Do You Need a Fake Engagement Ring for Travel?

You just got engaged (yay!) and your engagement ring is now the most expensive thing you own. Should you take it with you on your next weekend trip? Or should you find a fake one to avoid losing or damaging the real thing while you travel? Like most engagement ring-related questions, the answer will be personal to you and will depend on a few different factors. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of getting a fake engagement ring for travel, plus some helpful tips, so you can make the best decision for you. 

Pros of Getting a Fake Engagement Ring for Travel

One benefit of getting a fake engagement ring for travel is that you’ll keep your real engagement ring safe from any damage, loss, or theft. When you’re traveling, you’re introduced to all kinds of new variables that you might not encounter day to day at home. Whether you drop your ring in a taxi cab in another country or it flies off your hand while you’re mechanical bull riding, there are lots of unique travel situations that pose a threat to your engagement ring. Wearing a fake one on your adventures will save you from losing or damaging your real one, and you won’t have that risk looming over your vacation and ruining your fun time. Instead, you can enjoy your trip knowing that your engagement ring is tucked away safely at home.

Another benefit of a fake engagement ring for travel is that you can still enjoy wearing a ring and symbolizing your engagement to the world. Wearing extra sparkly jewelry can be a fun reminder of this new chapter of your life, even if it’s a temporary costume piece instead of your prized engagement ring. With a travel-specific placeholder, you’re still honoring your commitment to your partner and getting to wear a beautiful ring.

Cons of Getting a Fake Engagement Ring for Travel

Where are the pros, there are also cons. Getting a fake engagement ring will still cost more money, even if it’s a relatively inexpensive piece. Sure, it might only be $30, but it’s still an extra expense that you might not want to spend. After all, you might wonder why you spent so much on the real thing if you’re not going to wear it. Plus, it’s easy to get caught up in picking out the perfect costume piece for your trip, which adds another layer of stress to preparing for your vacation. 

Another con is that a ring you don’t care about losing may appear obviously fake. This is unfortunate if you and your partner just dropped a big chunk of change on the real thing, and now the one you’re wearing as a safety measure looks cheap. Plus, if it’s made with low-quality materials, it could tarnish or get damaged very easily, which looks even worse. Some low-quality metals can even leave behind a green residue on your fingers or clothes (ew). 

Finally, while wearing a fake ring may give some people peace of mind, not having the original with you may make you feel just as uneasy. You might spend the whole trip worrying about whether or not you really locked your front door, or if you remembered to put the ring in your jewelry box instead of leaving it loose and vulnerable out on the kitchen counter. 

How to Find a Fake Engagement Ring

To search for a fake engagement ring for travel, start by shopping at online retailers. Etsy is a great choice because although you’re looking for an inexpensive ring, you’ll still be supporting independent artists instead of fast fashion mass manufacturers. You can use the price filter to find rings in your price range or even type “fake engagement ring” in the search bar. 

It can also help to start with more affordable materials. Cubic zirconia is an inexpensive alternative to a diamond; it looks very similar to the untrained eye but costs a fraction of the price. Similarly, semi-precious metals will be significantly more affordable than gold, silver, or platinum. However, be careful wearing these cheaper metals if you have a metal allergy; metals like brass and copper are common irritants. Gold-plated or rhodium-plated jewelry will also be more cost effective than pure precious metal pieces, while still holding up relatively well to corrosion, wear, and scratches.  

Tips for Traveling with Your Real Engagement Ring

If you do decide to travel with your real engagement ring, one of the most important things you can do is to insure it. Shop for insurance and find coverage suitable for your ring’s value. This will provide you with peace of mind in case something happens to the ring during your trip. 

It’s also a good idea to take precautions while on your trip. When you check into a hotel, make use of the safe in your room to securely store the ring any time you need to take it off. Avoid leaving it out on tables or nightstands where it could get knocked to the floor. 

While sightseeing and doing activities, only wear your ring when you feel comfortable doing so. If you'll be in crowded areas where your hand could get bumped or you feel the ring could fall off, consider leaving it locked up for those excursions. Trust your instincts about when to show off your ring versus when to keep it safe.

Whether you decide to get a fake engagement ring for travel or take extra care of your real ring on vacation, be sure to give your special ring a nice cleaning when you get home. Gently wipe it down with a soft cloth at the end of the day and get it professionally cleaned by a jeweler to keep it sparkling for the long haul.