Best Jewelry for Travel: What to Pack and How to Keep It Safe
You’ve set your email away message, deleted Slack from your phone, and at last, that big trip you’ve been looking forward to is here. All that’s left is to double-check your packing list, and that’s when you realize you haven’t picked out what jewelry to bring along on your adventure. Whether you’re going for a quick trip a few hours away or an international adventure, it can be hard to know what pieces to bring, how many, and how to balance that with showing off your personal style with all your favorite outfits. That’s why we asked our jewelry experts to put together this quick guide on the best jewelry for travel. We’ll take you on a tour of what to pack and why, plus how to pack your pieces safely and keep them looking their best for every day of your trip.
The Best Jewelry for Travel: Begin with Basics
For most trips, our go-to advice is to keep your jewelry selection minimal. Pack no more than five pieces, making sure you can mix and match at least one or two of the pieces with each outfit you’re planning on wearing. Here are the five pieces we suggest packing versus what you should leave at home:
You’ll notice that almost all of the pieces we picked out share these factors:
- They’re easy to care for
- They’re versatile and simple
- They’re secure and less likely to get damaged or lost
- They’re easy to pack
Hanging or large-style drop earrings are more likely to snag or get damaged than close-to-the-ear studs or huggies. Similarly, a plain band or low-profile ring won’t get caught on fabric or get dinged if it gets knocked around too many times. In terms of stress, bringing one simple gold chain necklace is less fuss than bringing several necklaces that you’ll constantly be trying to untangle.
It’s also easy to lose things while traveling. One minute you’re on a walking tour of ancient ruins, the next you’re at a museum, and before you know it, it’s time for lunch on the other side of town, and somewhere in the middle, your bracelet fell off your wrist. That’s why opting for a bracelet with a secure box or lobster clasp over a fragile multi-link bracelet is a must.
Lastly, save a slot for one “hero” piece. This item can be anything you want: it could be a strand of pearls, a multi-gemstone ring, or that one statement earring you bought specifically with this trip in mind. This still lets you feel like you have some variety to choose from without turning an entire jewelry box into your plus-one.
Across the board, we’d never recommend bringing heirlooms, irreplaceable gifts, or extremely valuable jewelry when traveling if you can avoid it. The same goes for leaving highly delicate and fragile pieces at home, where they’re safe and sound.
Of course, the details of which exact necklace, bracelet, ring, or earring depend on your taste, destination, and plans. But this five-piece capsule should give you an idea of the basic requirements any piece has to meet before it earns a spot in your suitcase.
What to Pack for Which Trip
The best jewelry for travel also depends on what type of trip you’re taking. What you pack for a business conference or speaking engagement may be totally different from what you’d bring on a tropical vacation, so make sure what you pack aligns with your itinerary.
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For beach trips, tropical getaways, or other vacations where you’re likely to be in the water or staying active, we recommend keeping the jewelry to a minimum. Go with a few of the daily drivers that you know will look good, whether you’re in shorts and a tee or heels and a maxi dress. Like a pair of gold hoops or huggies. Then, because you don’t necessarily have a strict dress code to follow, pack something playful like a nautical-themed pendant or a sapphire or tanzanite ring that’ll match the relaxing waters for an evening out.
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For a work trip, you can bring more pieces, but we still recommend you stick to pieces that you would comfortably and confidently wear to the office. Think a minimalistic pendant or diamond studs, or a ring stack of chic bands. Unless you work in a creative field or industry, it’s best to keep your accessories pared down so that you, your conversation, and your ideas are the focal point of all your interactions.
How to Pack Jewelry Without Tangles or Scratches
Traveling can be stressful enough without also worrying about damaging your jewelry or losing 30 minutes of your day to untangling a knotted mess of necklaces. The first step to avoiding this is to pick the right container to pack your jewelry. The safest option is to pack your pieces in a small, structured jewelry case. This will prevent anything from breaking, snapping, or getting crushed in transit. If you don’t already have one, you can keep it simple by storing your pieces in a spare eyeglass case or even a small Tupperware container.
Whatever vessel you choose, be sure to keep each individual piece separate. Many jewelry boxes come with separate pockets, drawers, or sections for each piece. But if your box doesn’t have that built in, you can always keep each piece stored within a separate felt or lined bag, or carefully wrap each up in a microfiber cloth.
A structured jewelry case is the safest starting point. Look for separate sections for earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets, along with a soft lining and a secure closure. If you’re flying or will be in a situation where you won’t be close to all your baggage during your trip, we recommend keeping your jewelry box in your purse, personal item, or carry-on.
Jewelry Care While You Travel
If you already have a daily care routine for your jewelry, keep that going while you’re on the road. If you don’t have one, now's a great time to start! To keep your pieces in the best shape possible:
- Always remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising. Wait until after you’ve applied lotion or sunscreen (and let it dry) before putting on any jewelry. This avoids exposing your jewelry to unnecessary amounts of chemicals or moisture, which can cause gold pieces to dull and silver pieces to tarnish.
- Wipe each piece with a soft cloth at the end of the day. Microfiber cloths, like those you would use for glasses, are perfect for this.
- When you’re not wearing your jewelry, put it back in its case, especially if you’re switching locations frequently.
- Check your jewelry regularly. Does a stone feel loose, or does a clasp not close all the way? Don’t risk it. Take off that piece of jewelry and keep it safely stored until you can take it to a trusted jeweler.
If you’re staying in a hotel, keeping jewelry and other valuables in the provided safe can give you some extra peace of mind, but remember: if you wouldn’t feel safe leaving your jewelry in a new or unfamiliar location, it may be best not to bring it along at all. Milano’sJewelry Care & Repair FAQ provides additional guidance for cleaning and maintaining fine jewelry.
Pack Less, Choose Well
In our opinion, the best jewelry for travel is easy to wear, simple to store, and matches the way you plan on spending your time away. Choose pieces that you can wear multiple days and multiple ways, and opt for well-constructed pieces with secure clasps and settings. For timeless jewelry that can travel with you anywhere, shop Milano.
Milano Jewelry delivers premium fine jewelry collections directly to customers, offering exceptional quality at direct-to-consumer value. Our pieces are made in-house with quality craftsmanship, backed by our lifetime manufacturing warranty.
Browse our new arrivals or best sellers today.
FAQ
What jewelry should I pack for a weeklong trip?
Pack no more than three to five pieces of jewelry that you know go with what’s in your suitcase. A good place to start is one or two necklaces, a ring, one pair of earrings if your ears are pierced, and/or a bracelet.
Should I pack fine jewelry in checked luggage?
No. Keep fine jewelry in your carry-on or personal item so you can keep track of it.
How do I stop necklaces from tangling while traveling?
Never pack multiple loose necklaces in the same compartment or bag. Fasten each clasp and store them in separate pouches or sections. To keep your pieces even more tangle-free, you can wrap each fastened necklace around a small square of cardboard or a bit of rolled-up paper before putting them in their compartments.
Can I wear fine jewelry in the ocean or pool?
Technically, you can wear some fine jewelry in a chlorinated pool or in salt or fresh water, but we do not recommend it. The best way to avoid dulling finishes, loosening settings, or placing unnecessary stress on delicate stones or clasps is to remove all jewelry before you get into the water.
"Investment jewelry isn't about what you wear for an occasion. It's about what you reach for without thinking — every single morning."
