Engagement Ring in Italy?
 

So, it's three days before my girlfriend and I depart for Italy. I am planning to propose to her while we are there, but am suddenly getting very worried about the ring.

I intend to carry it on the plane and through customs in a money belt - the kind that loops around your belt and hangs inside your pants. Does anyone know if it will set off a metal detector in an airport?

More importantly, do you think it is safe to propose in Rome, then have her wearing an expensive ring while vacationing? I've been planning this for awhile, but now am wondering if it is too risky to bring the ring?

My son just did this last September only he proposed at the Eiffel Tour. He worried about the ring setting off the metal detector also. It did not. He had the ring in a small box inside a small Junior Mints box. He even took pictures of this creative cover-up. He also had concerns about the safety of pulling out the ring at the Eiffel Tour, but there were 3 of us there and there didn't seem to be any kind of threat at all. In fact there was a crowd watching as he knelt to propose and they all clapped. It was a moment I will always remember.

Can you add it to your homeowners/renters insurance policy before you leave? While not too romantic, at least you won't have to worry about it. I think you have to provide the certificate you got from the jeweler so you might want to check in with your insurance company.

People where expensive jewelry in Rome so I'm sure it will be fine. just tell her to keep it on so she doesn't misplace it.

If you don't mind my asking, any plans for the proposal?

Thanks. I already added the ring to my homeowners policy. I live in DC and was worried about even picking it up from the jewelry store with getting it insured first!

As for proposal plans, my intention is to ask for her hand in marriage (in Italian) on the terrace of an apartment I've rented. We've been together for a really long time, so it won't be a complete surprise, but then again, I do not think she realizes I actually have a ring in hand....

I hope she speaks Italian!

I would definitely insure it. And not worry about it. I go through security at airports all the time wearing rings, and nothing ever beeps, so I can't imagine a ring in a box would be a problem.

When she wears it in Rome, if it has a stone in it, have her wear the ring backwards, with the stone inside her palm.

Good luck and congratulations!

Good idea about turning it backwards, though I imagine she'll spend a decent amount of time admiring it when the sunlight reflects off the diamond.

She doesn't speak a bit of Italian, which is part of my plan. I intend to say a few sentences in Italian. When she doesn't understand, I am going to break out the ring and translate. Am also thinking about writing the Italian and the translation on a card, so she'll have it as a keepsake.

My only concern would be whether the ring will fit tight enough for her to wear without fear of it slipping off too easily. Have you compared the sizing with a ring she already wears on a regular basis?

Yes, the ring does match the size of a ring she wears all the time. I am more concerned it will be too tight at times - her hands tend to swell when walking a lot or exercising.

I have nothing to add. Just wanted to wish you the best. :)

I think might be worrying too much. Please do not worry just take the ring along and propose and let your bride to be wear her ring! More than likely you are just nervous and not thinking straight - lots of Romans wear rings after all!


Honestly I wear very nice bling and have only ever had one necklace ripped off of me! But then that was in Tanzania so it was my own fault for tempting a fellow who might make $30 a month if he's got a job. Of course the penalty for stealing is to be beaten by the mob if they catch you.....so his risk was greater than mine in the end.

Anyway it's very sweet of you and I think it's nice that there are still gentlemen around who are as romantic as you.


Warmest congratulations!

When you get to Italy you will see many Italian women wearing very expensive jewelry. If she visited Italy again after you are married would you want her to take off the ring for the duration of the trip?

Don't worry and have a nice time.

My hubby proposed to me in the Cook Islands on a beach. He too was afraid of losing it, but nothing happened. It was actually a bit big, but I wore it anyways...there was no way anyone was going to make me put it away hahahah!

I also live in London now and have worn both my engagement and anniversary rings in London, Paris, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Berlin, Dublin etc...and no problems AT ALL. Never.

So go and enjoy the moment!!! Best of luck, please come back and tell us how it went!!

I understand the anxiety about I leave the good jewellery at home. I've had my engagement ring now for 32 years and am happier to be without it for a while than stress about losing it while on holiday.

Congratulations (in advance), I hope that all goes well and you have a lovely, romantic holiday. Cathie

I am in Italy at least four times a year in various places and of course you always see a lot of women wearing beautiful jewels in Italy - although often imitation ...they have awesome fakes. I would say that it all depends on the neighbourhoods you will be visiting , but I would definitely turn the stone inside (especialy in case of a brand new and polished ring) It will not ring during luggage check but don't put it in or near to something metal that may draw attention of course. But I am almost sure that you will have to take of the money belt and put it in a tray so no risk of ringing and I do not think they will ask you to open it .

Stop worrying and congratulations.

Tell us how it went!!!!

PS
If you are still worrying: put it on your little finger and bandage it, tell her you hurt yourself....or just fold in a piece of tissue and put it simply in your wallet: it will go on the tray and they will not open it.

What a sweet idea! I hope you'll report back marigny and let us know how it goes.

Good luck!

I love the proposal idea. After a proposal in Rome, you've really set the bar high for your honeymoon!!

We're back from Rome, so here's the highlights of the engagement. Trip report to follow under separate topic.....

We arrived in Rome Friday morning, 5/16/08, after flying overnight (DC to Newark, then Newark to FCO). We were both exhausted, so I decided to wait until Saturday for the big question, though it was driving me crazy!

We spent Saturday seeing much of Ancient Rome, then headed to dinner at Osteria ar Galetto on Piazza Farnese, just down the street from our apartment. I started to ask over dinner, but it just did not feel right.

After dinner, we headed back to the apartment and up to the rooftop terrace for glasses of Prosecco. The view was terrifc - we were looking down at the Piazza Farnese, and out across the piazza we could see the dome of St. Peter's.

We talked about the day, and I kept trying to find the right moment. After awhile, I announced that I had been practicing some Italian, and asked if she wanted to hear it.

I leaned in close and said, "Vuoi essere la mia meta per il resto della nostra vita? Vuoi sposarmi?" or something as close to that as I could manage. The translation as I understand it is: "Would you like to be my other half for the rest of our life? Would you like to marry me?"

Of course, she had no idea what the words meant, so at that point, I got on one knee, took out the ring, and provided the English translation. As you might imagine, there was much kissing, a quiet exchange of words, and lots more Prosecco.

The only 'bump' with the proposal was that she had earlier asked me to turn out the lights - the lights on the roof were like the outdoor spotlights on a single family house. They really lit up the terrace, but tended to shine in your eyes. Unfortunately, this meant she could not see the ring when I gave it to her, so I had to scramble and switch the lights back on.

She seemed really pleased with the ring, and was very excited with the proposal. Because it was late in Rome (about 11PM) we were able to call our parents back home and share the news.

Eveyone was very happy - we've been together for about 10 years, so while our families are certainly used to us as a couple, they are all very excited to see us take this step.

I am very happy with the way things turned out, and glad I decided to ask in Rome. I'm also extremely happy to announce that I am engaged to a wonderful woman - one who knows all my flaws, and is still excited to be with me!

Ciao,
marigny

What a nice story - thanks for sharing and congratulations!

gruezi

Tanti auguri!