These tips will help you to package jewellery, watches, gemstones and precious metals safely and securely.
Shipping valuable jewellery requires thoughtful preparation. Damage in-transit is bad for business, especially when customers are eagerly awaiting these precious goods.
If utilising an insured shipping solution, such as Parcel Pro® to help protect your shipments, it is important that you take the necessary steps to adequately protect your items before shipping.
These tips will help you to package jewellery, watches, gemstones and precious metals safely and securely. By focusing on proper packaging, you can protect your items from damage in-transit and be confident that your customers will be pleased when their order arrives.
Key Takeaways
The safest and most reliable way to package expensive jewellery for shipping is to use multiple layers of packaging. The least abrasive materials, such as tissue paper, are the first layer of protection to surround your packaging, followed by cushioned packaging material, and finally a sturdy, sealed plain box.
Preparing your jewellery to be shipped begins with a crucial first step: meticulous packaging. Your objective is to safeguard your precious items from any potential damage, loss, or theft during transit.
Throughout this process, prioritise discretion and opt for plain or blank packaging for the outer box or envelope. Select packaging materials that will not hint at the value of the contents, helping to keep your goods inconspicuous.
A four-layered packaging system is best.
1. Your jewellery or watch secured inside your company’s branded packaging.
2. Placed inside a plain box (exact fit), wrapped with soft packing material.
3. A plain, double-walled box for the external packaging.
4. Add more packaging materials (bubble wrap, crinkled paper, foam peanuts etc.) to insulate the floor, walls and top of the box around the item.
1. Before Wrapping
2. Securely Pack the Jewellery
3. Pack in a Sturdy Box for Protection
4. Use Padding and Cushioning
5. Optional: Add a “Thank you” Card
6. Securely Seal the Package
7. Correctly Follow Carrier Policies
Always start by ensuring each piece of jewellery is clean and completely dry. For individual items, we recommend using soft pouches or custom jewellery boxes. This simple act prevents scratching or tangling when they shift, providing a vital initial layer of protection for delicate pieces.
For pieces adorned with delicate components or gemstones, consider adding extra layers of cushioning. You can add a foam sheet inside the jewellery box or use discrete wires to secure each item to the box. Rings and earrings can find a secure home nestled in a small, padded jewellery box or within foam inserts before their packaging.
Put the jewellery or watch box inside an unbranded box that is an exact fit.
The next essential step is to wrap each piece securely. Embrace soft, non-abrasive materials like tissue paper, insulated envelopes, or foam sheets for this task.
The exterior packaging is just as critical as the internal in ensuring its security. Always opt for plain, sturdy, insulated and discrete packaging.
Make your parcel look as unassuming as possible, avoiding any markings, logos, or shapes that might hint at the value of the contents inside. Resist the temptation to use branded boxes or decorative wrapping that could attract unwanted attention. Instead, opt for a simple, unmarked brown.
Selecting the right box is a non-negotiable step to protect your items from the rigours of transit. Always choose a new box, as used boxes may be structurally compromised, even if they appear fine on the surface.
Look for options like double-walled, corrugated cardboard boxes, which offer superior resistance. Ensure the box is appropriately sized. It should be large enough to accommodate your packaged goods and ample cushioning materials on all sides, but not so large that the contents can shift excessively.
A snug fit, with sufficient padding, will prevent your items from moving in-transit and absorb any impact effectively.
Once your jewellery is securely packaged and the sturdy exterior box is ready, the next step is to prepare to surround the item with ample materials to provide cushioning. This is your package's shock absorber, protecting your valuable items from excessive impact during transit.
Don't skimp on materials here; generously fill all empty spaces with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, foam inserts, or bubble wrap – don’t forget to reinforce the bottom of the box. The goal is to ensure that your jewellery won’t move within the box.
While meticulous packaging focuses on protection, adding a “Thank You” card offers a wonderful touch that elevates the unboxing experience. This small gesture can transform a simple delivery into a memorable moment for your recipient.
With your precious jewellery or watch carefully wrapped, nestled and cushioned within its sturdy exterior box, the final step in packing is to securely seal the package. This isn't just about keeping the box closed; it's about safeguarding its contents against tampering and ensuring everything stays contained throughout its journey.
