How do I mail an engagement ring safely?

[hundredwaters]

Dear Forum members -

Sadly, we discovered my wife's beautiful Leon Mege ring is bent... significantly... to the point where it needs serious repair. We are worried about sending it to New York safely. Does anybody have any thoughts about fedex or other safe mailing services? Any horror stories? Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

HW

 

[kenny]

For up to $25,000 I'd use US Postal service Registered, insured, return receipt requested.

Above $25K I'd use Malca Amit, a secure carrier.
http://www.malca-amit.com/

FedEx and UPS have very low insurance limits for diamonds and jewelry.

 

[slg47]

Hi HW-there are a few options for mailing. USPS Registered Mail is probably the best option, make sure to put the ring in a box, put the box in a larger box, pack it so it will not rattle, and use lots of tape. This is rather slow but a safe option and also insured.

The other option that I am aware of is contacting Leon, some vendors will mail you FedEx Overnight Labels, and the ring would also be insured that way. That option is much quicker.

ETA I would contact the vendor and ask what they recommend. I am sorry that your wife's ring has bent!

 

[hundredwaters]

Thanks for your replies... We would love to send by fedex, but it sounds like that is not insured... Thoughts? Any disaster stories out there?

thanks again

 

[slg47]

I wouldn't send it not insured. FedEx will be insured if the vendor sends you a shipping label. I would contact LM and see what he recommends.

 

[swingirl]

I recently sent my ring back to Leon Mege for repair. I sent it US Postal Service, registered. I have it insured anyway but registered mail is safest (IMO) because anyone who handles it has to sign a log. This leaves is a clear traceable path. Not so for FedEx. USPS does take longer and you have to package it according to the Post Office's specs using paper tape.

 

[travanx]

USPS Registered is what was suggested when I sold my Rolex recently. I went to the Post Office and they showed me how to seal the box and gave me their paper tape and glue to use. They want every seam sealed on the box. They then stamp every seal so it's obvious to tell if the box has been tampered with. It seems as though the jewelry store can get the proper insurance through Fedex or whatever, but that's not available to a normal person.

 

[Lorelei]

Dear Forum members -

Sadly, we discovered my wife's beautiful Leon Mege ring is bent... significantly... to the point where it needs serious repair. We are worried about sending it to New York safely. Does anybody have any thoughts about fedex or other safe mailing services? Any horror stories? Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

HW

USPS Registered can be used, it can be slow but it is very safe as the package has to be signed for each time it changes hands.

 

[Tanzigrrl]

How slow is slow for registered mail? I ask because my dad just sent me one of my grandmother's rings using the USPS Registered Insured option

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The time it takes for registered mail varies depending on the time of year and also the distance. I have had it take up to a week before. But it is the only safe way other than when a vendor emails you a mailing label from their account. I doubt Leon does that, and I wouldn't blame him since in most cases, he did not sell the main diamond.

 

[Tanzigrrl]

Thanks! I think he mailed it Saturday and it is being sent across the country.

 

[Lorelei]

How slow is slow for registered mail? I ask because my dad just sent me one of my grandmother's rings using the USPS Registered Insured option

As DS says, it varies....It could even take a couple of weeks or more, I know some PSers have found this process slow but it is apparently the safest method to use.

 

[kenny]

As long as we're discussing Registered packing requirements . . .

Besides the paper tape sealing every opening my PO requires it's wrapped in brown paper.
Then they do not allow TO or the FROM labels.
Both addresses must be hand written on the brown paper and then you cannot place clear tape over those addresses (I did that once as a precaution from smudging since it was raining.
They made me rewrap it.

They also told me the packing requirement are different or domestic vs. international.

Also they told me if there is a claim the sender must produce a receipt proving the value.
So, don't bother over insuring it and frankly if you do not have a receipt, like it was an inherited item, don't send it.
Perhaps getting an appraisal on such an item would satisfy the PO; I don't know.

Also bring the receipt with you when you mail the package . . . per this snip from the DMM, Domestic Mail Manual:
"The accepting USPS employee may ask the mailer to show that the full value of the matter presented is declared, and may refuse to accept the matter as Registered Mail if a satisfactory declaration of value is not provided."

More:

http://pe.usps.com/text/DMM300/503.htm#wp1100045

 

[hoofbeats95]

I just mailed my ring to BGD. The said USPS registered insured mail. I sent it on Friday and it got there Tues. Not too bad with the MLK holiday on Monday.

The packaging requirements are pretty strict. You have to use this brown tape - they have it at the PO or I saw it at Office Depot. IT's not cheap at Office Depot, and the PO let me use it for free. They stamp their zip code thingy on every seam all over the box. No other tape is allowed. I did have the to address printed on a piece of paper and a return address label stuck on that piece of paper. The lady at the PO attached it with that brown paper tape and stamped away all over it! lol.

BGD told me it's the safest way. Assuming you are under the insurable limit, that's the way I would go. It was really affordable IMO. They send registered mail hand to hand - so it's a bit slower. It also must be locked up when not in transport as she put it in a drawer with a lock when we were finished. And while it may be slow. . . I thought mine arrived as quickly as any other package. I'm in St Louis and BGD is in Houston of course. So not too bad.

 

[yssie]

Is the ring insured?

If so I would probably FedEx overnight it - actually, that's exactly what I did last time, for the peace of mind of only having to deal with one 'transit' day.. however the ring MUST be insured with a carrier that covers shipping, otherwise this is courting disaster, as FedEx/UPS are very stingy re. jewellery insurance. USPS registered/insured is very safe but oh, it's a nailbiting wait - mine was 2wks from CA to Texas!

If it's worth over 50k I think Brinks is the common choice.

 

[Camus]

Did you talk to LM? i've heard that they will send the label so that you don't have to worry about insurance on your end.