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. While around 11% of all packages handled by UPS sustain damage.
Fine jewelry often has sentimental value in addition to a substantial financial value, so it is critical to learn how to ship your jewelry pieces safely to avoid damage, theft, or loss.
Use Multiple Packaging Layers
Shipping costs are affected by the package’s weight, dimensions, and shipping location. Although you may need to pay slightly more to ship your jewelry, layering your packaging is one of the most effective ways to keep your pieces safe. Multiple packaging layers provide shock-absorbing insulation if your package collides with another during shipping.
Wrap your jewelry in bubble wrap or packing paper and place it inside a small box or bag. Prevent necklaces or delicate chain bracelets from tangling by first threading them through a paper straw. Then, place the jewelry piece inside another bubble wrap lined box or padded bag. Ensure there is enough padding inside the box to prevent the piece from shifting during transit.
Disguise Your Package
Shipping labels are an important part of outbound and inbound logistics and can ensure your jewelry makes it to the correct destination with minimal delays. Most shipping labels require you to include the origin/return address, destination address, package weight, shipping class, handling information, an electronic tracking number, and carrier barcode.
One item you should never include on your shipping label is the package’s contents.Labeling the package with the contents can make it a target for porch pirates and other thieves. If you are a jewelry e-commerce store, avoid putting any recognizable branding on the outside of your packaging that may attract unwanted attention.
Always Request a Signature on Delivery
If you send high-value pieces as a gift, always select a carrier that offers a Signature Required add-on service.
Signature Required services require the recipient to sign for the package and show ID before the parcel is released. This provides both the shipper and the recipient peace of mind, especially when shipping high-value items like fine jewelry.
Choose the Right Shipping Option
There are numerous carriers available that offer several secure options for shipping jewelry; two of the best 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. and offers an add-on service that allows you to register your package for added security.
Priority Mail services come with $100 shipping insurance (although, for jewelry with a value that exceeds this amount, you should purchase additional Fine Jewelry Insurance). USPS also offers international jewelry shipping for pieces worth under $400.
For high-value items, consider joining the FedEx Declared Value Advantage Program. The program lets you ship jewelry worth up to $100,000. It also comes with a 40% reduced standard rate for declared value charges, daily pickups, online tracking, and the FedEx security box kit.
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. And 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 BriteCo.
BriteCo’s fine jewelry insurance offers worldwide coverage, so your pieces are protected regardless of the shipping destination. We offer 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.
