wearing jewelry on trip

I would not take jewelry. It's better to be safe than sorry unless if it's ripped off of your neck or arm you don't care about losing it. My sister lives in Rome and says it's not safe.

Safe as traveling in the US with it is I found.

Also don't wear anything that looks expensive, even if it's fake. The thiefs won't appraise it before they take it, and they may think you have other valuable stuff in your bag/pockets.

No one is going to run up to you and try to steal your jewelery, any more than if you got mugged here in the US.

personally, I only travel with a simple wedding band (no diamonds) and a silver pair (read, inexpensive) of earrings. I don't take "extra" stuff when I travel, just for fear of loosing it somehow.

If it makes you feel better to bring a few pieces, common sense says to take only what you can part with, should you loose a piece through forgetfulness (even though you say you don't take stuff off) or if it should break (like a necklace chain or bracelet can do)

Italians, especially the women, wear lots of jewelry. I learned how to accessorize living here thanks to watching all the well dressed, jewelry wearing women we have in my town, so no one is going to look twice at a gold chain. The only thing to be cautious about is wearing a huge fancy Rolex watch, THAT might get stolen.

I have never worried about my jewelry. The only time I did was when I swam and felt my rings a little loose. I took them off and hubby took care of them while I was in the water.

Debbie,

Is there anyone in Italy that you want to impress with your jewelry? If not, leave everything home and enjoy yourself.

Wear your jewelry the same as you would at home. It is just another country, not a muggers paradise. Pick-pockets, yes, but they aren't going to rip your earrings off or your necklace. The thought of not wearing my normal jewelry has never crossed my mind when going to anyplace in Europe. Like another poster said, Italian women wear their jewelry and never give it another thought. They carry purses too. If you want to blend more, you could always carry an Italian newspaper with you. I have never heard of anyone having their jewelry stolen off of them, so I am wondering if you have heard this or read it on these boards somewhere?

On a trip I wear what I would wear at home. If for some reason I think I am being watched I simply turn my rings around so the diamonds are not facing out. (a habit that started riding the subway here at home) just be careful not to bang your ring by accident.

However; since I did lose a necklace that had great sentimental value in Paris once other than my wedding rings I never travel with jewelry I can't emotionally afford to lose anymore. As another person pointed out.. People who live in areas that we are visiting have wedding rings and jewelry also. We will not stand out...The thing is if we travel with too much the risk is losing it or misplacing a piece like I did can happen. I tend to keep it simple now and use a leather jewelry wallet to keep what I want to bring organized.

I always wear my earings ( fakes, but look great) and my wedding rings, ( no huge stones, just little ones set flat inside, a lovely but completey simple ring) .
I never remove either, as I think most tourists are more likely to lose their jewerly by forgetting by some sink in a hotel or restaurant bathroom,,

I have a special necklace( pearls and white gold) from my mother, I love it. I don't bring it anywhere as it would break my heart to lose it( mom has passed away). I would not like to lose my wedding ring, but I would not be broken hearted,, hubby is still here, LOL and we can always buy another one, LOL )

Only take what you can replace easily, and my personal opinion is only take what you plan on wearing all the time.

I take lots of fake stuff, glass bead necklaces etc.. costume stuff is in style right now, and you can pack alot of bling in a small bag and change up the look of the most basic outfits.

There are plenty of reasons not to take jewellery when you travel, none of them are unique to Italy or Europe as they mostly involve the risk of leaving them in a hotel bathroom. If you'd take the stuff on a US vacation then take it Italy with you.

That being said if you think you'll worry or feel uncomfortable wearing your jewellery then it may be easier to leave it at home.

Love the replies - but check it out - the men say no and the women say yes. My concession to travel is to bring only one pair of earrings so I don't have too many things to keep track of. I still wear my ring and watch. You'll be fine. Have a great trip.

Karen , too funny,,must remember for SOME men,,, an extra pair of socks is almost considered "jewerly " to them.. they take that " travelling light" thing a bit too seriously..

The men say "no" because if the jewelry is lost we are the ones who will have to hear about it for the rest of our lives.

Debbie, I have written this before, but for me, no jewellery is akin to no clothes!! I never take rings/bracelets off anyway,and change necklace to suit my clothes. Never had a problem, but have had compliments. Enjoy your trip.

I do what Sylvia does. I was waiting for someone to say that! Jewelry doesn't take up much room in a suit case or backpack, but even so, I don't take jewelry, and buy some beautiful pieces in Europe. I can't but anything very expensive, but it's amazing what you can find! When I do buy jewelry in Europe, I do like to wear it on the rest of my trip, but it does depend where in Europe I'm in. I have heard of people getting their jewelry riped off, but that can happen anyplace. I feel the safest wearing jewelry in Germany and Austria. Italy, Spain, no. Just use good judgment, and you'll be fine.

We take only one simple wedding band each for two reasons:

First, you could lose it. You are changing rooms, packing and unpacking, using different bath rooms regularly - the chances of forgetting something is pretty good. Don't bring something you couldn't bear to accidentally leave behind.

Second, flashy jewelry, costume or real, will attract attention from thieves. Even if they don't steal the jewelry they notice, they are more likely to target your bag, wallet or purse than the people around you not wearing flashy jewelry.

Getting physically assaulted shouldn't be a concern. Pickpocketing or snatching something while you aren't paying attention is more likely.

I would go without and then Buy Jewelry in Europe. It does make the best and easiet to pack Souvenirs : )

One aspect not mentioned, and maybe does not apply to all, but we find that our trips tend to be more active in general (more movement, banging, bumping, etc.) than normal life or trips at home. Jewelry as well as other things (laptops, extra items and electronics) need to be simpler or eliminated to make travel light and easy. I do agree as well that nearly any item has a higher probability of getting lost on a trip whether you intend to set it down or not.

I totally agree with Pat in Australia. I would not feel dressed without rings, earrings, watch, and two or three bracelets while traveling. I never take them off except while sleeping and then they are safe by my bedside. We also take laptop, two cameras, and good binocs/opera glasses.

FOR LISA--- If you are going to Milan, wear jewelry!