How to Travel Safely with Jewelry

Why it matters: Smart tips can help reduce the risk of theft and potential harm to you and others.   

What you can do: Follow these precautions when traveling with inventory.

Jewelry stores are in no way fortresses, but they do offer a certain physical security against crime that is unavailable to jewelers traveling with high-value goods. When jewelers travel, there are no ultra-durable safes or vaults to store goods, no video surveillance systems to watch for suspicious activities, and no alarms to warn of danger. 

That’s why it’s important to follow these helpful tips to protect you and your precious inventory when traveling:

• Avoid decals or personalized plates on your vehicle that would easily identify you as a jeweler.
• Never leave merchandise unattended, nor should you check it as baggage on a plane or leave alone in a hotel room.
• Take extra precautions in public places. Going to get food? Use the drive-through.
• Remove your badge immediately after leaving the security checkpoint at a trade show.
• Store your jewelry collection in a safe when visiting clients.
• Share a detailed itinerary with someone you can trust so they always know where you are.
• Keep your phone fully charged and with you at all times.

Whether you're going to the store or traveling with jewels for work, the best way to prevent distractions and maintain awareness of your surroundings is to give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead.