Protect your expensive jewellery while on holiday
Before embarking on your festive season holiday, it vital to ensure your insurance cover is up-to-date for any expensive jewellery, as the risk of theft, loss or damage increases significantly in new surroundings or those tourist areas that are often known hot spots for pickpockets or con artists.
According to Christelle Fourie, Managing Director of MUA Insurance Acceptances, people often forget to ensure the valuable items they take with them on holiday are covered against all risks and for most people often the most expensive items they will be travelling with will be their jewellery. “If you are planning an international trip it is vital to check that your insurance covers you outside of South African borders and is not limited to domestic coverage.”
She says when packing bags, consumers should keep their jewellery in carry-on luggage rather than storing it with checked-in luggage. “Some international airports have strict security measures and your bag may be checked by security personnel. If this is the case then you should request a private room so that other people cannot see your valuables. In a worst case scenario, checked-in luggage may be lost and the reality is that liability cover is often very limited.”
“When you reach your hotel room it is also important to immediately locate the safe and familiarise yourself with how it operates. Never leave your jewellery lying around in the open if you are not in your room.”
She says it is also important, for those in a new environment, to be aware of those people surrounding you. “Criminals are naturally drawn to tourists as they assume they are wealthy. They will watch and wait for a moment when the traveller lets their guard down to grab their bag or pickpocket without anyone noticing.”
“Theft and loss, however, are not the only risks while travelling. The relaxed environment often results in people relaxing their usually strict habits that protect their precious jewellery against damage. Sand or concrete can scratch precious metals and gemstones, which are not as hard as diamonds, and chlorine can cause weakening and discolouration in precious metals.”
Dex Kotze, Chief Executive Officer of Jenna Clifford, also provides some valuable hints on protecting your jewellery while travelling:
- Visit a reputable jeweller to obtain an updated valuation before embarking on your trip if you have not done so recently.
- Plan your jewellery wardrobe well. My motto is “less is more”.
- Take care of your jewellery, for instance do not bath or swim with your pearls.
- Never clump your jewellery together, always wrap each item separately when it is being moved around.
- Always lock your jewellery in a safe when not wearing it, hiding it a cupboard is simply not good enough.
- Never leave your jewellery unattended.
- Be vigilant aware of your surrounding when wearing expensive jewellery.
