Engagement rings and wedding bands have long served as visible signs of a couple’s commitment to one another, a promise to love each other unconditionally and forever. They help to display to the world that you and the one you love most are dedicated to each other.

Choosing an engagement ring or wedding band is of course a deeply personal decision, but for those whose lives are defined by continuous travel, the selection process involves more than just aesthetics and sentiment.

If you’re an avid traveler who’s constantly roaming the globe, you must consider factors like practicality, durability, and security when selecting a commitment ring such as an engagement ring or wedding band.

Find out how you can find that perfect ring that not only captures your personal love story but also stands up to the demands of a life on the move, ensuring your symbol of commitment remains as enduring as your travel adventures together.

How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring or Wedding Band for Your Travel Lifestyle

Durability and Material Choices

Durability should be at the top of your considerations when selecting a ring, especially when you consider it’s an item you will wear daily and in all kinds of conditions.

While gold is arguably the most common choice for wedding and engagement rings, there are actually far better materials that you may want to consider if you are an avid traveler. Rings made of metals like platinum, tungsten carbide, and titanium will stand up better in humid climates or when exposed to salt water.

Known for its strength and resistance to tarnishing, platinum is a top choice for travellers due to not only its strong durability but also the fact it maintains its lustre over time, even with frequent exposure to different environments.

Then there is tungsten carbide. Tungsten is a naturally occurring metal that is one of the hardest and densest metals found on Earth. It has a very high melting point and is known for its strength and durability. When tungsten powder is combined with carbon atoms at high temperatures, you get tungsten carbide which becomes an extremely hard and dense material which is even more durable than pure tungsten itself.

Tungsten carbide’s hardness makes it an ideal material for low maintenance wedding bands, resisting scratches and retaining its polish for a long time.

Lightweight and incredibly strong, titanium also makes a good choice. It’s not only resistant to corrosion and scratches, but also ideal for people with sensitive skin since it’s hypoallergenic.

You may want to consider getting a brushed or matte finish ring instead of one with a high gloss, as it can help conceal minor scratches and keep your ring looking like new even on your tenth or twentieth wedding anniversary.

And when it comes to gemstones, thankfully most wedding and engagement rings use diamonds which are the hardest and most durable option. Provide even greater protection to your diamond or other choice of gemstone by considering a bezel setting where the stone is surrounded by metal.

Versatility in Design

After deciding on a metal choice, it’s then time to think about what design will work best for frequent travel. A plain band without stones or intricate details will be less prone to damage and easier to clean, but if you are including stones, maybe get them set flush with the ring band or placed in a bezel setting where they will be less likely to snag on clothing, suitcases, or travel gear.

As for the cut of diamond if your ring will include one, a round brilliant cut is often the most popular diamond shape, and its symmetrical shape that is void of sharp corners make it less prone to chipping or catching on objects.

That being said, don’t overlook stunning princess cut rings, as this design blends classic beauty with modern appeal, effortlessly fitting a wide variety of personal styles and activities. While the pointed corners can be more vulnerable to chipping, you can help avoid this by setting the diamond in a protective bezel or V-prong setting which can help reduce this risk.

Avoid rings with intricate patterns that may wear down or catch dirt over time. Consider a design that complements various styles of clothing and accessories, as you may need to dress for diverse occasions and climates while traveling.

Practicality

Choose a band with a comfort-fit design, which is rounded on the inside. This reduces the risk of irritation during long periods of wear and is ideal for the many different climates and activities you’ll likely encounter during your travels.

Opt for a ring that doesn’t require frequent or complex cleaning, as this can be challenging to stay on top of while on the road. Rings with fewer crevices or intricate designs are simply easier to maintain.

Try to avoid engraving since detailed engravings or intricate designs can trap sweat and dirt, so a simpler design may be more practical.  In humid climates such as in Southeastern Asian countries, moisture can accumulate under the ring, leading to discomfort or skin irritation. Ensure the ring you choose has a good fit to prevent moisture accumulation.

Meanwhile, if you regularly travel to colder climates like in Finland, consider choosing metals with lower thermal conductivity like tungsten carbide which are less likely to feel excessively cold against the skin. Gold and platinum conduct heat more efficiently, which can equate to feeling more uncomfortable in very cold conditions.

