Need a Release Ring?
If you have one, then it is probably your most precious piece of jewelry: this sparkling stone with the words “Yes” (or “I did”), this shimmering token of commitment that you rarely take off, this piece of jewelry worth some large coin. – your wedding ring. Considering that the average couple spent around $ 4,000 on wedding rings in 2020 , this is not an easy investment. Our rings are especially vulnerable when we travel, when we are more likely to engage in outdoor activities that are not part of our daily life. Here are some of the best ways to protect your valuable property while traveling in foreign (at least to you) lands.
Insure your ring
Fine jewelry can and should be insured against loss or damage, just like your home or car. According to Brides , you can expect to pay an average of $ 1 to $ 3 per year for every $ 100 your ring is worth. (So, $ 100 to $ 300 a year for a $ 10,000 stone.) Besides Jewelers Mutual , there are other insurance companies to choose from based on the cost of the insurance and your specific coverage needs. You may also consider adding your ring to your current homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance coverage with scheduled proof of ownership or proof of personal clauses , as the full cost is probably not covered by default.
Check it out
For extra peace of mind, take it to a trusted jewelry store for a pre-trip inspection. Under magnification, an experienced jeweler can check for things like loose stones, bent teeth in the setting, cracks, chips, and weak spots – and make any necessary tightening or related fixes prior to your departure.
Never wear it in the ocean or pool
Oh, I did it. It seems like a lot. Like every vacation in the last ten years. Don’t be goofy like me (who is apparently lucky because wait until you hear all the ways your ring might break).
A typical vacation is rife with activities that could result in the loss or damage of your ring. Not only does the cold water make your fingers clench, making it easier for your gem to slide onto the sandy ocean floor, but the chlorine in the pool can discolor metals such as lower grade gold, slivers, and platinum. Sand is abrasive to softer gemstones such as amethyst and can scratch metal bracelets; it can also get stuck between the diamond and the setting, loosening the stones. Sea salt is especially harmful to rose gold due to its copper content. Sunscreen and insect spray can get caught in the teeth and make the stone look dull. (Experience has shown that an old soft toothbrush, a little hand soap, and warm water works wonders to lighten a cloudy ring when professional cleaning is not available – just plug the drain before brushing.)
Only wear your wedding ring
While it’s not nearly as fun as relaxing while sipping on this Mai Thai, consider wearing your engagement ring alone while on vacation. You will still have something labeled “I am taken,” but at a much lower cost. (You can also take the opportunity to play around with stackable rings so you still have a fair bit of shine to go with this vacation manicure.)
Receive a “release ring”
If you don’t feel like locking your most precious trinket in a safe every time you go out to the beach or wear sunscreen (or feel like a “bare finger” that might attract unwanted attention), buy an inexpensive wedding ring (for example, this cubic zirconia for $ 20), especially for travel. Have fun trying out the new look throughout the week, but be careful not to get a rock that is too big or catching the eye of pickpockets and shopkeepers who will take every opportunity to jack up prices for the wealthy-looking tourist. (Men can do this too by purchasing a silicone ring ; it costs about $ 40.)
Whichever you choose, resist the temptation to treat your ring as an everyday item simply because you wear it every day.