For many, jewelry is a daily expression of style and commitment. Like many, I cherish my engagement and wedding ring set – it’s a unique piece I rarely remove. That is, until vacation rolls around.
Diamond engagement ring on a woman's hand
My precious, irreplaceable rings are always safest tucked away at home. Let me explain why embracing a “Travel Ring” is the savvy choice for any globetrotter.
Vacations are synonymous with adventure and relaxation, often involving elements that are less than kind to fine jewelry. Think sun-drenched beaches, chlorine-filled pools, salty ocean waters, and rigorous activities. These elements can wreak havoc on precious metals and gemstones.
In the past, I’ve opted to leave my rings at home completely or lock them in a hotel safe. However, I missed the feeling of wearing a ring daily. Beyond personal preference, I also found that not wearing a ring could sometimes attract unwanted attention. The solution? I discovered the world of affordable “travel rings.” I picked up a simple, inexpensive ring that mimicked the look of my engagement ring.
Selection of vacation rings alongside a real diamond ring
Can you spot the real diamond? Five of these are budget-friendly “travel rings,” and one is my actual engagement ring.
With a travel ring, worries about scratches from sand are gone. There’s no stress about sunscreen or lotions becoming trapped in intricate settings. Minor bumps and scrapes are simply part of the journey, not a cause for jewelry-related panic.
Imagine snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs or exploring underwater caves without the nagging fear of losing your precious ring to the ocean depths. A travel ring allows you to fully embrace aquatic adventures, leaving behind the anxiety of potential loss.
Over the years, my collection of “travel rings” has evolved. As the inexpensive plating wears off, revealing the base metal, it’s simply time for a replacement. Think of it as part of the travel budget – a small price for peace of mind and style on the go.
One important tip I learned: be mindful of stone size. A dramatically large stone on your travel ring can inadvertently signal to jewelry vendors that you’re a high-roller. This can lead to being shown only the most expensive, top-tier items, potentially creating an uncomfortable shopping experience if you’re not in that budget range.
My experience taught me this firsthand. One travel ring I owned featured a stone that appeared to be around 4 carats. Wearing it into a portside jewelry store resulted in being presented with necklaces in the $30,000 to $40,000 range!
Woman being shown expensive jewelry in a store
While it was briefly amusing to feel like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman,” those price tags were firmly outside my vacation spending plan. Interestingly, I’ve consistently received compliments from jewelry store staff on my “lovely” travel rings.
In over a decade of cruising, only one astute jewelry store employee correctly identified my travel ring as not genuine. His giveaway? The setting of the stone, not the stone itself. Paying attention to the settings of genuine jewelry versus inexpensive costume pieces can be insightful. This skill can even be surprisingly useful for “Spot the Real Diamond” contests often found on cruise ships! (Pro-tip: If the “Spot the Real Diamond” display is inside the actual jewelry store on a cruise, all stones must be real, as fake stones aren’t permitted within the store’s inventory.)
While a sparkling travel ring can draw compliments in shops, it’s also wise to consider security. Flashy jewelry, even if inexpensive, can attract unwanted attention from thieves or pickpockets in crowded tourist areas. For this reason, I generally choose travel rings with smaller, more understated stones than my actual engagement ring.
Exploring underground river with a travel ring
Thankfully, we’ve never encountered theft while traveling. However, if my travel ring were lost or stolen, it would be a minor inconvenience, not a significant financial or emotional blow. There would be no need for insurance claims or replacing a sentimental heirloom.
This advice isn’t limited to women. My husband has also adopted the practice of wearing a silicone band while on vacation instead of his metal wedding band. Silicone bands are much safer and more practical for travel. They are easily removable if a finger swells due to injury or indulging in vacation treats.
Silicone bands are also a safer choice than metal rings when engaging in adventurous activities where a ring could get caught, causing injury.
Silicone wedding band on a man's finger
My best advice for all travelers is to leave your irreplaceable, sentimental jewelry at home. Opt for a travel ring or alternative that you wouldn’t be devastated to lose or damage. Plus, it can be a fun opportunity to experiment with a different ring style for a week or two!
You might receive compliments on your “beautiful rings,” and rest assured, your savvy travel secret is safe with me.
