Travel stress-free with perfectly packed jewelry using space-saving hacks. Keep your accessories secure with a clear jewelry case for easy organization.
How to Pack Jewelry for Travel
Jewelry doesn't take up much luggage space, and the right pieces can really make your vacation outfits. If you ask us, it's absolutely worth bringing on a getaway. That said, figuring out exactly how to pack jewelry for a trip can be tricky.
So, what's the best way to pack jewelry for travel? It depends on a few factors, like what you're bringing, where you're going, how you're getting there, and how long you'll be away.
Keep scrolling to find helpful tips for selecting a travel jewelry case, preventing tangles, storing your tiniest pieces, thwarting theft, and keeping everything safe and secure while you're away.
Choosing the Right Jewelry Case for Travel
The first part of figuring out how to pack jewelry for travel is choosing the proper case. You've got a few options.
You can use travel jewelry cases (like the thoughtful designs from Truffle) or makeshift your own.
Travel Jewelry Cases vs. DIY Storage
Travel cases designed specifically for jewelry have built-in organization features and protection from scratches, tangles, moisture, and sunlight.
Truffle's cases are lined with soft felt and have structured sides to prevent crushing. They also come with removable earring cards and designated spots to stash all your necklaces, bracelets, and rings separately.
Or you can go the DIY route. Items you may already have at home can work in a pinch—think clear plastic snack bags, pill cases, and straws.
Why a Clear Travel Case Is a Game-Changer
You can't go wrong with Truffle's privacy travel jewelry case, but a clear travel case can be a total game-changer when packing jewelry for travel. The chic, functional, problem-solving cases from Truffle help you easily find each item without rummaging through everything (and inadvertently causing tangles or scratches).
What's more, the transparent lids are TSA-friendly, making for smooth security checks at the airport.
You might consider getting a clear travel case and then a set of clear jewelry pouches to go with it. Our mini pouches are felt on one side and clear on the other, allowing you to see what's inside while keeping your favorite pieces tidy and accessible.
Smart Packing Strategies to Keep Jewelry Safe
With a few smart packing strategies, you can safeguard your jewelry en route to your destination, while you're away, and on the journey back home.
Preventing Necklace Tangles
Necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and any other jewelry pieces with chains can quickly tangle when packed into a small container—but there are solutions to prevent this.
First, pack each necklace separately to keep them from intertwining. Our felt jewelry pouches work great, but you can also use mini zip-top plastic bags with the clasps hanging out. (Clasps seem to be involved in jewelry tangles more often than not.)
Another strategy is to thread chains through straws or extra clothing buttons with large enough holes. This can ensure they're separated to avert knots and tangles.
How to Store Rings & Earrings Securely
A small travel case designed specifically for jewelry is ideal for packing rings and earrings because it'll have little hooks, slots, and holes for organizing these items.
Alternatively, you can use a pill case or another small, hard-sided container. Attach each pair of earrings together by hooking the hoops or connecting the posts to the backs. That way, you won't find yourself searching for the other piece of your favorite pair.
Keeping Bracelets & Watches Scratch-Free
Again, a proper travel jewelry case or pouch is your best bet here. The soft felt lining and padded sides can prevent watch faces, bracelets, stones, and other pieces from getting scratched.
If you don't have a jewelry case, wrap each piece in a soft cloth—those microfiber cloths that come with sunglasses can work.
Bringing bangles? Stack them together and place them in a drawstring bag.
TSA Tips: Traveling With Jewelry Through Airport Security
Carefully packing your luggage is one piece of the equation. But knowing how to pack for the airport is another crucial part of being a savvy traveler.
Here's what to know about wearing jewelry on travel days, what bag to pack it in, and what to do about high-value items.
Can You Wear Jewelry Through Security?
Yes, you can wear jewelry when going through airport security. In most cases, small gold and silver pieces (like rings and thin chains) and digital watches with plastic or silicone bands won't trigger alarms when you walk through the metal detectors.
However, you might need to remove larger pieces, like a watch with a metal band or statement jewelry.
It may not be a big deal to take off your jewelry and put it back on after getting through the security checkpoint. But no matter what pieces you're wearing, just be prepared to do so—you never know if or when TSA workers might request it.
To streamline the process, consider packing the jewelry you want to wear that day in your purse, backpack, or personal item bag. Then you can put it on after getting through airport security instead of taking it off and putting it back on.
Also, the rules may be different for domestic versus international travel. So check the website for the airport or country you're traveling to before your trip to see what's allowed.
Should You Pack Jewelry in Carry-On or Checked Luggage?
Generally speaking, it's best to pack jewelry in carry-on luggage—especially valuable or sentimental pieces. (The same goes for any expensive, hard-to-replace non-jewelry items you bring on a trip.) That way, you won't have to worry about potentially losing your baggage.
As mentioned, jewelry doesn't take up much packing space, so it should be no problem to fit in a carry-on suitcase, purse, backpack, duffel, or laptop bag. If you must pack your jewelry in a checked bag, we recommend using a padded case with a lock.
See our blog for tips on how to avoid overpacking.
Keeping Jewelry Safe While Traveling
Knowing how to pack jewelry for travel is only part of it. You also want to make sure your jewelry is safe and secure at your destination.
The Safe Way to Travel With High-Value Jewelry
Once you get to your destination and unpack, we suggest storing any high-value or irreplaceable jewelry in a hotel safe or some sort of lockable container when you're not wearing it.
Don't expect your overnight accommodations to have a safe? You can plan ahead and buy a mini travel safe or opt for a lockable jewelry box. If your suitcase is lockable, that can work too—just make sure to change the code from the default 000.
You might think about getting insurance, either jewelry insurance or travel insurance. This can give you peace of mind knowing your valuable items will be reimbursed in the event they're lost or stolen.
Theft aside, you're wise to avoid wearing expensive, luxury pieces (or pieces that look expensive) in high-risk areas when traveling for your own safety.
Tips for Jewelry Storage When Traveling
If possible, stash your fine jewelry and any sentimental pieces in a safe at your hotel or rental. The rest of your jewelry can be kept in your travel jewelry organizer.
Keeping the items separate and protected in their packing materials until you're ready to wear them can prevent knots, tarnishing, and scratching. And when you take your jewelry off at the end of the day, be sure to put each piece back in its pouch, compartment, or slot.
How to Prevent Lost Jewelry While Traveling
Whether you're on vacation, traveling for work, or on a bleisure trip (a portmanteau combining business and leisure), it's worth making a packing checklist. You can use it not only before your trip when packing at home but also before leaving your hotel or rental home.
The day you leave, go through your list and make sure each item is accounted for and securely repacked for the trip home. And always check countertops, sinks, safes, nightstands, and drawers before checking out to ensure nothing's forgotten.
You can mix and match Truffle cases to create the perfect travel bag set. That way, you'll have a designated spot for everything on your packing list and can access all items without a fuss.
The Best Way to Travel With Jewelry: Truffle Jewelry Cases
Whether you opt for the privacy jewelry case, a TSA-approved clear case for better visibility, scratch-preventing jewelry pouches, or all of the above (highly recommended), Truffle's packing solutions will streamline your travel.
Our sleek yet endlessly useful carriers are made of high-quality materials—think recycled leather, TPU plastic, and rPET nylon—and boast thoughtful organizational features. They protect your belongings when you're on the go while making your life easier.
Explore our clear travel cases, or follow us on Instagram to get inspired today.
