I would submit that anyone considering taking *anything* expensive with them on an extended journey (clothing, technical gear, jewels, etc.) should first ask themselves two questions:

1. Exactly why is it I need to take this with me?
2. If it goes astray, how will I feel?

If there's no satisfactory answer to the first question, and the answer to the second is anything other than "Splendid! Terrific!", then it might be wise to re-evaluate the decision to take it along.

Things happen while we travel. In fact, that's one reason *why* I travel - to confront the unusual and unexpected.

Fritzrl

Question, does everyone that travels around the US leave all their jewelry at home? If not, why do you think that wearing it in Europen is any different.

And another question, do you wear your "special" jewelry in your hometown and area but not while travelling? And if so, is your hometown so much safer than when you travel out of your hometown?

I always loved my late husband's thought and comment which was "don't let possession possess you". So true.
BTW, my latest disaster, sentimental jewelry, was suddenly realizing that a very special gold hoop earring was not in my earlobe. I looked around my home for two weeks. One day when vacumn cleaning I hear "clunk and clunk". Emptied the vacumn bag and there was the gold hoop earring, not exactly a hoop anymore. Thanks to a member of another website I know where to take this earring to have it repaired.

Anyway, just my thinking, take and enjoy what every jewelry you want to have on your trip. IMO it is no less dangerous than wearing it at home. But if you are going to be a nervous person about travelling with jewelry than by all means don't take it with you.

i really think you need to do what makes you comfortable. you say you are worried about bringing it so leave it home. the posts here are most unhelpful.

hearing that someone wore a ring and had no problem is not helpful, getting put down for having a flash ring is not helpful, hearing myths that europeans don't care about expensive things is not helpful, hearing people lecture about how europe is as safe or safer than the US is not helpful.

just do what makes you comfortable.

Quite a few years ago, I wore my jewelry to Europe...nothing as expensive as what you are referring to...I was only 22. However, I didn't return with it...I had my traveler's checks, jewelry, everything (including passport) stolen...they found a few things behind the train station, but not my jewelry...it wasn't the monetary value that disturbed me...it was because my parents had given it to me that I was brokenhearted. If you care about something, I wouldn't take it...but that is b/c of my experience. I learned that it isn't worth it!

I forgot a necklace, never again!!

Don;t take any expensive jewelry that you don;t wear at all times.

The danger is not theft on the street - and if you're dragging all that jewelry I assume you'll travel by cab - not by bus.

But there are two dangers:

Loss or forgetfulness in all the unpacking and repacking - it is VERY easy to leave something behind

Room safes are not really all that safe - esp if someone in the hotel sees you wearing flashy jewelry in the evening (a lot of people in the hotel can get into those safes - from security staff to semi-managers on up)

So - unless you're dining with HM QEII - I would forget the jewelry - and watches - except for an engagement ring that you NEVER take off

Mine was not loss or forgetfulness. was theft. My handbag was stolen from me in Denmark. Theft can happen anywhere!

I think flashy jewelry attracts trouble while traveling - unless you're *only* taking taxis and *only* staying in luxury hotels. I wouldn't take it on a trip where I was taking public transit or doing much walking.

To show a 5-ct solitair - about the size of a pea, I suppose - will be considered as a rude showing-off in most regions inside and outside Italy.
(Yes, except some special places and events, where the rich and beautiful assemble for the purpose to be amongst themselves).

It is a question of style: If you like to be looked at as a newly-rich, show off like one.

It is a question of common sense: If you like to be treated as a newly rich, behave like one.

To be treated as a newly rich concerns the question also dicussed here, as tipping in Italy or tourist scams in Italy.

Remember: The poor lack money, but most of them are not stupid. If that lady can afford to come here just for fun, if she wears just for fun a ring worth half a year of my income - not to talk of them jewels she keeps in her safe.

The waiter continues, why does she make such a fuss about that bill and the addition made a dollar or two to my favour? I have to support a family, after all.

The taxi driver continues, why does she make such a fuss about the money I charged her? A dollar or two to may favour, and not even a tip. I have to support a family, after all.

But for those who need some more publicity: It was in the sities, when all these movie stars had their jewels stolen for this purpose.

I'm seriously not trying to be snarky, but... A very large stone might actually be safer - maybe?

I say this because whenever I see very large gems, especially diamonds and especially when displayed in quantity, I just immediately assume "Diamon-eek from QVC."

Should I worry about my Canal Street Rollex?

Worktowander, you have a point.

I wouldn't expect somebody with a large "good" diamond to take public transport.

To most British people, that sort of bling would say "chavette".

Ditto on the chavette thing... but you have to have the "trying too hard with fake designer labeled trendy clothes" getup as well ;-)

Does the average shop owner or taxi driver in Italy watch QVC?
Do they have the concept?
Can they tell the difference?
Do they care if the jewelry is real or fake?

Looked up "chavette." Fascinating! We in the states need a term like that. Working class people who think that flashiness is a good thing...

Wear the ring (but please tell me it's insured!).

I live in NYC and wear my engagement ring all the time and on the subway I almost always spy someone with a larger rock. Theft does happen--anyone remember the woman who was mugged in Central Park for her rings? She was with her baby at the time! It was speculated that the $800 stroller gave the mugger a tip-off that she probably had money. I could be wrong but I think it turned out that one of the rings was actually a fake because her actual diamond was huge and valuable.

So you could just buy a fake for the trip and lock the real one up at the bank until you return. Personally I view my ring as potential bribe material for any muggings. "Please take the ring and let me live!" It's insured after all. Yes it's precious to me for what it symbolizes, but I think my husband would rather have me alive.

As for "there are plenty of places to hide jewelry in a home that any thief wouldn't take the time to search out" Not true. My husband and I are addicted to the show "It takes a thief", and trust me it's an eye-opener. An ex-con breaks into your house while you watch off site via camera. It takes the guy about 10 minutes to thoroughly trash the house and he finds EVERYTHING. They end the show by upgrading the home's security and having the con come back to try to break in again.

If you're leaving the rock at home--lock it up at the bank.