is to wear it. However, if you’re planning on snorkeling or swimming, find a secure place in your Airbnb, or use the safe provided in a hotel room to keep jewelry protected.
how to pack jewelry for a summer move
Moving is a whole different game. Rather than focusing on the small number of possessions you’d take on a trip, you likely will have a miles-long to-do list and plenty of items to pack and transport. The safest and most secure way to transport it from house to house is to pack jewelry in a carry-on and take it with you. If movers are doing the bulk of the transit, store your valuables in your own vehicle to ensure they get to your destination unscathed. Wrap each item individually to minimize damage, and consider moving all your valuables in a jewelry organizer or storage case, making sure you’ve properly secured any lids or drawers.
General tips for storing jewelry
When you’re settled into your new home — or arrive back to your current one after a trip — make sure each piece of jewelry has a home. If you have necklaces you wear every day, it may be most convenient to hang them on hooks in your closet. Those treasured timepieces passed down from generations of your family may be best stored in a dedicated watch box or in a safe. A trinket dish on a kitchen counter away from the sink may prove handy for slipping off jewelry you don’t want to ruin while doing dishes. In need of repairs or jewelry appraisals for that piece in your jewelry box you inherited from your great-grandma? Book an appointment with Helzberg repair experts.
We're in vacation mode—and so is our jewelry! Find essentials for every adventure here (and save these tips to protect them)!
