There’s not much that can spoil a honeymoon more than a lost or damaged ring. Luckily, we have a few tips you can follow to ensure your rings come home with you safe and sound (and that no tears are shed when you’re supposed to be having the time of your life with your new spouse). Below, find the top jewelry care suggestions for honeymooners—or vacationers in general—according to Jerry Ehrenwald, CEO of the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
Pack with care.
You might have a jewelry carryall you use for travel, but your wedding bling is way too precious to simply throw in with the rest of your necklaces and bracelets. Invest in lined ring boxes or soft cloth pouches to prevent the tangling of chains and the scratching of your fine jewelry.
Make sure it’s safe.
This is probably common sense, but never leave your ring poolside, on a lounge chair or on the bedside table of your honeymoon suite. And make sure whatever hotel room you’re staying in has a safe so you have the option to leave it behind for the day while you’re out paddleboarding. Better yet, get a Bluetooth device to attach to the ring box so you can always know where it is (if nothing else, it will give you peace of mind when you’re out and about enjoying your honeymoon).
Remove it before you swim.
Not only are beaches major danger zones for rings (let’s be real—it’s a goner once it’s off your finger in the ocean), but chlorine can discolor your gem over time, so don’t think about diving into the pool with it either. Once again, your hotel room safe will definitely come in handy.
Keep it away from the SPF.
Sunscreen is horrible for any gemstone because it can coat it in residue, reducing the refractive and reflecting light and—in turn—resulting in the loss of a stone’s brilliance. No bueno. To be safe, you can always clean it regularly with an ultrasonic cleaner (this one’s easy to pack too).
No sun or sand, please.
Yep, you might as well leave it behind (again, in a safe) if you’ll be bouncing around a beach resort all day—especially if you have a colored gem, since light and high temperatures will fade the color over time. Additionally, sand is bad news for your bling as well—it can erode your rock and wedge itself in the ring setting or under the diamond.
Insure, insure, insure.
Regardless of where you’re headed for your honeymoon, traveling in general poses a higher risk of losing or damaging your fine jewelry. This should go without saying, but after your engagement and wedding rings are purchased, they should be appraised and insured immediately. Make sure all of your rings are insured before you travel so you can submit a report to your insurance company. That way you’re in the clear if the item is lost, stolen or damaged.
