Engagement rings symbolize love and commitment, making them one of the most precious items we wear. Besides their sentimental value, engagement rings are also worth a good chunk of money. The average engagement ring costs $5,500, according to The Knot’s 2023 Jewelry and Engagement Study. Whether your ring is valued at a price above or below the average, it surely isn’t something you’d feel comfortable losing down your hotel room sink or in a crowd, even if you picked the shortest line at airport security.
If you’re planning an adventurous getaway, you may be especially likely to lose or break your jewelry while rushing between sites or partaking in daring activities. Skipping the adrenaline-packed itinerary and planning to laze around in a touristy destination instead? Sorry, but your sparkly engagement ring could attract greedy thieves, still putting you at risk of losing your beloved bauble. Clearly, it can be unwise to travel with an engagement ring, but what should you do if you don’t want to sacrifice your sparkle? Our advice: wear a dupe.
Consider a cheap but durable engagement ring dupe
If you’re short on time, any inexpensive costume jewelry will do. Browse the fashion jewelry section in department stores, check fast-fashion retailers, or search the corners of the internet for a piece that catches your eye. If you have more time to be picky, consider narrowing down your options based on material. Low-quality rings can break down quickly and turn your finger green — not the look you want in your travel selfies. Opt for stainless steel, platinum, titanium, and non-plated sterling silver when possible.
When buying fake diamonds and other stones, scrutinize the piece to ensure the gem won’t easily fall out. If it seems loose or the hinges aren’t tightly hugging the rock, skip it and look for a different ring instead. On the other hand, if your fake diamond is too convincing, it could still attract unwanted attention. An understated, not-too-flashy design may be clever if you’re looking to protect yourself against pickpockets while traveling.
What to do if you travel with your engagement ring
You might wonder, “What if I just got married?” Yes, you might want to leave your engagement ring at home for your honeymoon. However, if you can’t bear the thought of it all, whether you are newly engaged or not, consider some precautions. First, get insurance for your jewelry if you haven’t already. Travel insurance is actually worth it, as it may cover the cost of your rock if it gets damaged, lost, or stolen during your journeys. Nonetheless, some policies have exclusions or don’t cover the entire cost of the ring. Check your insurance plan before signing up for additional coverage if needed.
It’s also a good idea to keep your engagement ring packed away during some high-risk outings. For instance, never wear your jewelry when swimming in the ocean or a pool, as the water could damage it or make it easy for the item to slip off your finger. The same goes for high-intensity activities (think zip-lining or riding rollercoasters). Put your ring in the hotel safe and set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget to grab it before check-out.
