STX Airport Customs: Personal Jewelry Collection?

You wouldn't have any problems bringing personal property through. Plus, customs does not inspect carry on bags by hand, only bags you check-in. Carry-ons go through the normal security x-ray machine. I've brought everything from dead endangered species (with permit of course!!) to 10 lb bags of change to lead dive weights through customs and security with no issues. Don't worry about it.

Just PM "Jay" he's a gate guard he knows all the answers!*-)

I have done this many times and I had absolutely no problems.....no questions, no hassles.

US Customs can make a random inspection of all your bags prior to them (the bags) reaching TSA inspectors. They can inventory and confiscate any item they think a duty fee is required or other items not permitted in the USA. Until you have proof of ownership and are able to present proof of ownership. When they pull you aside for inspection that includes "All Bags". You could miss your plane!:-X

How much jewelry are we talking? If the amount is so large that it "starts bells ringing" I think you might want to bring whatever documentation(receipts, sales slips, insurance valuation) you have with you. Really, are we talking about 20 pieces, or 200? And costume, or does the collection have substantial real value?

It's not the Customs people you should be worried about. It's the thieves at Cape Air and Puerto Rico you should be concerned about. Just a thought from one who has been there before.

I know someone that had her jewelry stolen, she had it in a carry on bag but they said the bag had to go in the cargo area. When they got off the plane to retrieve the bag, the bag was gone. She is in the process of suing this airline.
I think you need to put it in your pockets if you are boarding Cape Air that way it is with you the whole time.

Essentially, if your "extended stay" was not as a resident....All that you acquired to take back to the states may be subject to duty. Above your exemption amount of $1600 of course. Bottom line is if you declare all the merchandise, the worst that can happen is you would be subject to paying duty on that merchandise. If you do not declare it, and it is discovered, you could be required to pay significant penalties on all the merchandise and forfeit your exemption. As far as missing your flight, absolutely possible, so be sure to give yourself extra time if you think their may be an issue.