Safeguarding Expensive Jewelry While Traveling

Did you just get engaged or just got married and is planning to travel with your expensive jewelry, that precious token of love? Or do you have a collection of expensive jewelry and you are planning to take them with you on a trip? The easiest way to safe guard your jewelry would be to leave them at home in a bank safety deposit box. You say, "no way!! I cannot remove and leave behind this symbol of love that connects our souls together. Or, "no I want to wear my jewelry to my 30^th anniversary ball." Of course you can, but do use the following tips to safe guard your precious piece or your collection of jewelry while traveling.

Before You Go.
Think about taking the following advice.
Insure your expensive jewelry.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) "standard homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage for personal items such as jewelry. However, many policies limit the dollar amount for theft of valuable personal possessions such as jewelry, furs and precious stones from $1000 - $2000 total." Jeanne Salvatore, the Insurance Information Institute's Vice President of Consumers Affair states, "to properly insure jewelry and other expensive items, consider purchasing additional coverage through a floater or an endorsement. In most cases the item would be covered for mysterious disappearance. This means your lost jewelry would be financially protected."

According to Salvatore, "prices for floaters and endorsements vary, depending on the type of jewelry, the insurance company you choose, where you live and where the item will be kept. With floaters and endorsements, there are no deductibles and frequently you will get the option of having the insurance company replace the item for you."

When you purchase expensive jewelry, contact your agent or insurance company representative to find out how much coverage you have under your home or renters insurance policy and if you will need additional insurance coverage.

Appraisal
Have your jewelry appraised accurately by a reputable appraiser. This is an important step because any claim through an endorsement or a floater will be based on this value.

Documentation
Be sure to keep a copy of your store receipt regarding your jewelry purchase.
Send a copy of your receipt to your insurer.
Add your expensive jewelry to your home inventory.
Take pictures of you expensive jewelry for documentation; this will also be helpful if you need to make a claim.
Safety
Keep your jewelry in a secure place, preferably in a safety lock box.
Packing
Do not pack your jewelry in your checked luggage; keep them in your carry on bag.
Make sure your carry on bags are correctly labeled. Include a telephone number where you can be reached immediately.

During Travel
Take copies of the following with you.
Proper documentation regarding your jewelry to prove your owner and to avoid any customs problems regarding import taxes and customs allowances.
Copies of sales receipt, official certification and authentic documents,
Appraisal, insurance and an inventory list.

During Your Hotel Stay
Store your documents and jewelry in the safety deposit box.
Do not flaunt your jewelry unnecessarily.

Safe guarding your expensive jewelry before, during and after traveling will ensure that you can relax, enjoy your trip, enjoy wearing your jewelry and keeping those sentimental irreplaceable mementos with you for a long, long time.