Keep in mind that fingers can shrink in cold weather, so ensure your ring is not too tight to avoid discomfort or risk of the ring becoming stuck. Best bet is to have your ring professionally sized to ensure it will fit comfortably in various weather conditions.

And if you’re an adventurous traveler, keep in mind that bumpy train rides or rugged road trips and jeep safaris on dirt tracks will call for durable settings that securely hold stones in place.

Security

Travel always puts personal items at greater risk, but the level of risk will often be determined by where you choose to travel. This is where choosing a ring that is less flashy or opulent-looking will be beneficial, as it will draw less attention from potential thieves.

Keep your ring in a hotel safe or other secure location whenever you’re not wearing your ring. Another potential idea is to have a secondary, less expensive substitute ring you can wear when traveling to higher risk areas or where environmental damage may be a concern.

Keep a digital record of the ring’s purchase, including photographs and receipts, and have these documents available on cloud storage or simply email them to yourself so you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be useful for insurance claims if necessary.

And speaking of insurance, be sure to insure your ring against loss, theft, or damage. Make sure the insurance covers international travel and includes full replacement costs, with the lowest premium and deductible possible. You may have to add additional coverage to a standard travel insurance policy or look at alternative insurance options for items that are of especially high value.

Be mindful of activities that could potentially damage or dislodge the ring or its stones, such as strenuous sports or adventure travel activities. Use common sense and maybe avoid wearing rings when partaking in activities like scuba diving, swimming at resort pools or beaches, skydiving, bungee jumping, etc.

Be sure to have your ring regularly serviced and cleaned by a professional jeweler to ensure all settings and components are secure. You can also inspect your ring yourself before and after traveling for any signs of wear, loose stones, or damage.

Costs

There are several costs associated with wedding rings and they include the initial purchase, price, ongoing maintenance, and insurance.  

In terms of purchase price, while it may be nice to wear an expensive ring with large carat diamond(s), consider if that money could be better allocated towards your travel fund. Opting for an economical ring over an expensive luxurious one could allow you to extend your travel budget to travel longer or in greater style such as flying first-class or staying in fancier hotels.

Set a realistic ring budget that includes not just the initial cost but also ongoing maintenance, insurance, and potential additional expenses. Determine which features are most important and prioritize spending in those areas while staying within your budget.

Be mindful that traveling increases the risk of loss or damage. Investing in a high-quality but reasonably priced ring allows for peace of mind. Some materials and designs require more frequent maintenance as discussed earlier. Weigh the ongoing costs of keeping the ring in good condition, especially if regular professional cleaning or adjustments may be needed.

Purchasing a Ring Abroad

A lot of people also consider purchasing an engagement or wedding ring overseas, but there are potential risks and potential added costs to be aware of. First off is to of course avoid scams. Only buy jewelry from reputable companies abroad and not small shops or vendors that are potentially selling faux diamonds or gold/platinum rings. If the price is too good to be true, it most likely is.

Be aware of potential costs related to currency exchange if purchasing the ring internationally. Significant fluctuations in exchange rates can happen overnight which can have a great effect on the final cost of high value items such as an engagement ring.

Make sure you use a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees as well, unless you want to pay an additional 3% or more for your ring. Also research if there are any potential customs duties or import taxes that you may need to pay.

Resell Value

While you are likely never planning to hopefully sell your ring, the reality is that relationships do break down or you may want to upgrade your ring down the line. Some materials and designs retain their value better than others. If you’re considering future resale or trade-in options, research the potential appreciation or depreciation that is likely with the ring you choose.

Insuring Your Ring

Insuring your ring can prove to be a significant expense if your ring is of considerably high value. The cost will depend on your ring’s value and the extent of coverage. Check the terms of the insurance policy, including deductibles and claims procedures.

And again, ensure your policy provides adequate protection for the specific travel you plan to do and read the fine print. For instance, if you lose your ring on a cruise but did not take out cruise travel insurance and instead only have a standard travel insurance policy, you may only be covered for the period of travel that did not take part during your cruise.