What to Do if You Lose a Piece of Jewelry While Traveling

Maybe you’re in the airport or your hotel room, or just out and about exploring your destination. Wherever you happen to be, the reaction is the same. You look down at your hand or absentmindedly scratch your neck or ear and you realize it — your jewelry is gone. While this might cause panic, there are a few things you can do if you lose a piece of jewelry while traveling.

Back Track

While back tracking is the first thing you probably would think to do, there’s an easier way to rule out spots where you could’ve lost your jewelry. Just look back at the photos on your phone or camera. If you were still wearing the piece in a photo earlier in the day, you can more easily pinpoint the places you might’ve lost your jewelry.

File a Claim

If the jewelry is valuable enough to file a claim with the appropriate authorities, do so as quickly as possible. The authorities you talk to may differ according to where you lose the jewelry. If you lose your piece during a flight, then you’ll have to talk to TSA. If the loss occurs at a hotel, you’ll need to talk to both hotel management and the local police. If it happens while you’re out and about, talk to management at whatever establishment or attraction you might’ve been visiting, as well as the local police.

Check Your Insurance

If you don’t have insurance on the piece of jewelry directly, definitely check your travel insurance to see if there’s anything that might indicate you’re covered. If so, talk to your insurance provider about next steps.

Whenever you travel, it’s a good idea to usually leave more valuable pieces of jewelry at home, save for a sentimental, everyday piece like an engagement or wedding ring. If you do decide to bring jewelry with you on a trip, consider taking a clear photo of the piece before your departure, in case you need to provide authorities with a description.