With so many small yet important pieces, packing jewelry for a trip can seem like a monumental task. After you’ve decided on a few key styles you’d like to bring, follow these packing tips to ensure a safe arrival for all your favorite bling.
Rings
Use a jewelry roll or organizer to keep track of all your rings. Jewelry rolls will contain a soft tube that holds your rings in place so they don’t accidentally slip from your bag. You can also opt to use a small plastic bag to keep these pieces separate and safe from the rest of your stuff.
Earrings
There are two simple ways you can safely pack your earrings without the use of a jewelry organizer.
- Buttons
Insert your earring through the button hole, using one button per earring pair. Place the completed buttons in a smaller plastic bag or soft pouch to keep them all in one place.
- Cardboard
Find a stiff piece of cardboard and use a pen tip to punch small holes (in pairs) into the board. Insert your earrings into the holes and place the entire piece into a plastic bag. This way, you can easily see all the earrings you’ve brought with you but don’t have to worry about losing your smaller studs.
Bracelets
Use a rolled-up washcloth to keep track of all your favorites. Slide your bracelets over the towel, then tuck it into a plastic bag to prevent any potential slippage.
Necklaces
The trickiest part of packing necklaces is figuring out how to prevent the chain from knotting up on itself. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to prevent this from happening.
- Straws
Thread one end of the necklace into the straw, pulling it out the other. Then, you can secure the latch without worrying about it catching and becoming impossible to pull apart.
- Jewelry bag
A small silk jewelry bag looks great and protects your most precious pieces. Drape the chain out of the bag and around the clasp so your necklace won’t get knotted. You can also use small plastic bags and leave a bit of the chain outside for a similar result.
Other unique ways to pack your jewelry
With a little ingenuity, it’s easy to pack your jewelry using items you already have in your home. Try using a few of our favorite packing materials the next time you go on vacation:
Mint tins — An old mint tin is perfect for keeping track of smaller pieces, such as rings and stud earrings. Here’s a hint: Stick a few cotton balls in there along with your jewelry and you’ll avoid any potential scratches.
Carabiners — Perfect to hold your rings, hoop earrings, and bracelets. Just clip them on and pack them up with the rest of your jewelry for a cheap and easy way to store your travel pieces.
Baseball card holders — For an interesting use of what may be an outdated item, these plastic dividers are great for separating jewelry. Put each item into its own area to keep them from getting lost or tangled.
Glasses case — If you’re a glasses wearer, make use of one of the glasses cases you have lying around by filling it up with some of your smaller items.
Socks — You’re already packing socks, so why not slip a few rings or earrings in before folding them together? The fabric will protect your jewelry from damage and you’ll save space by using something you’ll be wearing, too!
Contacts case — Especially great for your smallest pieces. You can also separate out earrings by packing them up in your contacts case.
Cling wrap — Protect your necklaces with this affordable tip: Lay out your jewelry on a piece of cling wrap and press down another layer over it. Make sure to leave space between each piece so they’ll remain tight and in shape for when you decide to wear them.
Erasers — Place your earring backs into erasers to keep them from getting lost during transit. You can also use small pencil erasers as makeshift earring backs, in case you forget the ones you have.
Keep it simple
One of the easiest ways to ensure a stress-free vacation is to invest in a good jewelry organizer. This way, all your jewelry will be in one place and easily accessible, even if you’re living out of your suitcase for a while. For more tips on traveling with jewelry, check out our blog on our favorite travel jewelry before heading over to ShaneCo.com to view our trendy summer styles.
