How do I pack a jewelry parcel so it survives international shipping?

Protect the item inside, cushion the box, seal it well and keep the outside plain. Add the right customs documents, a clear address and tracking, and photograph the packed parcel before it leaves.

Inner protection

Our advice Keep each piece in its own pouch or box and make sure it cannot move. Chains and earrings need extra care to avoid tangling and bending.

Outer packing

1. Use a rigid box or strong mailer that fits snugly.
2. Add padding to stop movement but avoid crushing.
3. Seal all seams with strong tape.
4. Use plain outer packaging with no mention of jewelry.

Labels and documents

• Clear delivery address and return address
• Customs declaration with an accurate description and value
• Invoice inside or attached, as required
• Tracking number

It depends Customs rules, forms and duties differ by country and change over time. Check the destination's requirements, and ask the carrier or the customs authority if you are not sure.

Reduce risk

Our advice Choose a service with tracking and signature, and insure the parcel for its true value. Photograph the contents and the sealed parcel.

Test your pack

• Shake it and drop it from a modest height
• Check that nothing has moved or been damaged

Communicate

• Tell the customer the tracking number
• Warn them of possible import charges

Think about the journey

Our advice International parcels change hands several times and may wait in warehouses or customs. Pack as if the parcel will be dropped, squeezed and delayed. Consider adding a note inside with your contact details and the order number, in case the outer label is damaged and the parcel needs to be traced.

Our advice Use a box with enough space for cushioning on every side, so the item sits in the centre and does not touch the walls. Seal all the seams, and avoid describing the contents on the outside.

Our advice Keep a record of what you packed and how, so a damage claim can show the packing was adequate. Pack a spare copy of the invoice inside, in case the outside one is lost.

Our advice Pack two or more pieces separately within the same parcel, so that they cannot scratch each other during the journey.

Uncertain We cannot state customs rules for any country. Check them before you send.

Related reading: What belongs in a tech pack for a jewelry factory? · How to Request a Jewelry Prototype

Sources

No external standard governs this question, so this answer is editorial advice from the ZKZ team and is labelled that way.

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.