Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Vacation? Here Are 7 Things You Can Do to Keep It Safe While Traveling

Since you likely love your engagement ring almost as much as you adore your partner, it goes without saying that you'd never want anything to happen to it. That's why some people prefer to wear a separate travel engagement ring or ditch wearing their bauble altogether while on vacation—especially when embarking on their honeymoons.

Why? Well, if you're taking a tropical vacation, you could dull the shine of your sparkling diamond with sunscreen—or, much worse, your slightly loose diamond could get swept away while you're swimming in the ocean. On the other hand, let's say you're traveling from city to city, and hotel to hotel, on an epic adventure across Europe: You could leave your ring behind on a bathroom counter, never to be found again. But if you're completely confident in your ability to keep your sparkler safe while traveling, do you actually have to leave your ring behind?

In general, deciding whether or not to bring your actual engagement ring on a vacation requires some thought and proper planning before you head to the airport. That's why we spoke to James Allen and Michele Sigler, the co-founders and husband-and-wife team behind James Allen, to get some insight on what to consider before you take off for your next trip.

Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Vacation?

Ultimately, wearing your engagement ring on vacation—or not—is a personal choice. If you can't shake the feeling that you shouldn't travel with your ring, your gut is probably sounding off warning bells for a reason, so listen to it. Truth is, there are plenty of popular honeymoon and vacation destinations where a diamond ring will stand out, and the last thing you want to do is feel awkward—or even like a target—on such a relaxing trip. Plus, vacations usually involve outdoor activities that could potentially put your diamond bauble at risk of being damaged or lost.

That being said, if you're taking a quick local trip, you don't plan on engaging in many high-risk activities (like swimming, water sports, and outdoor workouts), or you've visited the destination before and feel safe being there, you can absolutely wear your engagement ring during your travels. There are risks to wearing a diamond sparkler every day, no matter where you are, so use your best judgment and exercise proper precautions when traveling and when you're at home.

7 Ways to Keep Your Engagement Ring Safe While Traveling

If you currently have a romantic getaway planned (or even a girl's trip) and are unsure what to do about your engagement ring, here are seven ways to keep your bauble safe and secure while traveling.

Have Your Ring Inspected (and Insured)

Before you board a plane, take your engagement ring to be serviced and inspected. You can bring it back to the jeweler where your ring was purchased and ask them to check for any defects, such as a loose stone or an ill-fitting band. As Sigler points out, "It's better to catch a loose stone before you go than lose it during a trip."

If you don't already have your ring insured, now's the time to do that as well. While you never want to be in a situation where you have to replace your sparkler, you'll be glad you can in case it gets lost (due to your insurance policy), Sigler says. Simply put, your bauble is an investment that requires adequate protection, so do your due diligence and ensure that every safeguard is in place before leaving the country for several days of fun in the sun.

Wear Your Ring Strategically

If you bring your ring with you, know when to wear it—and when to take it off. More specifically, avoid wearing your sparkler when at the beach, hiking, snorkeling, or engaging in any activity that could put it at risk for damage and being misplaced.

This also bears emphasis: Never wear your ring in the ocean. The cold water will cause your fingers to shrink, which in turn makes it easy for your sparkler to slip off your finger and sink to the bottom of the sea. Even if you're in shallow water, your ring will likely be lost forever as it gets swept up in the current and sand. The same rule applies to the pool, as chlorine can damage platinum, gold, and white gold. While you're at it, be sure to remove your ring before applying sunscreen, as the lotion can diminish the shine of your ring over time, causing it to look lackluster and dirty.

Use the Hotel Safe to Store Your Ring

You wouldn't leave a bundle of cash on your hotel bed while out for an evening of dinner and drinks, right? So, never leave your engagement ring out in the open while you are away from your hotel room. Sigler and Allen advise that you take advantage of your room's safe, as this will ensure your sparkler is properly locked up and secured whenever you're away.

Consider Only Wearing a Wedding Band

Here's a compromise: Wear your less valuable wedding band and leave your engagement ring at home. "It still says, 'I'm married,' without risking the much more expensive engagement ring," says Sigler. Just be sure that your wedding band is also insured, as it's a precious piece of jewelry that could easily cause a financial burden should you need to replace it.

Purchase a Fake Travel Engagement Ring

Can't resign yourself to a honeymoon sans bling? Getting a fake engagement ring that's just for traveling can be a sparkling solution. (There are some very authentic-looking cubic zirconia baubles out there.) If, however, you're traveling somewhere where theft is a concern, this might not be your best bet; your fake can easily be mistaken for the real thing and put you in danger.

Try a Rubber or Silicone Ring

Another option is rocking a rubber ring. QALO is one of the leaders in rubber rings, designed for activities and professions that get in the way of a traditional bauble. They come in just about every color, and celebrities like Steph Curry, LeBron James, Audrina Patridge, and James Aldean are big fans. If you want a hassle-free, travel engagement ring, this is a good way to go.

Never Voluntarily Remove Your Ring at the Airport

One last tip for traveling while wearing your engagement ring: Don't voluntarily remove your sparkler at airport security. Platinum, silver, and gold will not set off the alarm, so removing your rock is completely unnecessary and unsafe. Your ring could easily fall and get lost on the conveyor belt or, worse, get swiped by someone on the security line.