I’m a jewellery expert – here’s how to keep your gems safe while on holiday

When packing for a holiday, you might chuck your jewellery into a pouch or leave it loose in your suitcase – but this is a ‘recipe for disaster’, one jewellery expert has revealed.

Sarah Rowlands of Pandora UK warns that if you pack your jewellery this way, you’ll either lose a piece or it’ll become tangled, and potentially damaged.

So how do you keep your jewellery safe on your travels? Storing everything in a travel jewellery box or organiser is your safest bet, Sarah says. However, if that’s not an option, there are speedy packing hacks you can employ to protect your jewels on a getaway – including one little-known trick that involves using cling film.

Scroll down for Sarah’s six handy tips – they’re real gems…

1. Roll jewellery in a T-shirt

Sarah says: ‘Get a T-shirt, tank top, or a long piece of material like a bandana and lay out your jewellery about 5cm (2in) apart on your chosen material. Then gently roll the garment up, folding the jewellery on itself and place it in your suitcase or bag amongst your other items so it doesn’t unravel.’

She explains: ‘Your jewellery will stay separated and protected.’

2. Transport jewellery in cling film

Sarah says that wrapping your jewellery in cling film will keep it encased and secure 

You need to dig out the cling film from the kitchen cupboards for this hack. Sarah instructs: ‘Take a large piece of cling film and lay your jewellery out about 5cm (2in) apart on one half of the film.

‘Then fold the other half of the cling film over so the jewellery is encased in film. Lastly, gently roll up the cling film with your jewellery inside so it will be compact and tangle-free for packing in a little box or pouch.’

3. Store earrings on a piece of cardboard, polystyrene, or cotton

Tiny pairs of earrings are notoriously easy to lose – but this hack will help you to keep track of them. Sarah says: ‘Reuse an old piece of cardboard or polystyrene and pierce little holes for your earrings to go through. Or pierce earrings through a fresh cotton ball for safe transport.’

She adds: ‘This is better than storing multiple earrings loose in a little bag or pouch where they can bash each other and cause damage.’

4. Put chains in zip lock/seal bags

To prevent tangling, pack chains inside zip lock bags, leaving the ends of each necklace hanging out

Run-of-the-mill zip lock bags are all you need for this nifty packing trick. Sarah says: ‘Make use of small plastic bags and put your chains 90 per cent inside but leave the ends dangling out.

‘Seal the bag as usual and this will prevent any tangling of necklaces, chains, bracelets, or anklets.’

5. Use pill containers

If you need to stow away earrings and rings, Sarah notes that spare pill containers can come in handy. She says: ‘These can be great for storing smaller jewellery like studs and keeping them compact in one place.’

6. Don’t take anything expensive unless it’s insured

Sarah’s final tip is to avoid packing ultra-precious jewellery at all, especially if it’s very valuable. Instead, leave it at home or take out insurance, she says.

She explains: ‘Unless the item is insured, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Some people even purchase cheaper versions of their engagement or wedding rings to take on holiday instead.’