How to Protect your Jewelry While Traveling

Wherever you go in your travels, it is important that you still feel beautiful; yet, there are many reasons to be concerned about traveling with fine jewelry.   Fears of damage, loss and theft may give you second thoughts about taking your favorite jewels on the road with you – but don't despair, we have some great solutions to make traveling in style safer and easier.
 
The proper jewelry traveling case is important to protect your jewelry from scratches, dings, tangles and other possible damage. It can also help you keep your earrings in pairs and your rings easy to find. There are many different kinds of carrying cases made from a variety of materials, including hard leather, soft leather, canvas, silk etc. Some pouches are basically just a lined bag with a single compartment designed simply to keep everything in one place; others have separate compartments for every item.  There is also what is called a “jewelry roll” which has a few compartments and which is then rolled up like a scroll and tied with a ribbon. The best choice is somewhat dependent on what your jewelry is made of and how much of it you are bringing.

I would never recommend the “all in one” pouch, but the roll could be ideal if you are only bringing a few items. Also, if you have complete sets and you want to keep each set in its own roll, that is another option. If you would like to have everything in one place then it is best to get a travel jewelry organizer with a bar for rings, hooks or separate pouches for necklaces/bracelets and places for sets of earrings and for any brooches or pins you might like to bring. This basically works like a miniature jewelry box. You may wish to keep your “soft” stones in a separate jewelry roll if you are worried that your organizer will not completely prevent any touching between jewelry pieces.
 
Be especially careful with the softer gemstones, it may make sense to keep these in a separate. Pearls and opals scratch very easily so take extra care that nothing comes in contact with these gemstones. Other soft stones include emeralds, jade, turquoise, amber, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, malachite, coral and mother of pearl.

Most jewelry should be wiped with a damp cloth after each wearing, although this is more important for some jewels than for others. Sweat and dirt can ruin a pearl, or it can simply make your diamond ring look less glamorous. Either way, it is a good idea to make sure that your jewels are always put away clean.
 
Not all jewelry does well in water, and even fewer jewels do well in salt water or chlorinated water. Even the minerals in water of hot springs can be damaging to your jewelry. Also, sun block and sun tan lotion have chemicals in them which could cause damage as well.
 
All of the above is true for silver and gold as well – they are made from alloys and can become discolored or “pocked” from chemicals and salt. So, if you might be getting wet, make sure you will have a safe place to keep your jewelry, or else leave them in a safe at your hotel.
 
The above suggestions may sound like a lot – but it boils down to: pack carefully, keep your jewelry clean and make sure you have a good jewelry insurance policy!

 

From the desk of the Curator of Gallery Atlantic, Inc. This article is the property of Gallery Atlantic, Inc. © 2008 - Gallery Atlantic, Inc. All rights reserved.