Departures, Diamonds, and Disaster Prevention: 6 Mistakes to Avoid While Travelling With Valuables This Christmas

The festive season is a time for celebrations, gift-giving, and travel. But for those carrying jewellery and luxury watches, Christmas also brings heightened risks. With airports bustling, trains crowded, and roads busy, even a brief lapse in attention can lead to loss, theft, or damage. Luxury goods experts at Dawsons Auctioneers share six essential mistakes to avoid when travelling with your prized possessions this Christmas.

Keep Valuables Close at Hand

No matter your mode of transport, never let your valuables out of sight. When flying, always carry jewellery in hand luggage, as checked bags are at risk of mishandling — around 90,000 bags are misplaced worldwide daily. On trains, keep your bag close and avoid leaving it in overhead racks. In cars, never leave jewellery visible in a parked vehicle. Use a secure, easy-to-access container that stays with you at all times.

Pack Smart or Leave It Behind

Some pieces are simply too valuable to risk on a festive journey. Consider leaving your most expensive or sentimental jewellery at home and opting for affordable “travel jewellery” lookalikes. Plan your pieces around your holiday outfits to avoid carrying unnecessary items. Fewer pieces mean fewer worries and less chance of misplacing anything during festive rushes.

Separate and Protect Your Jewellery

Loose jewellery in a bag is a recipe for scratches, broken clasps, or tangled chains. Use individual pouches or a travel jewellery case with compartments. Jonathan Pratt, Managing Director at Dawsons Auctioneers, advises, “Proper organisation protects delicate settings and makes it easier to account for each piece, reducing the risk of forgetting or losing something valuable.”

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Many travellers assume their jewellery is automatically covered under travel insurance, but policies often have strict per-item limits. Proof of value — receipts or professional valuations — is usually required. Insurance may only cover items stored safely when not worn, excluding losses from negligence, such as leaving jewellery in a car or cloakroom. Always verify whether home insurance extends to travel.

Mind the Weather: Cold and Heat Risks

Winter’s chill can shrink fingers and wrists, causing rings to slip and bracelets to loosen. Pratt advises adjusting wristpieces or avoiding rings in freezing conditions. Conversely, summer or hot holidays carry their own risks, with beaches being a common location for lost jewellery. Planning around the environment helps avoid unexpected mishaps.

Research and Avoid High-Risk Areas

Festive crowds attract opportunistic thieves. Busy Christmas markets, train stations, motorway services, and even family gatherings can create theft opportunities. Research local theft rates and consider leaving valuable jewellery at home or secured in a hotel safe. When staying with family, ask about a home safe for peace of mind.

What to Do if the Worst Happens

If jewellery is lost or stolen, report immediately to local authorities and obtain a reference number, notify your insurer, contact transport providers if relevant, and inform hosts if items go missing at a private residence. Jonathan Pratt warns against buying counterfeit jewellery abroad or at festive markets. “Counterfeit items may contain harmful materials and can incur severe fines if detected at customs.”

By taking precautions and planning ahead, you can enjoy your festive travels while keeping your diamonds, watches, and other valuables safe.

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