It is a good idea to have a separate engagement ring and/or wedding band to wear on your honeymoon. If they are lost or stolen, for BOTH sentiment and cost reasons, you’ll have the original ones at home. If you have not thought of this, discuss it now with your fiance. It may not apply to you for whatever good reason, but best to be safe. Also, I know it’s not something many people think of AHEAD of time, which is exactly why I’m sharing this. I’ve heard unfortunate stories of rings being lost, from either friends, or brides in Facebook groups. Typically, it’s only the engagement ring lost, especially since most wear the wedding band as the 1st ring on the ring finger, being the standard tradition of being “closer to your heart” and the engagement ring after it.
I understand, it with great pride to show off your new bling when asked if you’re newlyweds, but the honeymoon vibe would sure change if you return home without the ring(s).
In the Big Picture, a ring is material, and can be replaced. That sounds all well and fine until it happens to YOU.
Common ways rings are lost:
Taking rings on and off: If you are ALREADY 100% habitual about doing this, the risk is less. Please consider putting it in the hotel safe any minute it’s off your finger (and not on the nightstand). As with any habit, it can take weeks for it to BECOME a true habit; and it’s not unheard to forget to put it back on, leave the room, and housekeeping “not finding it”. If It’s misplaced or moved unintentionally, it’s likely you will be on your hands and knees crawling around until you find it. It would be way less worrisome doing this AT HOME!
Swollen Fingers: Swelling occurs in lots of instances such as sodium intake, allergic reactions, exercise, heat, medicine, arthritis, among others. Sometimes, removing rings is an immediate relief. If you are in flight, or hiking, or at a restaurant, and this happens…well you see where I’m going with this…similar to the above reason, except this is unexpected, even more of a chance for it to be lost or misplaced. Having this happen on the plane, boat, hotel room, or wherever would be very stressful – even if it is found quickly. Although, if not found, that is a whole new level of stress.
Weight Gain/Loss: It’s common for brides to lose weight before the wedding, either intentionally or not. Perhaps, to fit in the dress better, or due to stress. Whatever the reason, the ring will fit looser than it did just a month or two ago when picking up the rings. This tiny difference, which may not be so obvious at vow time, could cause a ring to slide off when wet, like when snorkeling, enjoying the hotel pool, or lounging on the beach, boating, fishing, etc. Activities like this are more common on vacations! If you do think about it, before going on a specific adventure for the day, consider leaving your ring(s) in the hotel safe (or taking this advice to buy separate ones). What could potentially be nerve-wracking, is not knowing WHERE it was lost. WAS it in the water? WAS it on the boat? WAS it on the hike?
Prong Damage: Long’s Fine Jewelers truly states it better than I could. They explain on their website, in BOLD: “a prong being loose is one of the most common ways diamonds fall out of engagement rings and get lost“. And, more advice further down the same page, “With a piece of jewelry as precious and expensive as your diamond engagement ring, we recommend to everyone that you get your ring checked at least once a year to make sure that your prongs are holding your diamond or gemstone securely. If you are more active, or are heavier on your hands, then definitely get your ring checked more often. When the difference between happiness and heartbreak is just a few delicate pieces of metal, it is better to be safe than sorry.” If you do choose not to get a honeymoon/travel one, I strongly suggest getting the ring checked before the honeymoon. Add this to the checklist NOW.
Theft: While this is the LEAST likely scenario, it is the SCARIEST one. The following information is directly from the U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs. “As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. You can see the world at a glance on our color-coded map. For more details and FAQs about our safety and security information, please see travel.state.gov/travelsafely.” While some areas are obvious, others even at Level 3 are frequented by vacationers. Cruise Line ports are a perfect example, and tourists are sometimes targeted. Also, since we all don’t have the luxury to travel abroad, the same caution should be used within the United States. ADT has a good interactive map showing areas at risk (for various crimes). You need to zoom into areas for more statistics.
Also, consider insurance for your ring(s). BRIDES has a good article on the subject, “Engagement Ring Insurance 101: Everything You Need to Know“. Check your current policy for this coverage, add it if needed.
The bottom line is it COULD HAPPEN, so just think about it.
Below are some gorgeous sets, engagement rings, and wedding bands, including men’s. What is nice is you can pick out something you dreamed of, possibly way too expensive to have “for real”. On the other hand, you can find a close replica of what you have now (or will have). The ones posted below are just examples. There is an endless amount of choices.
Please note this post is meant to provide suggestions for alternatives to wearing your wedding/engagement rings. Many of us live paycheck to paycheck (including ME), and are unable to splurge on high-cost diamond rings to begin with. I am not inferring everyone has the money to have similar genuine diamond versions like the ones shown. I encourage you to find ones to travel with, no matter what the value is of the original ones put on during the wedding vows.
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Diamond Wedding Ring Sets
Wedding Bands Only
Wedding Bands Only, No Stones
Engagement Rings Only
Engagement Rings Only – Solitaires
For Men
