Believe it or not, but improper packing is actually one of the leading reasons why a lot of packages end up getting damaged. Further proving that there is so much more that goes into shipping than just simply throwing an item in a box and slapping an address on it.
Choosing the right shipping company is always important. However, when you are dealing with something small and valuable, this choice gains even greater importance. In a situation like this, you want to look into shipping companies such as Unival Logistics which offer insurance and tracking on the item shipped.
Who wants to order or ship jewelry from an unreliable shipping company and risk getting damaged or even missing goods? Exactly. No one. Therefore, let’s go over some of the best ways to pack jewelry before shipping it.
Preparing the Package
In all honesty, jewelry is tricky to ship. There are so many ways in which a precious piece of jewelry can get damaged or even broken before it ever arrives at the desired address. This is why proper preparation before shipment matters. The preparation differs based on what kind of jewelry you are sending.
For example, the preparation needed for shipping a pair of golden earrings is different from the preparation needed if you are shipping two hundred thin necklaces. Necklaces and bracelets are notoriously known to get tangled super easily, which can result in damage or in a clump of jewelry that you just can’t untangle.
When shipping a tiny piece of jewelry like a ring or a set of earrings, you want to make sure that all pieces remain together. First, lay it down in front of you, all clean, polished, and ready to go. Then see if you have the proper shipping materials such as small boxes, heavy-duty envelopes, and the final shipping boxes.
It would be best to put tiny pieces in a box that has equally tiny compartments. That way, the jewelry won’t move around as it’s getting shipped.
Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have all the materials needed to pack the jewelry, you can start with the actual packing process. First, put the jewelry in the first container, preferably a small box with compartments or some sort of small pillow in it. If possible, wrap the jewelry with bubble wrap. Layering is going to be crucial here, so make sure that you do this step well.
Once the jewelry is secured in the first container, you can put the jewelry in the second container. Depending on the amount of jewelry you are shipping, the second container can be a box that is a bit larger than the first container or a padded envelope. The next step here is making sure that everything is in place and compact.
When this step is completed, check again! Double, or even triple-check if the jewelry is fully secured. If you feel like the jewelry is properly placed and secured, you can put the package in the shipping box. Make sure that you seal the box completely and that you leave it unmarked. If the jewelry is breakable, you might just want to check of “fragile”. Although this isn’t recommended.
However, marking it as “highly valuable” and even “fragile” right on the box is also going to bring you trouble. People stealing packages has slowly become a more and more burning problem in America, so it’s best if you just kept the box unmarked. What you can do is request a signature upon delivery. And of course – shipping insurance.
A Few Extra Tips
If you are shipping a piece of jewelry that is extremely valuable, don’t save on the bubble wrap. The more layers, the better. The more boxes, the better. The tighter the fit, the better, as well. And it won’t hurt to put some packing peanuts in your boxes. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, isn’t it?
Whether you are sending, moving, or selling jewelry, make sure that you choose the right shipping company. Something to remember is that mistakes can happen even when you wrap the jewelry in five layers of bubble wrap and put it in five different-sized boxes. Shipping insurance will, if nothing, put your mind (and your wallet) at ease.
Always Protect Yourself
A key to loss prevention is being well prepared, organized, and responsible. Always request a signature upon delivery, and never skim on shipping insurance. Yes, it might cost a little extra, but would you rather pay a little extra and actually receive (or successfully sell) your desired jewelry or have it stolen or lost forever?
Always do your research, read up on reviews of the shipping company of choice, and stick to the step-by-step guide. With the risk of sounding like a broken record – never forget to take out insurance for the jewelry that is being shipped.