The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Jewelry with UPS (Policies, Pricing, Tips & More)

When it comes to shipping valuable, delicate items like jewelry, you want to be absolutely certain you‘re doing it right. Improper packaging or the wrong insurance can spell disaster if something goes wrong in transit. While UPS is a popular choice for jewelry sellers, there are some important restrictions and best practices to be aware of.

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In this guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about shipping jewelry through UPS—from policies and pricing to packaging tips straight from industry experts. By the end, you‘ll be fully equipped to get your jewelry from point A to point B safely and securely. Let‘s dive in!

Can You Ship Jewelry with UPS?

The short answer is yes, you can ship jewelry with UPS, both domestically and internationally. However, there are some caveats:

  • No loose precious stones: UPS prohibits shipping loose diamonds, precious stones (rubies, sapphires, emeralds), and pearls. These high-value items must be set in jewelry to be shipped.

  • Value limits: For domestic shipments, jewelry must be valued at $500 or less per package ($100 per package for costume jewelry). For international shipments, the max value is just $150.

  • Proper packaging is essential: To be covered by insurance, jewelry items must be packed in a box within a box with proper cushioning. More on packaging later.

It‘s important to be fully transparent about your shipment‘s contents and value to avoid issues. Misrepresenting a jewelry shipment is not only against policy, but it can void your insurance if something goes wrong.

UPS Jewelry Shipping Pricing & Service Options

UPS offers several domestic and international service options for shipments containing permitted jewelry items. Here is an overview of pricing for a lightweight package traveling 1,000 miles:

Domestic:

  • UPS Next Day Air Early: $118 (delivery by 8 am)
  • UPS Next Day Air: $85 (delivery by 10:30 am)
  • UPS Next Day Air Saver: $75 (delivery by 3 pm)
  • UPS 2nd Day Air: $35
  • UPS 3 Day Select: $24
  • UPS Ground: $16 (1-5 business days)

International:

  • UPS Worldwide Express Plus: $145 (1-3 business days)
  • UPS Worldwide Express: $115 (1-3 business days)
  • UPS Worldwide Saver: $95 (1-6 business days)

These are just benchmarks—your actual price will depend on package weight, dimensions, destination, and other factors. Be sure to get an exact quote on the UPS website before you ship.

How to Package Jewelry for UPS Shipping

Proper packaging is absolutely essential for shipping jewelry, not only to ensure your items arrive undamaged but also to be fully covered by insurance in case of loss or damage. Here are the steps jewelry industry experts recommend:

  1. Use a new, sturdy box sized for your jewelry. Box strength and package dimensions impact shipping price.

  2. Wrap each jewelry item individually in soft tissue paper or jewelry-specific packaging materials to prevent scratching.

  3. Place wrapped items in a bubble mailer, padded envelope, or jewelry box for an extra layer of protection. Make sure they fit snugly and can‘t shift around.

  4. Fill any empty space in your inner box with packing materials like air pillows or shredded paper. You don‘t want items to have any room to move.

  5. Place your packed inner box inside a slightly larger, new sturdy outer box. The inner box should be surrounded by at least 2" of packing material on all sides.

  6. Seal the outer box with high-quality packing tape on all seams. Don‘t use gift wrap, string, or any other decorative elements.

  7. Remove any previous labels and affix your UPS shipping label to the top surface of the package. Using a UPS pouch can help protect your label.

If you‘re reusing boxes, make sure any old labels and markings are fully covered or removed. Don‘t include pricing or invoice info inside the package. If you‘re using a jewelry box, cover any brand names with plain paper so the contents aren‘t obvious from the outside.

"One of the most common mistakes people make when shipping jewelry is not using enough packing material. Your item should be nestled securely enough that it doesn‘t shift at all if you shake the box. When in doubt, add more packing!"
-Amy Johnson, The Jewelry Shipper

UPS Shipping Insurance for Jewelry

For many jewelry items, insurance is a must-have—otherwise, you‘re assuming all the risk if your package is lost or damaged. Here‘s what you need to know about UPS insurance for jewelry:

  • Declared value vs. shipping insurance: All UPS shipments include a maximum declared value of $100 for loss or damage. This is NOT the same as shipping insurance! Declared value coverage is secondary, meaning it pays out only after any other insurance.

  • UPS Flexible Parcel Insurance: Available in $100 increments up to $1,000 per package, this optional insurance is purchased through UPS Capital Insurance and covers loss, damage, and theft with no deductible. It‘s a solid choice for jewelry items valued up to the $500 per package limit.

  • 3rd-party jewelry insurance: For jewelry items valued over $500, you‘ll need to purchase insurance through a 3rd-party provider that specializes in covering valuables. Popular choices include Jewelers Mutual, Lavalier, and JM Care Plan. These typically cost 1-2% of your item‘s value annually.

Remember, if you‘re relying on insurance to protect you, carefully follow UPS packing guidelines and keep all documentation until your shipment is safely delivered. Be sure to understand the claims process and timeline for your chosen insurance before you buy.

Alternatives to UPS for Shipping Jewelry

While UPS is a reliable choice for many jewelry sellers, it‘s not the only option. Here are some alternatives to consider:

  • USPS Registered Mail: Offers the most security of all USPS services and automatically includes up to $50,000 of insurance coverage.
  • FedEx: Ships jewelry with fewer restrictions than UPS, but with lower included declared value coverage ($100 per package for Express, $500 for Ground).
  • Armored courier services like Brink‘s and Malca-Amit: Specializes in shipping high-value items but typically have order minimums, usually $10,000+.

The best shipping carrier for you depends on your typical order value, volume, and delivery speed needs. In general, USPS Registered Mail or FedEx are good alternatives for high-value jewelry, while UPS may be more economical for jewelry under $500.

"For most small to medium jewelry businesses, I recommend USPS Registered Mail for domestic shipments. It offers the most built-in security and insurance for the price. For international shipments, FedEx is usually a better choice because of its faster delivery times and simplified customs clearance."

-Greg Fox, Association of Independent Jewelers

Key Takeaways for Shipping Jewelry with UPS

While there‘s a lot to consider with jewelry shipping, these key points will help set you up for success with UPS:

  1. Understand UPS jewelry shipping restrictions and stick to permitted items only.

  2. Package permitted jewelry items carefully according to UPS packing guidelines, using a box within a box with plenty of cushioning.

  3. Purchase adequate shipping insurance, especially for jewelry valued over the $100 declared value coverage included by UPS.

  4. Provide complete and accurate information about your shipment‘s contents and value.

  5. Consider alternatives like USPS or FedEx for high-value items or if UPS jewelry restrictions are too limiting.

With this knowledge in hand, you‘re well-equipped to choose the best shipping method for your jewelry items. Remember, when it comes to valuable and delicate items like jewelry, it‘s always better to over-protect than under-protect.

Happy shipping!