The number of travelers reporting lost or stolen jewelry has doubled over the past four years, according to a national survey conducted by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group. The survey revealed that 20% of respondents suffered a jewelry loss while on vacation. That's up from 10% just four years ago.
Jewelers Mutual reports the most risky place for travelers to wear fine jewelry is at the beach. And while the insurance company advises sun worshippers to protect their jewelry in a room safe or hotel vault before heading to the water's edge, too many are choosing to tempt fate. The result: 27% of all travel-jewelry losses can be traced to where the surf meets the sand.
Still another pain point is that only 1% of the lost or stolen jewelry is ever recovered by their owners.
"Travel continues to be a vulnerable time to misplace or have jewelry stolen," noted Don Elliott, Director of Claims at Jewelers Mutual. "Travelers can and should insure their jewelry, and there also are steps they can take to minimize risk."
Elliot outlined these important tips...
• Document: As you're packing, take a photo of the pieces you're taking with you. If you need to file a police report for any reason, this proof of ownership will be very helpful.
• Carry It: Never put jewelry in a checked bag. Wear it or stow it in your carry-on bag and keep that bag in sight at all times.
• Don't Post It: Avoid being an easy target. Don't share photos of your jewelry or where you are staying on social media.
• Wear Wisely: Avoid wearing jewelry while swimming, especially in cold water where finger sizes can temporarily shrink.
• Tuck Away: Never leave jewelry out in the open. Use the safe in your room or hotel vault.
• Conceal Don't Reveal: Tuck necklaces inside your shirt, turn your engagement ring to the inside of your hand and cover any bracelets or watches with a sleeve when in dangerous areas.
• Button Up: If you're packing earrings, fasten them to an extra button to avoid them being separated or misplaced.
• Suck It Up: Thread necklaces through a paper straw. This will prevent them from being easily misplaced or lost, with the added benefit of avoiding a tangled mess.
Jewelers Mutual also introduced its new digital publication called "Your Guide For Traveling With Jewelry." It covers packing, time away, and upon-return tips, as well as advice for buying jewelry on vacation and what to do if your jewelry is lost or stolen while traveling. Click this link for more info...
Conducted in May 2019 by Kantar Group, the Jewelers Mutual survey reflects the experiences of 1,044 adults, ages 18 to 64.
Credit: Image courtesy of Jewelers Mutual.