Always use strong, wide packing tape – at least 2 inches wide – and apply it generously to all seams and flaps. Consider using reinforced packing tape, as its durability offers an extra layer of security. Apply tape in an "H" pattern across the top and bottom seams, and then along the edges, to create a robust seal.
Follow your chosen carrier's policies for a smooth and secure shipment. Each company has specific rules and regulations that govern how valuable items must be packaged, declared, and sent.
Failing to follow these guidelines, even inadvertently, could lead to significant issues, including delays, returns, or the invalidation of any insurance claims. We encourage you to review your carrier policies thoroughly before shipping.
Tap into UPS’ global logistics network with the added security of high-value insurance with Parcel Pro. Get access to local supply chain experts, on-hand to help with end-to-end logistics, risk management, and in-transit security. Parcel Pro provides insured shipping coverage for high-value goods.
How to Ship Jewellery
Once your jewellery is securely packed, the next phase is the shipping process. These steps are here to offer you a quick guide to help you get your valuable stock to its destination.
1. Compare Shipping Policies for Jewellery
2. Insurable Shipping for High-Value Goods
3. Use a Proof of Delivery Service
4. Accurately Declare the Value
5. Keep Your Tracking Number
Before you send your goods, it's essential to compare shipping policies among different carriers. Each carrier has their own rules, restrictions, and limits for precious goods. We encourage you to carefully review the guidelines to ensure they align perfectly with the specific type and value of the jewellery you plan to ship.
Focus on details like maximum liability coverage, packaging requirements, and protocols for handling high-value shipments.
Being proactive enables you to confidently choose a carrier that not only meets your company’s needs, but also provides the right level of security for your business.
For valuable jewellery, precious metals and gemstones shipments, securing adequate insurance for shipments is non-negotiable. While you can meticulously pack and secure every parcel, unforeseen events can sometimes occur during transit. Insurance acts as a safety net, adding a layer of protection for your business should your package be lost, damaged, or stolen.
Carefully review the insurance options offered by your chosen carrier or insurance provider, paying close attention to what is covered, and any exemptions.
You could also consider an insured shipping solution like Parcel Pro, who specialise in high-value shipments and can offer comprehensive coverage.
Investing in proper insurance provides peace of mind, knowing your goods are protected on their journey. For a full breakdown on shipping insurance, read our guide.
To ensure the safe delivery of your valuable jewellery, always opt for a signed or photo delivery service. It ensures that proof of delivery is recorded. If available, photo delivery is the preferred choice for many as the picture can be used to judge the condition and location of the box on delivery.
Proof of Delivery ensures that the goods are delivered directly to the right place, without the risk of being left in a safe place, or at a nearby delivery location.
When shipping jewellery, gemstones or watches, it is important to accurately declare its value to the carrier. This declaration directly impacts whether the carrier can accept the package, the level of liability that can be accepted, and any insurance coverage.
Under-valuing goods might seem like a way to save on shipping costs, but it will limit the compensation owed in the event of loss, damage, or theft. Inflating the value could also lead to added costs.
Be precise; provide an accurate assessment of your jewellery's finished cost or invoice value to ensure you have the right amount of coverage.
Once shipped, retain the tracking number. This digital lifeline to your shipment's journey allows you to monitor its progress end-to-end.
Should questions about the shipment arise, act quickly to begin the investigation process. Whether it is a mis-delivery, damage or loss, the quicker you initiate the investigation, the easier it will be for the carrier to use the tracking number to find out what happened.
Some insurance companies can act on your company’s behalf and manage the entire claims process, including initiating the investigation for you. Taking away the stress of chasing multiple companies – saving you time which allows you to focus on customer relations.
Insured Shipping with Parcel Pro
When it comes to operating a business that ship watches, gemstones, precious metals and jewellery, choosing a logistics partner can be tough.
With Parcel Pro, there are no set-up charges and no annual fees. You can pay for the service as you use it, with no upfront premiums1. We also offer shipping protection as a standalone solution for UPS, or for other carriers with our multi-carrier bundled insured shipping solution.
Insurance coverage is available up to £250,000 on UK domestic shipments2, with the necessary approvals.
Parcel Pro has over 25 years of experience with a team of dedicated industry experts ready to assist your business with every step of the shipping journey.
1 Available with Parcel Pro Select®
2 Up to $100,000 for international shipments, and subject to a £50,000 per package limit.