How to Safely Ship Jewelry

Losing your valuable jewelry in shipment is more likely than a loss due to a personal theft or home burglary. Consumers are surprised to learn that their jewelry is at risk while in the hands of the major shipping companies in the United States. The major shipping hubs run by UPS, FedEx, and the USPS are as large as a small town. Thousands of employees occupy these facilities on a daily basis. Policing the actions of every employee is impossible for these large corporations. Not to mention the difficulties in watching over the isolated access held by individual delivery drivers.

Most consumers have developed a relationship with their local jeweler. The trust between consumer and jeweler is a relationship built over many years. However, what most people may not realize is that for a large portion of the services offered by their jeweler, the item must be shipped off site. Appraisals, repairs, engravings, and other jewelry work is typically subcontracted out to an off site vendor. This requires a shipment. By understanding the safest methods for shipping jewelry, you can work with your jeweler to ensure the safety of your most treasured items.

Furthermore, you may be selling your own personal jewelry, running an eBay business, or shipping a valuable heirloom to another party. Regardless, it is essential that you understand the safest way to ship jewelry.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 6" x 6" x 2" box
• 12" x 12" x 4" box
• Reinforced Mailing Tape
• Packing peanuts or filler
• Address labels
• Rubber Ink Stamp
• Permanent Marker

1. Disguising your package is the first and most important step in safe jewelry shipping. Rings, necklaces, and earrings all come in small packages. Any woman can attest to the old adage that good things come in small packages. Thieves also understand this concept all too well. If the box you are using looks like a jewelry box, then your risk just went up ten fold. Ultimately you will want the box to appear large and nondescript.

2. Double boxing your package is the preferred method for packaging. There is evidence to suggest that some package handlers have the skill to quickly insert a small metal hook into the side of a package and pull out the piece of jewelery in a split second. This prevents detection by others and there is no obvious damage to the box. By double boxing the package, you can usually prevent the hook and grab method of jewelry theft.

3. Chose an inner box which is approximately 6” x 6” x 2” in size. You can vary the size, but will want to make sure it will fit into the larger box with a couple inches on each side to spare. Place the jewelry and your contact information / business card into the inner box. Seal this box with reinforced mailing tape. Place a label on the inner box with your return address and the shipping tracking number. If your business name includes any jewelry related wording, disguise the name with initials or an alias. By placing this information on the inner box, you will have a better chance of recovery if the outer box is damaged in shipment.

4. Chose a strong and sturdy shipping box which is approximately 12” x 12” x 4” in size. It is preferable to use a box provided by the shipping company. If possible secure the inner box inside this shipping box using tape. Fill the remaining space inside the box with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or other material. The goal is to prevent rattling and any clues that a smaller (jewelry) box is inside.

5. Use caution when addressing the shipment. Do not use any words that indicate jewelry or valuables are located in the box. If you are shipping to a jeweler or company with jewelry related terms in their address, ask the destination company for an alias or alternative name. Use the same caution when listing your return address. Avoid words like: jewelry, jeweler, gold, silver, diamonds, rings, etc. Double check that you have the proper address for your shipment. If you have any suspicions, call the destination company to confirm the address prior to sending.

6. Seal the shipping box with reinforced mailing tape. Tape all corners and edges of the box. Stamp or mark the tape so that any tampering will be evident.

7. Completion of the shipping forms and requirements are also important when shipping jewelry. If you are required to list the contents of the package, chose words such as parts, supplies, or documents. Make sure you are able to track the package via the shipping company's website. Also make sure that you require a signature by the recipient. Later, if your jewelry shipment is reported missing, you will have a detailed paper trail of the shipping process.

8. Consider purchasing insurance from the shipping company. Most shipping carriers only provide a minimal amount of automatic coverage, typically $100 or less. If you are making frequent high value jewelry shipments, you should speak to an account manager with the shipping company. Most of the carriers provide a high value shipping service.

9. Document the contents of the package prior to shipment. Take a digital photo of the jewelry being shipped. Be sure to have documents supporting the jewelry's value, appraisal, and specifications. These will be required if there is a loss.

10. Finally, let the recipient know when the package has been shipped. Send them an email, fax, or make a phone call. Ask that they advise you immediately upon receipt of the package.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cautious when shipping to zip codes known to be jewelry districts: 94103, 94108, 94102, 60659, 60603, 60602, 90013, 10036, and 10017. The thieves know these zip codes. If possible make alternative arrangements with the recipient.
• Never use envelopes – padded or otherwise.

[slphilbrick]

on 8/14/2009 I can't tell you how many people I've known through eBay who ship jewelry in bubble envelopes ! It's cheaper, sure, but not if it gets "lost". Appreciate your clear, concise instructions on keeping jewelry safe(r) in shipment!

[Alrady]

on 8/13/2009 Great step by step in packaging AND shipping safely jewelry. I had no clue about the hook and crook method. Next time they want to grab a piece of jewelry from my package they will have to do contortions.