Care, planning and the right insurance protection are required when transporting high-value jewelry in California. If you’re a jeweler – and sending products to customers, shipping items for repair, or transporting inventory from location to location – being in transit is all risk. Theft, misplacement, vehicle break-ins, courier errors and mishandling can all cause significant losses – particularly when you’re invested in diamonds, gemstones, one-off concoctions or luxury timepieces.

This guide details how to secure jewelry in transport and describes the necessary California jeweler insurance options that should be considered.

Why Shipping of Jewelry Is Very Risky in Png

California is home to one of the largest gem and jewelry markets in the nation, but it also has some of the highest rates for property crime, organized retail theft and commercial burglary. Risk that often arises for jewelers on the go includes:

Theft from vehicles
Grab-and-run attempts during handoffs
Losses during courier transit
Damage from mishandling
Misdelivery or parcel mix-ups
Robbery during in-person appointments
Accidental dropping or breakage

Even a ten minute drive between shops, trade shows, and clients can carry a great financial liability for jewelers.

Peterson… Importance of Specialized Transport Insurance

Jewelry is not eligible for transport under usual business insurance. Jewelers require custom protection designed just for the jewelry industry.

Jewelers Block Insurance

Jewelers’ Block Insurance covers high-value inventory both on-the-move and in the store, at trade shows and even when an employee has their hands on it. It is aimed at jewellers and includes:

Theft
Robbery
Accidental loss
Damage during transport
Losses during delivery or pickup
Shipping through couriers or mail services

This is one of the most important policies for any jeweler carrying merchandise back and forth.

Inland Marine Insurance

Inland Marine Insurance covers movable property, such as jewelry, when it is in transit or stored at a location other than your primary place of business. It’s great for jewelers on the go:

Loose diamonds
Gemstones
Finished jewelry
Custom pieces
Luxury watches

It offers more customized transit coverage than a generic property policy.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Essential coverage is provided under a Business Owner’s Policy such as:

General Liability Insurance
Commercial Property Insurance
Business Interruption Insurance

A BOP on its own only offers partial protection of jewelry in transit, but when combined with specific insurance types (that is: Jewelers Block or Inland Marine), it fulfills total protection. All of these policies are stacked together in the California jewelers advantage.

Workers Compensation for Jewelers Who Carry Goods

Workers’ Compensation Jewelry workers compensation insurance, Coverage for employees who deliver jewelry, escort at events or handle transportation If such workers are hurt while conducting job duties. This applies to:

Company vehicle and transporting of goods
Delivering jewelry
Traveling between business sites
Working off-site appointments

Workers’ Compensation is a must in California because the law mandates that businesses with employees have it.

How to Safely Transport Your High Value Jewelry in California

Insurance is critical, but prevention matters just as well. A good safety plan lowers risks and can even drive down insurance costs.

Use Unmarked Vehicles

Do not have business names/ logos on the vehicle. Anonymous shipping prevents targeted thefts.

Don’t Ever Leave Jewelry Alone in Cars

Cars are a frequent place of theft. Jewellery should always be left to a professional.

Plan Your Route Carefully

Select safety routes, through good sight lines, and don’t get in any ruts.

Restrict the Few Who Know About Transport Plans

When jewelry is being transferred, only essential personnel should be aware of where it goes and when.

Use Professional Courier Services

If you ship your items use a high value carriers service. Make sure to ask if the carrier offers good insurance and tracking.

Use Proper Packaging

For security and protection:

Use double packaging
Don’t mention jewerly on boxes
Use shock-resistant, tamper-evident materials

Train Employees on Transport Safety

Staff should understand:

Emergency procedures
Theft avoidance techniques
Proper handling
Delivery protocol
Documentation and chain-of-custody procedures

Typical Transportation Situations and How to Guard Against Them

Delivering Jewelry to Clients

Deliver by courier with an appropriate level of insurance or in person. Standard mail should be avoided when mailing valuables, because regular mail isn’t always secure.

Sending Pieces for Repair

Whether you’re moving fine watches or gem settings, make sure your items are protected by Jewelers Block or Inland Marine Insurance.

Moving Inventory Between Store Locations

Carrying two works at a time achieves greater value and risk which seems appealing. Securely plan, and employ a professional personnel.

Visiting California for Trade Shows or Exhibitions

The interiors means crowds and open displays and lots of moving around so strong insurance is important.

Offering on The Go Appraisal or Consulting Services

Appraisers who travel with portable equipment and client’s jewelry should provide adequate protection.

Why Jewelers in CA Require Full Coverage on Transport

Jewelry businesses benefit from the state’s high foot traffic, large tourist population, and being a dense area. The price of one transportation-related loss, let alone all ones suffered over time, can have serious financial and operational implications. For jewelers insurance means they can continue operating without taking crippling losses.

Complete coverage protects:

High-value merchandise
Business revenue
Employee safety
Client property
Long-term reputation

Final Thoughts

Keeping jewelry safe while transporting in California involves both the proper insurance and good safety habits. Jewelers should consider:

Jewelers Block Insurance
Inland Marine Insurance
Business Owner’s Policy
Workers’ Compensation
Clear transport protocols
Secure packaging and courier choices

When properly covered and prepared, California jewelers can securely move high-dollar items without putting their livelihood at risk.