Last year, I traveled to Bali and fell in love with the local shell crafts. In a small village near Ubud, I watched artisans turn oyster shells into beautiful mother of pearl plates, their hands moving quickly as they sanded and polished each piece. I knew I had to bring some home—not just as souvenirs, but as functional dinnerware. Traveling with fragile items sounds scary, but with a little planning, it is easy—and worth it to have a piece of my trip on my dining table.

First, I chose the right pieces. I avoided large platters (too bulky) and stuck to small salad plates and a tiny bowl—easy to pack and less likely to break. The artisan wrapped each plate in banana leaves first, then tissue paper, which added a layer of protection and made them feel extra special. I asked for extra wrapping materials (just in case) and he happily gave me more banana leaves and twine.

Packing is key. I put the wrapped plates in a hard-sided suitcase—soft luggage is too risky. I placed them in the center of the suitcase, surrounded by my clothes (think sweaters and jeans) to act as padding. I also put each plate in a separate Ziploc bag to protect them from moisture (important for tropical climates). I did not stack them—instead, I laid them flat, spaced out with clothes in between.

I carried the most precious piece (a small plate with a unique blue shimmer) in my carry-on. I wrapped it in a thick scarf and placed it in a padded pouch, then put it under the seat in front of me. Airlines allow fragile items in carry-on, and I figured having it with me was safer than checking it. The flight attendant even helped me stow it carefully when I boarded.

Customs was a breeze. I declared the plates as “handcrafted mother of pearl tableware” on my customs form. The officer asked to see them, admired the craftsmanship, and waved me through—no extra fees, no questions about whether they were allowed. Just make sure your plates are made from repurposed shells (not live mollusks) and you will have no issues.

Now, every time I use my Bali plates, I am transported back to that village. I remember the sound of the artisans  tools, the smell of banana leaves, and the warmth of the Balinese sun. They are not just plates—they are memories. Traveling with mother of pearl plates takes a little effort, but it is the best way to bring a piece of your trip home with you. And if you are not traveling, look for brands that source their shells from places like Bali or Vietnam—you will get the same artisan quality without the plane ride.