Whether you're a jeweller shipping out orders or sending a sentimental piece to a loved one, ensuring jewelry arrives safely is key. Because of its high value and small size, jewelry is especially vulnerable to loss, damage, or theft in transit. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can ship with confidence.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the do’s and don’ts to help you protect your precious packages.
✅ DO: Use Discreet, Non-Branded Packaging
Avoid branded or flashy packaging that hints at the value inside. A plain, nondescript outer box with no branding or mention of “jewelry,” “gems,” or anything similar reduces the risk of theft. If you are shipping your item in a branded box, use a plain outer box to double-box your shipment.
🚫 DON’T: Only Use Envelopes or Soft Mailers
Even bubble mailers can get crushed or torn, making them a poor choice for anything fragile or valuable.
Instead: Use a sturdy cardboard box, or two, with ample internal protection or a bubble mailer to keep the jewelry secure and stationary.
✅ DO: Attach Multiple Copies of Labels
Make sure to attach the appropriate number of labels and commercial invoices required by the carrier to your shipment (sometimes it’s 3 copies of each!). If you have double boxed your shipment, include a shipping label on the inside, as well as the outside of the package. If the outer box is destroyed in transit or by weather and the shipping label goes AWOL, a backup copy is inside.
Pro Tip: Write the tracking number on the inner and outer box in permanent marker in case your label goes missing. And make sure your shipping label is protected by a plastic sleeve or envelope.
✅ DO: Use Priority Shipping
Always choose the highest priority and fastest shipping option when sending valuable goods. The longer the shipping time, the higher the risk of loss, theft, or damage to your shipment.
✅ DO: Check The Shipping and Packing Requirements Beforehand
Most shipping carriers and insurance companies require specific packing instructions in order for your contents to be properly insured. This may include packing requirements such as double boxing, shipping on specific days (not on Fridays or weekends), or special modes of transport depending on the value of the shipment. Check on these requirements with your carrier and your insurance company prior to sending.
🚫 DON’T: Include Descriptive Words or Business Names on the Shipping Label
Avoid words that hint at the value and contents inside. It’s an easy one to do, but DO NOT include descriptive words or business names on the shipping label. Common examples are: “Jenny’s Jewelry, Gold Jewellers, diamonds, or gemstones”.
Instead: Use the first letter of the word or business name. Ex. Jenny’s J. instead of Jenny’s Jewelry. Polished D instead of Polished Diamonds.
✅ DO: Wrap Jewelry Individually
Prevent scratches and tangles by wrapping each piece in its own pouch or cloth. Use foam, bubble wrap, or jewelry boxes to keep them secure.
Bonus: Include anti-tarnish paper or silica gel if the item is sensitive to moisture.
🚫 DON’T: Leave Loose Items in the Box
Loose items increase the risk of breakage and make it easier for parts to fall out during transit. Keep everything snug and organized inside the box. Secure small boxes or envelopes with bubble wrap or tape.
✅ DO: Insure Your Shipment
Always get insurance for high-value items. Most carriers offer this option, and it can save you a lot of stress (and money) in case something goes wrong.
Tip: Know the exact value of your items and retain purchase receipts or appraisals when possible.
🚫 DON’T: Underestimate Delivery Tracking
Shipping jewelry without tracking is a gamble. Always opt for a service that includes tracking, delivery confirmation and a signature confirmation for extra security. Most insurance companies will not insure shipments or pay claims sent without these features.
✅ DO: Pack Your Shipment Under CCTV
A video recording of a shipment being packed is always a good idea. If you need to review a video of you or your employee’s actions because you accidentally sent an empty box or threw away an item, you can.
🚫 DON’T: Ship Your Item Without Protection From Weather
You’d be surprised what weather a package is subjected to throughout its journey. Make sure to pack your item in impermeable packaging to protect it from water or rain.
Pro Tip: Always tape the edges of your shipment to protect from moisture or tampering.
✅ DO: Choose a Reputable Carrier
Stick with trusted shipping services that offer insurance, tracking, and reliable delivery times. FedEx, UPS, Canada Post Priority Mail and USPS Registered Mail are popular options for jewelry.
USPS Registered Mail is especially secure—it’s sealed under lock and key at every point, though it can take longer.
🚫 DON’T: Ship Internationally Without Research
International shipments involve customs, taxes, and different security standards. Always research the destination country’s regulations and insure the package accordingly.
✅ DO: Keep Records of Everything
Document the contents, take photos of the jewelry or gems with the shipping label, and also photos of the packaging with the shipping label attached. If you have dropped off the package you are sending, make sure to ask for a receipt for proof of doing so. Save all your shipping receipts! This is vital for insurance claims or customer service follow-ups.
🚫 DON’T: Send a Shipment With Previously Used Packaging
We all want to reduce, reuse and recycle, but when it comes to shipping valuable goods, stick to using brand new packaging. Used packaging can be structurally compromised, or can disguise signs that the shipment may have been tampered with, resulting in a greater risk of damage or theft.
✅ DO: Record a Video Unboxing of a Damaged Shipment
If you receive a shipment and the packaging appears to be damaged or tampered with, record a video of the package being opened. If the contents are missing, a video of the shipment being opened can help with an insurance claim.
Wrapping It Up
Shipping jewelry or gemstones doesn't have to be nerve-wracking. With careful planning and the right packaging, your items can travel across town or around the globe safely. Follow these tips and give you, and your customers, peace of mind.