Flying for the first time in your life, and you are not exactly sure about the rules regarding airport security, mainly where jewelry is concerned? Can I bring jewelry on a plane?

This article is for you. We understand how you feel, the uncertainty, and the anxiety that comes into play when you have to take flights, especially after watching or reading about some of the horrors of airports and airport security.

While the whole experience may seem daunting at first, you will really enjoy the trip because we’ll guide you through all you need to know about travelling with jewelry, what to do and what to avoid doing.

OK, we're ready to start. Let's get going!

Can I bring personal jewelry to the USA?

Personal Jewelry is usually considered a personal item that is exempt from Customs Duty. So, when you come to the US with it, it won't cost you any money. Can you take jewelry on a plane carry on? Of course, if you're carrying very expensive jewelry, like watches, bracelets, necklaces, etc. then you'll have to declare them.

This is not the case often, though, and the only time you’d have to declare your fine jewelry when getting into the USA is if you have an excess amount of jewelry and you look more or less like the Queen of England. In other words, you can travel with your few pairs of earrings, watches, rings, and necklaces. If you are planning a longer trip, it’s recommended to ask some of these questions at the embassy or the consulate.

Do I have to declare jewelry at US Customs?

If you are planning to visit the U.S., you may need to report certain items you purchased while abroad. U.S. Customs may inspect your luggage at an airport and ask questions about the contents. You can be fined for making false statements or for smuggling if you fail to tell the truth.

If you are traveling to the US and purchase jewelry while abroad, the US Customs require you to declare the pieces of jewelry. This is a standard requirement. It has nothing to do with taxes. So, in other words, you won't have to pay any taxes on the declared jewelry. In fact, most of the people traveling into the US qualify for the CBP exemptions.

If you travel into the US from places like Guam, Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, you will qualify for a huge exemption of up to $800.

If you live in the United States and you bring any jewelry or watches back from an overseas trip, you must declare it or list it on your tax return.

That said, while it's true that the situation will vary from one country to the next, the general rule applicable requires the declaration of jewelry from many countries if you plan to bring it into these locations for the avoidance of hang-ups or confusion.

And though you will not declare the jewelry you had on when you left home, all jewelry you have bought and plan on gifting your loved ones must be declared. This is the law.

How much jewelry can I bring on the airplane to the USA?

Can you bring jewelry on a plane? While you can bring your valuables into the country without issue, you do have to declare everything – and any item over $10,000 will require a different form than normal. And if you’re carrying anything more expensive than that in your bags, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s insured.

As much as most people note that there is no limit to how much jewelry you can carry in the airplane jewelry, it is important to be aware that the jewelry will set off metal detectors.

The 10,000 Euro limit is the current cap on what can be imported to any EU country without it being classified as a regulated article and subject to customs charges. Some countries also have a 10,000 Euro cap for what can be exported.

How can I carry gold Jewlery in flight to the USA?

If you have any gold jewelry or bullion you need to declare it with Customs and Border Protection Officer. The agency requires that the gold jewelry carry a stamped declaration and must be listed as such and not be counterfeits passed off as genuine pieces.

In terms of carrying your precious jewelry, it’s a good idea to first place the items in your travel case then put them in your handbag or carry-on. You can put the rest of your stuff in your checked bag or in your backpack.

The padded jewelry case or bag is an essential part of any jewelry collection. Not only does it protect your precious jewelry, but also protects your clothes from dirt and other harmful materials. It's the perfect investment for your jewelry.

Tips for carrying jewelry in light to the USA

By now, you know that you must pack light, and this doesn’t apply to your outfits only, your jewelry too. Below are the other tips that will ensure seamless travel into the US with your jewelry.

1. Create a list

As you look to purchase the best luggage and travel gear for your trip, the list is vital for keeping you grounded. The list is also important when it comes to the maintenance of inventory because it allows you to see exactly how many items you currently own and what their sizes are.

If you're looking to make a big purchase, keeping a digital copy of the list on your phone is a smart idea. When you do buy something, it helps to know where to look for it. The same goes for items you want to sell.

2. Invest in a good quality jewelry travel case

The right travel jewelry case or organizer will safely hold your earrings, necklaces, rings, pendants, and bracelets, among other accessories, without any tangling while keeping all the pieces well organized, clean, and visible.

To do all these, these cases are perfectly compartmentalized and padded to protect the jewelry from damage. On top of all that, the case must be small and just the right size to hold the few pieces of essential jewelry you need, nothing too big or heavy to make things heavier.

The jewelry holder should also include some sort of plush lining to help keep the jewels safe. It is important for any jewelry holder to be able to protect the pieces from bumps and scratches.

3. Keep the jewelry in your carry-on

You should never put any jewelry, particularly your valuables, in the checked luggage when you travel.

4. Keep the bag with you 

Never leave your carry-on luggage or any other pieces of baggage unattended, whether you're in a hotel or not. It's too easy to lose valuable items.

5. Get jewelry insurance 

If you want to protect your valuables during a trip, consider purchasing jewelry insurance. You never know what could happen, even when you’re careful and take precautions. That’s why jewelry insurance is something to consider when going on a trip.

6. Don’t be flashy 

You don't need to flash your jewelry every time you go out on the town. If you're worried that people will start staring at you, you could always request a private screening by the TSA agents.

         We hope that this article will help answer any questions you might have when it comes to making jewelry on the road.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection official Latest Updates:

 Commercial importation of diamonds, jewelry, pearls, precious and semi-precious gemstones valued at $2,500 or more requires official entry. Please see our guidelines for official entry in our publication titled "Importing into the United States."

A permit is not required to import these items for commercial purposes; however, a Customs Bond CBP Form 301 is required for all official entry. You can get a guarantee letter from a guarantee company. Check out the list of accredited companies on the Department of Finance website. You may also consider hiring a customs broker to declare entry on your behalf. A list of customs brokers in your area is available on the cbp.gov website at

The Patriot Act also sets out requirements for gem and precious metals dealers. The Financial Center is the agency responsible for developing regulations regarding registration and compliance programs.

Personal importation of these items is usually informal customs clearance and does not require a customs bond. However, if you purchased these items while abroad, make sure you declare them on CBP Form 6059B when you clear them with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires and emeralds imported from countries with normal trade relations are exempt from tax as long as they are not permanently connected in series or inlaid. Additional rates for these items can be found in Chapter 71 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).

When these items are inlaid or fitted with a certain metal, they are classified as jewellery and subject to tax. These rates can also be found in Chapter 71. Diamonds also require a Kimberley certificate; more information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

Note that there are sanctions for diamonds imported from Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia and other countries. For an up-to-date list of countries, visit the Kimberley Diamond Process website.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection official link: https://helpspanish.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-344?language=en_US