Source: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com Your engagement ring is special to you—it symbolizes the commitment you and your partner have made to each other and reminds you both of the next step you’ll take in life together. Depending on the type of engagement ring you own, you might have a few stones on it, and it’s important that you take care of it. However, a question we often see newly engaged couples asking is whether or not they need a separate ring to wear while traveling. The short answer? Absolutely. Since your ring is a symbol of love, trust and commitment to you, it would be devastating to lose it or have it stolen on a trip. It’s a good idea to consider having a durable silicone ring or a solid band to wear while you’re traveling to keep not only your ring safe but you as well. Shop All Silicone Rings There might be some instances where it’s okay to take along your own ring. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to help you determine whether you should use a travel ring! Is your ring insured? Make sure you’ve insured your engagement ring. Most jewelers don’t offer it directly when the ring is purchased, so you’ll need to add a rider to either your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for your piece. There are some “direct” jewelry insurance programs, but you should exercise caution with these—sometimes you pay large premiums for very limited coverage, effectively scamming you! Source: biletskiyevgeniy.com/Shutterstock.com Where are you going? Even in the “safest” locations, there is a risk of losing a valued possession. Plus, if you have to travel a long distance, there’s more chances you could accidentally leave your ring in the bathroom or in the hotel room. For simple day trips, you could probably leave your ring on. However, if that day trip is on a nature hike, you should switch your ring out for an alternative band like a silicone wedding band. Trips to a solo cabin in the mountains might be safer for wearing your ring than traveling to a busy city in a foreign country. What’s the current status of your ring? Before going anywhere, get your ring inspected. This will make your jeweler aware of any missing stones, chips or nicks in your ring to help assess its worth. This way, if you lose a stone while traveling, you might not be held responsible for it if your inspection comes back that you’ve got a loose prong. This is also why it’s important to remember that you should always have your ring inspected on time so your warranty will stay active! Are you going to be near water? If the answer is yes, you should wear a travel ring. Not only should you never wear your jewelry while showering, you should also never wear it while swimming. Whether it’s the pool, a lake or especially the ocean, you should either leave your ring home or wear a travel ring. The chemicals in the water can ruin the precious metal your ring’s made of, or the water can make your ring slip off your finger or loosen a stone. Does your hotel have a room safe? If you do decide to bring your ring with you, make sure your hotel has a safe in your room. If they don’t, see if they have one available for you. Sometimes you just have to ask. A room safe is great because you can store all your important travel documents there, as well as any special items you’ve brought with you. Make sure the code is something that isn’t easy to guess, but which you and anyone you’re traveling with can remember. What events will you be doing? There are some cases when it’s a good idea to have your regular ring available to wear while you travel. If you’re going to be attending any formal dinners or you’re traveling to do a fashion shoot, your ring might be a unique accessory to show off in pictures to commemorate your travels! However, you should still lock it in a safe whenever you’re not doing any special events. What does your gut tell you? At the end of the day, it’s important that you listen to your gut. If you have any worries at all about wearing your regular ring, then you should leave it in your safe at home and take a travel one. This way, you’ll know your ring is safe and sound at home where it belongs!