I grew up in Chicago, have lived in LA, NYC, DC and extensively travel all the other major US big cities for business and pleasure. I have a beautiful wedding/engagement set that is 1) soldered together and 2) probably won't come off my finger without minor surgery (or a hasty hacking). I felt no qualms during the 3 weeks we spent touring Italy on our own. (No tour group, it's a personal choice. But does anyone else think opportunistic thieves could consider a well-heeled group like "shooting fish in a barrel?" Not really a total knock on tour groups, but think about it, it does make some sense.) On occasion I do spin the rings around so they look more like a plain gold band, but can't say that I felt the need anywhere in Italy, Paris, or London. Of course my set isn't more than 1.5 carats total, but if you've got one of those 2+ carat sparklers you may indeed want to leave it at home in a safe deposit box. Especially if it is fairly new and you aren't accustomed to wearing it 24/7.

Give one reason, other than snobbery, why one would wear attention-drawing jewelry when it makes one uncomfortable.

Tiffany -The answer to your question is: naivete, silliness, inexperience.

Leave it home! Regardless of the destination, why travel with expensive jewelry? When you're on vacation who are you trying to impress? Don't bring anything you wouldn't want to lose, and that includes lots of cash, multiple credit cards, unnecessary documents, expensive leather accessories (wallets, bags), designer luggage, etc. My only exception would be an expensive camera, for obvious reasons.

Do you wear your ring everyday? Is it insured? <BR>I wouldn't think of EVER leaving it at home...why??it is safer on you than leaving it at home!!!! Have you travelled to New York or Chicago? Did you leave your ring home when you went? <BR>I have been to Europe and I never felt threatened. You know...they do wear diamond rings over there. <BR>Maybe the only reason to leave it at home was if you were going over there to buy jewelry/rings. That way you could wear the merchandise home. <BR>I would not take a lot of jewelry. When I travel I take my diamond, and a watch. I leave the earrings, bracelets, and necklaces at home. Bracelets and necklaces are the easiest targets for thieves - they just rip them right off of your body!!

Funny; do you know that the Italians visiting the US (especially NYC) worry about the same issue question, just vice versa?

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. My husband does not want me to bring the ring and I probably won't, even though it is insured.