Survey Reveals Why Travellers Should Take Extra Precautions With Fine Jewellery

The number of travellers reporting lost or stolen jewellery has doubled over the past four years, according to a survey conducted in 2019. The survey revealed that 20% of respondents suffered a jewellery loss while on vacation. That’s up from 10% just four years ago.

Centrestone Jewellery Insurance reports that the beach is the riskiest place for travellers to wear their jewellery. And while Centrestone Jewellery Insurance advises sun worshippers to protect their jewellery in a room safe or hotel vault before heading to the water’s edge, too many choose to tempt fate. The result: 27% of all travel-jewellery losses can be traced to where the surf meets the sand.

Still, another pain point is that only 1% of the lost or stolen jewellery is ever recovered by their owners.

“Travel continues to be a vulnerable time to misplace or have jewellery stolen,” noted Lachlan Renshaw, Founder of Centrestone Jewellery Insurance. “Travelers can and should insure their jewellery, and there are also steps they can take to minimise risk.”

Mr Renshaw outlined these essential tips…

• Document: As you’re packing, take a photo of your pieces. If you need to file a police report, this proof of ownership will be very helpful.
• Carry It: Never put jewellery 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 jewellery or where you stay on social media.
• Wear Wisely: Avoid wearing jewellery while swimming, especially in cold water where finger sizes can temporarily shrink.
• Tuck Away: Never leave the jewellery out in the open. Use the safe in your room or hotel vault. (however, there have been cases where even this has been problematic) 
• 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.

What’s the best cover for your jewellery?

Shopping around to aid research is the best way to reduce premiums; however, as mentioned before, not all Jewellery Insurance is the same.

Centrestone Jewellery Insurance offers: 

• Up to 150% cover
• No excess on claims
• Return to the jeweller of your choice
• Like for like replacement
• Worldwide cover
• Free annual revaluation service
• Competitive premiums with industry-leading policy features