Across the U.S., more than 1.7 million packages never make it to their final destination, costing an estimated $25 million in lost goods. At the same time, around 11% of all packages handled by UPS sustain damage.
Shipping jewelry, like fine jewelry, often has sentimental and substantial financial value. Therefore, it is critical to learn the best way to ship jewelry or valuable items safely to avoid damage, theft, or loss.
What You Will Learn
Use Multiple Packaging Layers
Shipping costs are affected by the package’s weight, dimensions, shipping location, and even the shipping company. Although you may need to pay higher packaging costs to ship your jewelry pieces, layering your packaging is one of the most effective ways to keep your pieces safe. Multiple packaging materials and layers provide shock-absorbing insulation if your shipping box collides with another during shipping.
The best way to ship expensive jewelry is to wrap your jewelry items in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them inside a small, sturdy box or bag. To pack jewelry like necklaces without tangling, we recommend threading necklaces or delicate chain bracelets through a paper straw or leave inside a display jewelry box. Then, place the jewelry piece inside another bubble wrap-lined box, padded bag, or other packaging material of your choice. Ensure there is enough padding inside the shipping box to prevent the piece from shifting during transit.
Suppose you have an engagement ring in its own jewelry box to ship. In that case, place the ring box in a smaller box and make sure it does not shift its place when shaken. Then, take that small box and place it into a larger box and fill in the empty space with protective foam or packaging peanuts so it does not move when shaken. This will ensure your jewelry item does not move in transit, and the outer box will conceal the small yet pricey cargo within.
Suggested Read: How to Wire Wrap Jewelry: Creating Accessories All Your Own
Disguise Your Package
Once you pack jewelry into a shipping box, you need an outer label to ship it. Shipping labels are an important part of outbound and inbound logistics and can ensure your high value items or jewelry make it to the correct destination with minimal delays. Most labels are subject to shipping restrictions and require you to include the origin or return address, destination address, package weight, shipping class, handling information, an electronic tracking number, and carrier barcode.
You should never include the package’s contents on your shipping label. Labeling the package as a valuable item can make it a target for porch pirates and other thieves. If you are a jewelry e-commerce store and shipping jewelry, avoid putting any recognizable branding, a stated value, or mentions of precious metals on the outside of your packaging that may attract unwanted attention. You can add that personalized touch on the inside of the box when the customer unwraps their newly purchased jewelry in a decorative pouch.
Always Request a Signature on Delivery
If you send high value jewelry as a gift, you must select shipping companies offering a signature required or signature upon delivery add-on service.
Signature required services add an extra layer of security because they require the recipient’s signature upon delivery and show ID before the parcel is released. Shipping options like these provide both the shipper and the recipient peace of mind, especially when shipping high value items like fine jewelry.
Never Use a Drop Off Service
When considering how to ship valuable jewelry or simply ship jewelry safely, avoid using a drop box or delivery service to take your package to the post office. Not using these extra shipping services ensures that fewer people will handle the package, and your jewelry will be safer. The best way to ship your package is to personally take it to the postal service of your choosing and request a receipt with a tracking number. Shipping jewelry yourself may seem unnecessary, but it is additional insurance that your package is on a safer path to its destination and will not incur any added cost to use a drop-off service.
Choose the Right Shipping Option
Numerous carriers offer several secure options for shipping valuable items; two of the safest ways to mail jewelry are FedEx and USPS.
USPS offers First Class Mail and Priority Mail services. First Class Mail is an excellent choice for packages under 13 oz. (if the package is over 13 oz., it becomes Priority Mail) and offers an add-on registered mail service that allows for added security on your package.
USPS Priority Mail services come with $100 shipping insurance (for sending jewelry with a value that exceeds this amount, you should purchase additional Fine Jewelry Insurance). USPS also has international shipping options for pieces worth under $400.
For high value pieces, consider joining the FedEx Declared Value Advantage Program. The FedEx Declared program lets you ship valuable jewelry worth up to $100,000. It also helps save money with a 40% reduced standard rate for declared value charges, daily pickups, online tracking, and the FedEx security box kit. Lastly, the declared value is not shipping insurance on the package.
For Ultimate Protection, Insure Your Jewelry With BriteCo™
Although some carriers offer insurance as a value-added service, these policies typically do not provide enough coverage for fine jewelry or priceless sentimental pieces. Now that you understand how to ship jewelry, but despite wrapping and packaging your jewelry carefully, accidents happen in transit, resulting in your precious jewelry being lost, damaged, or stolen. The best way to protect your jewelry during shipping is with an insurance policy from BriteCo.
BriteCo’s fine jewelry insurance offers worldwide coverage, so your pieces are protected if you need to ship jewelry. We offer insurance coverage up to 125% of the appraisal value to repair or replace your items, with zero deductible. Our policies ensure that your jewelry is protected against theft, loss, damage, and mysterious disappearance and are backed by AM Best A+ rated insurance carrier.
Use our simple online estimate tool to insure your jewelry before shipping.
Related Articles:
Why now is the perfect time to reinvent your jewelry business
Jewelry Box Ideas to Upgrade Your Jewelry Storage
Serpentine Jewelry | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
What is Breast Milk Jewelry? | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
What Does 750 Mean On Jewelry? | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Get a Quote:
The Easy Way to Insure Your Jewelry - and Save Money!
UP NEXT: How to Insure Jewelry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Author
