When heading off for any international travel, one of the biggest questions I find myself grappling with while packing is whether or not I should bring my engagement ring. While I’m someone who wears my engagement ring every single day, if I’m planning to do any activities that are particularly touristy, I know that I’m more likely to be the target of pickpockets if I have a sizable diamond on my finger. (I’m not talking three-plus carats here, but my 1.5-carat marquise does look particularly large on my size 4.5 ring finger.)

Another factor to consider is most jewelers advise to not wear any engagement rings in the pool or ocean to not erode the setting or lose it forever to the sea. However—a big but—I absolutely love my ring, my wife, and want to have our symbol of commitment be a part of my vacation outfits. Plus, we just got legally married this year, have a big wedding coming up, and I low-key love having the ring bring up the topic of conversation.

Intrigued before my recent trip to Barcelona for bridal week on how to proceed, I posted a question on my Instagram stories and received a variety of responses from my married and engaged followers. Some said they always traveled with their real ring. “What else is insurance for,” noted a friend. Others shared they just travel with their wedding band or will decide whether to bring it based on the destination. A few noted they had their engagement ring lost or stolen, so they never will bring their real ring again. But a good amount admitted they found inexpensive copies of their rings via Amazon or Etsy that allow them to keep the look of their ring without having the risk of losing something with so much sentimental and monetary value. (A quick peek on Amazon showed me I could find a copy of mine for the whopping price of $16.99.)

Intrigued on whether I should give cubic zirconia a shot when I headed abroad, I spoke with a few jewelry industry pros to see if a travel ring might be the best solution.

The Pros of Wearing a Travel Engagement Ring

If minimizing risk is your goal, wearing a dupe while on your travels might not be a bad idea. “Travel engagement rings are the perfect solution for jet-setters who want to enjoy their adventures without worrying about loss, theft, or damage to their real ring,” shares Olivia Landau, fourth-generation jeweler and founder of The Clear Cut. “Whether you’re snorkeling in the Maldives or navigating a bustling city, it gives peace of mind.”