Taking Your Engagement Ring on Holiday: Should I Wear a Fake?

When it comes to planning the perfect proposal, more couples than ever are doing it abroad – our 2024 Marriage Proposal Report revealed that over 53% of British couples pop the question abroad. Whether you’re heading somewhere tropical or ticking off a dream bucket list destination, it's no surprise you're wondering: should you travel with your real ring – or opt for a holiday engagement ring?

There’s something romantic about a proposal under the sun – but let’s be honest, the idea of losing or damaging a high-value engagement ring while you’re away is enough to stress anyone out. That’s where a travel engagement ring, also known as a 'fake holiday engagement ring' or 'temporary proposal ring', comes in. It’s a savvy, stress-free solution that lets you focus on the moment, without the fear of loss or theft. And if you're still browsing for the real deal? Our Engagement Ring Buying Guide will help you find the ring to mark your most meaningful milestone.

A holiday engagement ring is a lower-cost alternative to your real engagement ring, designed for travel. Often made with imitation stones or less valuable materials, it offers peace of mind when you're abroad. Whether you're proposing overseas or already engaged, it’s ideal for keeping the real ring safe at home.

You might choose a holiday engagement ring as a placeholder for your proposal abroad, or wear it long-term when travelling to avoid the risks tied to your original ring.

Taking your engagement ring on holiday can feel like a risk. From lost luggage and airport security to beachside slips and unfamiliar environments, travel presents plenty of opportunities for your ring to go missing, get damaged – or worse, be stolen. That’s why many couples opt for a temporary engagement ring, also called a holiday engagement ring or travel ring, when heading abroad.

• Security: You won’t need to worry about insuring or protecting a high-value item while you’re away.
• Peace of mind: Relax and enjoy your travels without constantly checking your finger or removing your ring for activities.
• Try before you commit: Already engaged? A fake engagement ring for holiday is a great chance to test drive a new design while your original stays safe at home. You can explore different looks and fits – see our engagement ring styles guide for inspiration.
• Budget-friendly: Temporary engagement rings are typically much more affordable than bespoke or diamond designs.
• Adventure-ready: Perfect for beach days, hiking trips or watersports without the fear of damaging the real thing.
• A chance to choose together: If you’re proposing abroad, a placeholder engagement ring means you can celebrate the moment – then shop together for the real thing later. It’s a great way to ensure they love the ring style and avoids the possibility of getting the ring size wrong.

• Perceived deception: Some might feel uncomfortable proposing with a ring that isn’t ‘the one’. Be sure to communicate the sentiment behind the choice.
• Quality & appearance: While they’ve come a long way, temporary engagement rings often won’t match the craftsmanship or sparkle of the real deal. They’re perfect for peace of mind, but may lack the emotional and visual impact of your final ring.
• Extra cost: Even though they’re budget-friendly, a temporary engagement ring is still an extra expense. Some couples may prefer to put that money towards the final ring instead.
• Environmental impact: Some lower-cost fake engagement rings for travel are made using non-sustainable materials or fast-fashion production methods, which may not align with your values around conscious purchasing.

Your holiday engagement ring can look however you like. A popular choice is a cubic zirconia centre stone set in 925 sterling silver – a budget-friendly option that looks convincingly close to the real thing but far less durable, so won’t cause too much worry if misplaced while abroad. While it won’t replace the craftsmanship of a Queensmith ring, it’s a smart stand-in while your real ring stays safe at home.

Wondering if your travel ring needs to look just like your real one? The answer is no. It doesn’t need to be a replica. In fact, many couples enjoy trying out different engagement ring styles – from vintage-inspired halos to bold solitaires. It’s a chance to have some fun with a style you wouldn’t usually wear day-to-day.

Of course, nothing replaces the real thing. But if you’d feel more comfortable knowing your original ring is safe at home, a temporary engagement ring can be the perfect stand-in while you explore the world.

If you’ve decided you’d rather travel with your high-value engagement ring, it’s all about taking the right precautions. First things first: make sure your ring is fully covered by your travel insurance, especially if you’re planning a destination proposal. Having that extra layer of protection can offer peace of mind should anything unexpected happen.

At Queensmith, we’ve thought of everything to help you feel more confident while travelling with your ring, including how to get it through airport security without spoiling the surprise. Check out our Ask for Harry collaboration with London Luton Airport for clever tips to keep your proposal plans secret and secure.

Still browsing the perfect piece? Explore our bespoke engagement rings and discover a design worth protecting wherever you go.

When it comes down to it, it’s not all about the ring – it’s about the sentiment behind it. Whether you opt for a holiday engagement ring, a family heirloom or no ring at all, the meaning you place on that moment far outweighs the price tag. A heartfelt proposal is what truly makes it memorable.

If a fake engagement ring for your holiday doesn’t feel quite right, there are other thoughtful options. Some choose to go ring-less for their travels, while others propose with a meaningful accessory, like a necklace or alternative ring, saving the final engagement ring for a later reveal. Need inspiration? Take a look at our favourite 14 creative proposal ideas that prove it’s the moment, not the jewellery, that lasts a lifetime.

Whatever you decide, focus on what feels personal and right for the two of you. The sparkle can come later.