Shipping fine jewelry can feel like an act of faith. Sending your goods off with a wish and a prayer doesn’t hurt, but there’s more you can do to ensure your package gets to its final destination in one piece.
Sending high-value items by mail comes with some risk. For customers, a lost or delayed package is a negative experience; for business owners, it could represent a significant loss.
Following best practices for packaging and shipping jewelry helps protect senders against financial loss and can reduce the risk of theft or damage. Here’s what you need to know.
How to pack jewelry for shipping
- Secure the jewelry
- Add branded packaging
- Use protective boxes
- Include cushioning
- Use a discreet box or envelope
There are a few things to consider when packing jewelry for shipping. The best packaging keeps products safe and gives the recipient a positive unboxing experience.
Here are some steps you can take when sending jewelry by mail:
1. Secure the jewelry
Prepare your piece for shipping on a clean surface. Put each piece of jewelry in a small plastic bag or wrap it in tissue paper to prevent small pieces like earring backs from coming loose. Individually wrapping each piece makes it easier to find small or delicate pieces when the customer unwraps the package.
2. Add branded packaging
Place the jewelry in a decorative pouch, box, or custom packaging to elevate the unboxing experience and promote brand awareness.
Customers may want or expect particular packaging depending on the type of jewelry. For example, an engagement ring should come in a velvet jewelry box rather than a velvet pouch.
Consider adding a personalized touch like a thank you card, referral code, or an online store discount.
3. Use protective boxes
Add a thin cardboard box around a ring box to ensure both the ring and box arrive in good condition. If you choose to ship pieces in soft pouches, an outer box can provide extra structure and protection.
4. Include cushioning
Include enough padding to keep your product safe during transit. Packages may be susceptible to denting or bending in the mail. Packaging materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or protective foam can all add an extra layer of protection.
5. Use a discreet box or envelope
Finally, secure your jewelry in a durable exterior package like a larger box, bubble mailer, or padded envelope. This is where you affix the outer label.
How to ship jewelry
- Hand the package off personally
- Compare policies
- Protect your shipment
- Opt for signature on delivery
- Keep your tracking number
Taking a few extra steps to ship jewelry safely can save time and money in the long run:
1. Hand the package off personally
The risk of theft or loss increases each time a package changes hands. Personally delivering your package to the post office or handing it directly to a mail carrier minimizes the number of exchanges in transportation.
Avoid leaving packages unattended—parcels left on doorsteps can be easy targets for theft. If you don’t have time for a trip to the post office, request a pick-up service and hand your parcel over directly.
Some shipping companies have public drop boxes for small packages. These may seem convenient but aren’t the most secure choice for high-value pieces.
2. Compare policies
Research several shipping services, noting any restrictions or banned items—some shipping carriers have specific policies for sending valuable items.
UPS, for example, permits shipping costume jewelry pieces but prohibits mailing gold and other precious metals.
3. Protect your shipment
Shipping insurance is an added cost, but it’s the best way to protect your investment. If a valuable item is lost in the mail, insurance compensates you for the item’s worth, covering both material and labor expenses. The price of insurance varies depending on the declared value of the item. The best carrier depends on your budget and your product’s value.
USPS offers multiple tiers of insurance—registered mail can be insured for up to $50,000. The FedEx Declared Value program lets senders increase the shipper’s liability for packages up to $100,000. FedEx will reimburse the sender for the value of the package if it is damaged or lost, as long as the sender can prove that the damage occurred during shipping.
FedEx’s Declared Value Advantage program lets eligible shippers declare values up to $100,000 per domestic shipment and up to $25,000 to select international destinations on specialty items like jewelry, gemstones, and precious metals versus the standard maximum declared value of $1,000.
Shipping insurance can also be purchased from third-party vendors such as Secursus or Shipsurance. When purchasing insurance, consider the overall value of your package as well your shipping needs, including how frequently you ship high-value items.
4. Opt for signature on delivery
Some shipping services offer the option to require a signature upon delivery. Selecting this service ensures that someone is available to receive the package when it arrives and that it won’t be left unattended.
Signature services are available as an add-on with USPS Priority Mail, USPS Priority Mail Express, and USPS First-Class Mail. Signature service is automatically included with FedEx Declared Value.
5. Keep your tracking number
Take note of your package’s tracking number on your receipt or in a confirmation email. Use this number to monitor the progress of your package. If a customer reports that a package hasn’t been delivered, online tracking services can help you identify if it has gone missing or is simply behind schedule.
Tips for packing and shipping jewelry
If shipping jewelry is a large part of your business, these tips can help you reduce risk and keep costs down:
Package discreetly
Making it clear there’s jewelry inside a package could attract unwanted attention. To practice discretion and reduce the risk of theft, save branded materials for the inside of the package. You only need a shipping label on the outside of the box.
Correctly size your packaging
Choosing suitable packing materials can help keep total costs down. Couriers calculate rates based in part on the size and weight of the package. Choosing a shipping box just large enough to hold your product ensures you’re not paying more than you need to. A smaller box also requires less padding, which can reduce packaging costs.
Declare an accurate value
You’re required to declare the item’s value when purchasing insurance. The price of insurance policies increases for higher-value items. It might be tempting to declare a lower value to save money on insurance, but this will cost you more if a jewelry item goes missing. Insurance policies will only reimburse senders for the stated value of the item.
Follow carrier policies
Review your shipping company’s specific guidelines for shipping jewelry before sending your package. Some carriers may have policies against sending certain materials or shipping items over a stated price. Adhering to these rules helps protect your investment—violating carrier policies could void the insurance policy.
How to ship jewelry FAQ
How much does it cost to ship jewelry?
Shipping costs vary depending on several factors, including the size and weight of the package, the shipping tier, and the shipping addresses. Larger packages and long-range deliveries are more expensive. Shipping carriers offer online tools to help you estimate costs.
Is it safe to ship jewelry through USPS?
USPS offers various shipping services that can protect your investment when shipping jewelry, including optional insurance add-ons for up to $50,000. The USPS website has a complete description of their shipping options.
Are there shipping restrictions for jewelry?
Restrictions and regulations for jewelry items vary depending on the shipping company. Check your provider’s website before mailing to be sure you’re in compliance.
How do you insure jewelry when shipping?
You can purchase shipping insurance online or at a post office. This can be done at the same time that you ship your package or request your label. Many delivery services include flat-rate insurance for items up to $100. Obtaining additional insurance for shipping valuables costs extra.