Your suitcase is packed, your phone is fully charged, and you can’t wait to document your travels (and your destination-inspired outfits) on Instagram. 

You’re nearly ready to jet-set! There’s just one more thing. How are you supposed to fly with jewelry? 

Don’t worry. Today we’re answering all your questions about flying with jewelry. Read on, sister!

Choosing the Perfect Jewelry Ensemble

Your travel ensemble is nearly complete, but what about the jewelry?

Make it easy with matching jewelry sets

Matching jewelry sets can be a sophisticated choice, especially for special occasions or formal events. However, mixing and matching different pieces can also create a unique and stylish look. Experiment with combining statement earrings with simple gold jewelry or pairing ornate necklaces with diamond studs for a touch of elegance.

Making a statement with earrings

Statement earrings are bold, eye-catching pieces that can instantly elevate any outfit. Think chandelier earrings adorned with blue gemstones or intricately designed drop earrings. When wearing statement earrings, keep the rest of your jewelry simple to let them take center stage. Avoid busy patterns or overly ornate jewelry pieces, as they can compete with your earrings and create a fashion faux pas.

Finding the perfect accessory

While the definition of the perfect accessory may vary from person to person, there are certain jewelry pieces that can effortlessly enhance any look. Simple gold jewelry, such as delicate necklaces or classic bracelets, are versatile options that complement both casual outfits and formal attire. Whether you're dressing up for a night out or keeping it casual during your travels, the perfect accessory can add the finishing touch to your ensemble.

Packing Jewelry for Your Journey

Can I bring jewelry in my carry-on?

Absolutely! That’s what it’s there for (along with other things). Your carry-on is a safe place to pack any jewelry or valuable items you’re bringing with you on your trip. Since your carry-on stays with you throughout your air travel journey, you never have to worry about your jewelry getting lost or stolen in checked baggage.

For extra security, we recommend keeping your jewelry in a travel jewelry case. This keeps your jewelry secure and prevents it from banging around the rest of the items in your carry-on or purses. It also makes it easier to stay organized and get dressed during your trip! 

Learn more about the benefits of travel jewelry cases.

Where should I pack my jewelry when flying? 

The best way to pack jewelry for air travel is with a travel jewelry case. It keeps things easy, organized, and secure. You don’t have to worry about your necklaces getting tangled up in each other, or a rogue earring falling out of your purse. 

A good travel jewelry case should zip closed and have dedicated space for various items, including earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. 

If you don’t have a travel jewelry case, read our blog for creative ways to pack jewelry for a trip.

How do you travel with expensive jewelry?

If you can avoid it, don’t travel with expensive jewelry. Air travel requires a lot of movement, and worrying about your expensive jewelry getting lost will make your trip a lot more stressful. Depending on where you’re traveling to, it can also make you a target for pickpocketing. 

If you do decide to travel with your expensive jewelry, though, follow these tips to keep it safe:

• Get it insured. This is a good thing to do, whether or not you plan on traveling with your jewelry. 
• Take a visual inventory of your jewelry. You’ll need to do this for the insurer. Take photos of each item you’re bringing, with a note of its value (keep the receipts!).
• Keep it secure. When you’re not wearing your jewelry, keep it safe in a travel jewelry case that you carry with you, or keep it locked in the hotel safe.
• Don’t be flashy about its value when you’re out and about. You can even ask TSA to screen you in private if you’re worried about thieves noticing your jewelry.

Passing Through TSA with Jewelry

Can you wear jewelry through TSA?

Yes, for the most part. Gold, platinum, sterling silver, and other fine jewelry rarely causes an alarm. That means you can wear your rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches. 

The only gotcha is when your jewelry is bulky or contains a lot of metal. Oversized and metallic jewelry can trigger the alarm, so it’s best to put it in your carry-on, where it won’t set off the metal detector.

In fact, TSA actually recommends that you keep your jewelry on (with the exception of large or metallic pieces). It’s good news all around: you get to stay stylish, keep your jewelry safe, and go through security just a little bit faster. 

Do you have to remove jewelry through airport security?

Most fine jewelry and small pieces will go through airport security without a problem. Anything that’s bulky or made of metal can trigger a wand-down, though, so make sure to remove those pieces and place them in your carry-on before going through security. That includes metal earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches, as well as any heavy bangles or watches. 

It’s important to put these pieces in your carry-on, and not somewhere else, like your pocket.  Metal detectors sometimes pick up heavy rhinestones or metal buttons on jeans, so they’re definitely going to notice a piece of jewelry in your pockets.

For the jewelry that’s good to travel through security, keep it on. For anything else, take it off and store it in a travel jewelry case in your carry-on. Do not put it in a bin or bowl to go through the security belt. These can tip over during their journey, be mistakenly picked up by another traveler, or left behind by you!

Do earrings set off airport security?

No, earrings will not set off the metal detector unless they’re especially bulky, or contain a lot of metal. Fine earrings, small studs, and reasonably sized dangle or chandelier earrings should all be fine. Read more about picking an earring travel case for flying.

Can you wear jewelry on a plane?

Of course! Wear small, non-metallic jewelry and you can pass through security just fine. Keep everything else in your travel jewelry case, or swap out what you’re wearing for something more exciting once you arrive at your terminal. Gotta rock that airport outfit!

Need a travel jewelry case? The Wanderer by Roam Often is your airport-friendly jewelry travel essential. Its slim 5” x 7” profile fits easily in your carry-on, backpack, or purse, but it’s got space for all the jewelry you want to take with you. Safe travels!

Roam often, stay stylish.