SharonG, I actually wear headbands 90% of the time. (My family's theory is that I put one on when I was 13 and just never could part with it.) This posed a problem with dressy outfits, especially in summer when the wide, all-purpose black velvet just wouldn't do. Not wishing to actually purchase a tiara, I did the next best thing---a narrow pearl headband. The pearls are not real, but they look pretty good. The perfect marriage of form and function: hair held back, and the tiara "effect"---almost, but not obnoxiously so.

Hello all, on a serious note. If you have valuable jewelry check with your insurance agent/company about an Inland Marine Floater Policy for your jewelry. This provides much broader coverage then what you have under your Homeowners policy.

You will need to have an appraisal done on each item. The policy will list each item with the appraised value along with a description provided by the appraiser. Taking a photo of the items is a good idea also.

Sentimental value can never be replaced of course, but monetary value can be insured.

I only take the jewelry I am wearing when I travel after having some family heirloom pieces stolen in Miami Beach many years ago. The items weren't that expensive, but they were irreplaceable as far as sentiment. I still haven't stopped kicking myself for my stupidity. At that time, when I was younger, I would take different pieces of jewelry to wear with various outfits.
Now, I wear my wedding and engagement rings, another ring on my right hand, small gold hoop earrings, a gold rope necklace with a gold heart charm, a wristwatch, and small gold chain bracelets. I only take off the earrings for sleeping. All of this works well for casual touring and for dress-up in the evening, and I don't have to worry about losing jewelry ever again.

I take jewelry that I wear everyday--a gold necklace or my pearls. And one or two pieces of costume jewelry, but that's it.

However, one of our German relatives opted to take most of her favorite pieces of family jewelry with her on vacation in Spain. Normally she doesn't travel with jewelry, this was a last minute whim. She kept the pieces she wasn't wearing at the time in the hotel room safe and had no problems. But when they got home, they found their house broken into and all the jewelry that she *didn't* take with her had been stolen.
Leaving jewelry at home is no guarantee it will be there when you get back, esp. if you will be gone for more than a week or two and people know your house will be empty.

I think that is what they call IRONY! I am so glad you put that reverse spin on this thread.
I just recently returned from Italy (OKOKOK trip report coming soon)and was a little taken aback when someone asked me if I had considered leaving my diamond ring home. I have to admit I had but decided that the purpose of my travel is to make me more a citizen of the world, not more fearful of it. I wore the ring.

I don't usually wear my diamond engagement ring and would never take it on vacation. I had a beautiful matching eternity band and wore that to a neighboring country for a family lunch at a restaurant. Didn't miss it until the next morning, when I was like, hey where's my ring? That was about 4 years ago, still haven't had it replaced , but tomorrow's our anniversary so maybe this year

In short don't wear it unless you're really used to it and would miss it if it fell off etc.

I usually take one or two nice pieces on vacation that i just constantly wear. The shop and restaurant people usually treat you better with a little jewellery on =)

<The shop and restaurant people usually treat you better with a little jewellery on>

REALLY???????

Do others agree with this? I'm curious because I never wear jewelry other than silver earrings and a plain watch. Am I missing out on great service because I am lacking gold & diamonds? Really?

Unless you are an eccentric millionnaire, if you can afford expensive jewellery, the rest of you will look reasonably wealthy.
The better treatment will be because you are well dressed, have an expensive looking haircut, wear good shoes, carry a good leather handbag.
The bling alone will not be enough.

MissPrism, what if I am well dressed, have an expensive looking haircut, wear good shoes, and carry a black daypack? Do you think I need some bling to offset the daypack and get the best service? :-D

Managers in hotels, head waiters, barmen etcetera will always cast a cursory glance at one's watch, so one should be prepared.

Hi Marilyn, do think a proper amount of bling will offset coffee poured all over ones outfit? Especially if ones watch is an expensive well respected brand? I was just wondering. Do you have any thoughts ;;)

Apparently, bling rules. I'm gonna have to get me some more of it.

I was sitting in a pub with my husband in Mayfair when a man asked me the time. When I looked at my watch, he did too. We were then treated to a looong and boring lecture on how I should not show my watch around there.
Mayfair??
I have worn my same old watch for years, it is a nice watch..they sell knock-offs of my watch on Canal Street LOL
I have never been mugged for it nor have I lost it on a trip.
If it doesn't happen at home, I really doubt it will happen during your week or two away from home.
(now watch me lose my watch!)

I'd love to see the bling rules! Unfortunately most of it would probably not apply to me.

Sue, it just occurred to me what the Bling Rules are:

You know the adage about accessories? (When you are all dressed and ready to go, take off one accessory -- piece of jewelry, scarf, whatever.)

The Bling Rules are exactly the opposite. When you are all dressed and ready to go, put ON one (or more) pieces of bling. Blingo!

Oh Marilyn!

LOL. Thanks for sharing. Some of us do need uptodate fashion advice! Take care.

Marilyn, I am adopting those rules as of today.
No more wondering should I wear the earrings necklace AND bracelet with rings and watch...
Now I will wear an ankle bracelet TOO!
LOL *-:)

Don't forget your tongue stud, Scarlett.

Hey Scarlett and Marilyn, what about the ankle chain and toe rings!! Or would that be to much bling?

Ain't no such thing
As too much bling!