DIY guide to traveling with jewelry

Traveling means packing, and knowing how to pack easily and efficiently is an art and a science. You might already know what to bring in your carry-on and what to pack when the weather is fickle. But what about jewelry? Valuable, meaningful, and easy-to-lose, jewelry is one of the most important things to know how to pack securely while seeing the world.

If you’re wondering how to pack jewelry for travel without needing to buy anything, click play on the video below, and then read on for even more tips!

Organize small items in a pillbox

The tiny compartments are the perfect size for storing your earrings, rings, pins, and other small items. As an added bonus, you can organize your jewelry to match your planned outfits for every day of your trip! (Though if your trip is more than seven days long, you’ll have to get creative.)

Keep necklaces in straws

If your necklaces are thin enough, you can secure them with a straw. Simply unhook your necklace, feed one end through the straw, and secure the clasp. It’ll never get tangled! You can even use a hair tie to secure your necklaces to the pillbox. Just be sure to use a reusable straw instead of a single-use plastic one. For more tips on responsible, environmentally friendly travel, check out our guide to eco-friendly travel essentials →

Make a jewelry roll with a shirt or travel towel

Who needs to buy a jewelry roll when you’ve already got the materials for a DIY jewelry kit? Start by neatly laying out your jewelry on a shirt or travel towel. Roll up the soft fabric—making sure that no two items are touching one another—until it forms a neat bundle. Use hair ties or rubber bands to secure the ends, and you’re ready to travel!

Attach jewelry to a paper plate

Stick your earrings through the middle of the plate and make small holes for your necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry around the sides. Then store your paper plate in a reusable bag, like a canvas tote or packing cube.

Hook earrings through buttons

Stick your two earrings through a button’s two buttonholes. It’s a two-in-one trick: Your earrings stay together, and you have an extra button in case one pops off your clothing while you’re out and about on tour!

How to travel with jewelry depending on your destination

If you’re traveling to an area where locals don’t have the opportunity to own flashy, expensive jewelry, consider bringing subtle, inexpensive jewelry and leaving your most valuable items at home. You’ll be able to interact with locals in a more authentic, respectful way. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to lock your most precious jewelry in the safe in your hotel room, rather than leaving it in your luggage when you’re out and about.

Now that you know how to pack jewelry for travel and how to travel with jewelry, look forward to picking up some new favorite pieces on your trip! Buying jewelry from local artisans is a chance to support the community you’re visiting. Plus, as beauty expert and traveler Stephanie writes in her fashion industry insider’s guide to packing, jewelry is a great way to “add a pop of color to any ensemble, without weighing down your suitcase with additional outfits.” So, go ahead and treat yourself to a new ring or necklace (or both!) as a souvenir.

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