How to Send Jewellery by Courier: The UK Essentials (2026)

Written by Valentin Scemama, Expert at Secursus.

Sending jewellery safely involves more than just popping a ring in a Jiffy bag. Whether you are sending a family heirloom from London to Edinburgh or shipping a sold item internationally, the three pillars of safety are the same: discreet packaging, the right carrier, and proper insurance.

This guide provides the essential checklist for UK senders to ensure your valuables arrive safely.

UK Jewellery Shipping Rules 2026

1. Pack to Prevent Shock and Theft

The journey through a sorting hub is rough. Your package needs to withstand drops, shakes, and prying eyes.

The "Box-in-Box" Technique

Never send jewellery in a single layer of packaging.

1. Inner Layer: Place the piece in a pouch or small box, wrapped in tissue and bubble wrap.
2. Outer Layer: Suspend this inner package inside a larger, rigid cardboard box with at least 5 cm of cushioning (biodegradable peanuts or paper) on all sides.
3. The Shake Test: Before sealing, shake the box hard. If it rattles, it’s not ready. Silence is security.

🇬🇧 The "Blue Bin" Horror Story:

We recently helped a client in Manchester who had a £3,000 watch stolen. The packaging was perfect, but he made a fatal error: he allowed the courier to leave the parcel in a "Safe Place" if the recipient was out.

The courier left it in the recipient's blue recycling bin on a rainy Tuesday. You can guess what happened... Wednesday was bin collection day. Lesson: Always require a direct signature. Never allow "Safe Place" drops for valuables.

Seal and Disguise

Use reinforced H-tape (taping along the center and both edge seams). Most importantly, ensure discretion. Never write "Jewellers," "Gold," or "Watch" on the outer box.

2. Documents & Proof of Value

Before the parcel leaves your hands, ensure you have your paperwork in order. This is crucial if you ever need to make a claim.

• Evidence: Keep the original invoice, receipt, or a recent appraisal.
• Photos: Take clear photos of the item and the packed box before you seal it.
• Discretion inside: If sending for repair, use low-detail descriptions on the packing slip (e.g., "Fashion Accessory" instead of "18k Gold Rolex").

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3. Choose the Right UK Delivery Service

Not all carriers are created equal when it comes to high-value items.

Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed: Often the gold standard for domestic UK shipments, but check their compensation limits (usually capped at £2,500 without extra cover).

Private Couriers (DHL/DPD): Excellent for tracking, but avoid economy services. Choose "Next Day" or "Timed" delivery to minimize the time the package sits in a warehouse. Always use end-to-end tracking with a mandatory adult signature.

4. Insurance That Actually Covers Jewellery

Here is the uncomfortable truth: Standard courier liability often excludes jewellery entirely or caps it at a paltry £50. If you rely solely on the carrier's "declared value," you may find yourself without proper parcel insurance when you need it most.

The Secursus Advantage

To protect yourself against loss, theft, and damage, use dedicated shipping insurance.

• Full Value: Insure for the full replacement cost, not just an arbitrary limit.
• Clarity: Unlike carriers who hide exclusions in fine print, specialized insurance explicitly covers watches and jewellery.

5. The Handover & International Sending

Labels: Print your label clearly. Double-check the Postcode. No Drop Boxes: Never put a high-value parcel in a street postbox. Go to a staffed Post Office or Courier Service Point.

Brexit Note: If sending from the UK to the EU or USA, ensure you use the correct Commodity Code (HS Code) and attach 3 copies of the commercial invoice to the outside of the box to avoid delays.

By following these steps—and ensuring you aren't relying on a "recycling bin" delivery strategy—you can ship your jewellery with total peace of mind.

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