USPS is many people’s first choice when it comes to shipping valuable items, and jewelry is certainly valuable.
So how much does it cost to ship jewelry with USPS, and what do you need to do to ensure it arrives safely?
Key Takeaways
USPS Jewelry Shipping In 2022
USPS does ship jewelry, and is well-known for being the best place to do it. USPS’ First Class Package shipping is the least expensive option for jewelry under 16 ounces, and costs $3-$5 depending on the distance your package is traveling. For jewelry over 16 ounces, you can use Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes or Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box.
There are plenty of tips and tricks available to you to help keep your jewelry safe during transit while spending a minimal amount of money, so read on to find out more!
How Much Does It Cost To Ship Jewelry Through USPS?
Shipping with USPS is dependent on several factors such as weight, dimension, and the distance traveled.
For jewelry under 16 ounces, your best bet is usually USPS First Class Package, which costs anywhere from $3-$5 for shipping and typically arrives within 1-3 days.
When using First Class Package, it’s important to know you must provide your own box, so be sure to choose something sturdy and that fits the dimension requirements.
To find the dimension requirements of USPS First Class Packages, you can look here.
For jewelry over 16 ounces, you have two options available to you.
The first option is Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes, which are provided by USPS and come at a flat rate of $7.40 to cut down on your costs.
It’s important to note that using a flat-rate envelope from USPS provides little to no protection for your jewelry, so either wrap it carefully or opt for your second option, Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box!
Priority Mail Flat Rate Box is another way you can ship jewelry over 16 ounces, and the cardboard box provides more protection for delicate items like jewelry at a flat rate of $7.90.
Both of the Priority Mail options typically deliver within 1-2 days.
You may also want to consider purchasing extra insurance for your package if the jewelry you’re shipping is worth more than $100.
All Priority Mail options come with shipping insurance of up to $100, but since most jewelry is more expensive, it’s a good idea to add on more insurance, which can be done through USPS for as little as $10 extra.
How Do You Ship Jewelry Through USPS?
The first thing to do when shipping jewelry is to make sure it’s safely and securely packaged!
Make sure your jewelry is clean and ready to receive, and then package it in a jewelry box wrapped in tissue or foam.
Then, you can layer the interior of the shipping box with tissue, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap to prevent shifting and damage while it’s in transit.
Once your shipping box has been adequately prepped, you can place your jewelry box inside- feel free to add an extra layer of padding or tissue on top to keep everything nice and snug!
Be sure to secure your box well with high-quality packaging tape- not only does this ensure that your package won’t burst in transit, it acts as a great deterrent for thieves.
Another way to deter people with ill intentions from getting into your package is by keeping your packaging choices discreet- there’s no need to label the package as “fragile” or “valuable”, as this is what some people look for when taking packages.
It’s also recommended to never drop off a package containing jewelry in a drop-box- leaving it out in the open or unattended is asking for something to go awry.
Once your package is fully secured and ready to be sent, you can take it to your local post office and ship it as you typically would.
Is It Safe To Ship Jewelry Through USPS?
Shipping jewelry can be anxiety-inducing to say the least!
It’s delicate and prone to damage, not to mention a great target for those with poor intentions.
Shipping with USPS is absolutely safe, but there are always steps you can take to make sure your jewelry arrives in one piece and into the hands of the person it’s intended for.
As outlined above, be sure to keep your packaging discreet and sturdy, and always hand-deliver your package to the post office to minimize the potential for someone snatching it off the street.
Can You Ship Jewelry Internationally With USPS?
You can ship jewelry internationally with USPS, however, there are some pretty strict limitations depending on the country you’re sending to.
Certain countries do not allow for precious metals or gemstones to be shipped there, so it’s best to do your research on customs clearance when shipping jewelry.
You can find more information on different countries customs regulations here.
It’s important to note that when you’re shipping jewelry internationally with USPS, there is a $400 value limit available- so if the jewelry you’re shipping is more valuable than $400, you may have to find a different service!
It’s also important to understand that due to different customs regulations, you do have to declare the contents of the package when it enters another country.
This does not, however, mean that you have to write the value or even the contents of the package in plain English on the box, as this can make your package a target.
Instead, make sure you label your box with the correct corresponding tariff code- postal workers will know what it means, while other people won’t!
To know more about USPS, you can also read our posts on USPS click-n-ship, if you can mail alcohol at USPS, and if USPS first-class has tracking.
Conclusion
You can ship jewelry through USPS by using Priority Mail or First Class Package services for an inexpensive flat rate from $3-$8.
When shipping jewelry, it’s best to keep your packaging sturdy yet discreet to help deter anyone who might steal it.
You can ship jewelry with a value of $400 or less internationally with USPS as long as you have the correct customs information and tariff code.