Do you feel safe wearing your diamond jewelry?

[CaliSun]

Hello,

We took the plunge and bought the stone for my anniversary upgrade (yayyy!!)

So, now my hubby is envisioning me wearing the beauty on a daily basis. Bottom line - he is not used to me wearing jewelry every day, let alone leaving the house with one of our most valuable assets on my hand... (I''m not really much of a jewelry gal, honestly, so this is big for me). We live in an urban area, and I commute every day via mass transit to work. Although he is happy that the upgrade is in process, he is concerned for my safety and does not want me to be a target.

Any suggestions? Do you all feel safe wearing your diamond jewelry? Do you feel like your sparkles make you any more of a target?

I was thinking of wearing gloves on whenever I''m commuting, this way no one on the train can get any sick thoughts in their head...

My ring is a long time coming, but I''m worried already!

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[bee*]

I wear my rings everywhere and I don''t feel any more of a threat than I would without them. If you live in an urban city, I''m sure there are tons of people that will have bigger diamonds. If you want to, while you''re on transport, maybe turn the diamond in towards the palm of your hand.

 

[sba771]

Yup! They are insured and meant to be enjoyed. I even wear them all around Europe as I travel which I know a lot of people hesitate to do.

 

[AprilBaby]

I live in a very safe area so I never worry. I am taking them off for work right now because I am in a medical field and washing hands constantly to prevent swine flu.

 

[Gleam]

I live in Chicago, obviously an urban city. I have a 2.5 carat diamond solitaire and I feel 100% safe wearing it walking the dog late at night, on public transit, etc... I might be scared getting mugged for my purse (which has happened) but not my jewelry. I also always wear a $6K Cartier watch and that has never worried me either.

I honestly think (a) most people don''t know much about jewelry and (b) people seem to be desensitized by CZs so real diamonds don''t even faze them. I don''t really worry about my diamond jewelry when I''m walking around.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Sometimes I do. I turn my diamond inward if I get nervous. Where I live my ring certainly does not stand out at all but if I go on trips or to other neighborhoods I am very aware of it. I do not take my e-ring out of the country. Just not worth it to me.

 

[bebe]

I''m careful and aware of my surroundings, but I guess you never know. I wear my ring and other jewelry frequently, but not always, I''ve become more aware of where I''m going and the risk.

 

[TooPatient]

My great-aunt wears some beautiful jewelry. Diamond rings and more. (several at a time)

She is quite comfortable wearing them all over the place.

There was one night she got nervous. She was headed home after shopping at the mall and it was dark outside. A slimy looking guy walked near her and kept looking at her hands and then made a comment about her expensive diamonds.
She made a comment about having forgotten something and turned around. Went straight to security and had them escort her to her car.

They didn''t mind doing this. The guy actually said that too many women don''t listen to their instincts and get hurt. He has a wife and daughter and is more than happy to help any woman get home to her family safely.


Anyway. Use common sense. Notice who and what is around you. If something looks out of place or makes you feel like something is wrong, listen to yourself.

 

[grapegravity]

I normally wear my rings ( e-ring, w-band and my oec ring) on a daily basis and I usually travel by train to work daily with hubby...

It never occur to me that my blings were attracting attention untill a few months ago.... W were riding the train (which was packed) to go home after work during rush hour and a nice-looking business-dressed lady beside us commented on how pretty my oec ring was and next thing you know, she grabbed my hand and tried to take it off my finger!!!

Good thing hubby was with me (because I was in complete shock at the time) and he told her that if she wants to rob me, she should grab my e-ring instead since it worth way more than the oec ring... So she backed off as people around us realized what has happened to me....

From that day, I started to pay more attention to my surroundings and turn my rings inwards if I feel uncomfortable.... I still wear them daily tho....

 

[jewelerman]

I live in a state that is suppose to be known for its low crime rate,yet theres been three times since 1985 there has been attempts to take my jewelry from me without success(ive discussed this a few times on the forum).Once was one a crowded train where someone literally jumped on top of me and no one helped me.He jumped off at the next stop before getting either of the rings(a 2.5 diamond on right hand)or the Rolex.I always carry a small bag or box in my backpack or briefcase to put jewelry in when im going to take mass transportation or walk at night.Turn your ring toward your palm at the very least.I would suggest insurance.Also dont keep your rings in plain sight at home.And dont store them in a jewelry box in plain sight.(home robbed once and they only got costume jewelry that was in plain sight)When a stranger compliments me on my ring and asks if its real i ignore the question.When i travel i put better jewelry in bank box.

 

[Bliss]

I have never felt unsafe wearing my jewelry until about a year to six months ago. The economy has really affected many many people and there's definitely a desperation I sense in metro areas. We've been seeing a lot of petty theft/robberies in broad daylight and all over the city. There's even been an uptick in robberies in tony areas like the upper east side and etc., too. Mostly it involves ladies' bags but I am certain that wearing glittering diamonds attracts unwanted attention. When I visited my hometown last week, my mom told me that in local reports robbers were targeting womens' diamond rings in a high end area and she asked me not to wear mine as much.

These days, I spin my diamond around toward my palm on the street. If I wear a diamond necklace, I won't ice myself out with earrings...and etc. Even walking down the street, sometimes I have sensed people zeroing in on the sparkle and it makes me nervous. I definitely don't want to be followed home. These days I am really grateful to have doormen and really good security. Please be careful these days! The danger isn't losing the rings (though it'd be awful) but rather the risk of getting hurt.

 

[Bliss]

Date: 10/14/2009 11:54:11 AM
Author: jewelerman
I live in a state that is suppose to be known for its low crime rate,yet theres been three times since 1985 there has been attempts to take my jewelry from me without success(ive discussed this a few times on the forum).Once was one a crowded train where someone literally jumped on top of me and no one helped me.He jumped off at the next stop before getting either of the rings(a 2.5 diamond on right hand)or the Rolex.I always carry a small bag or box in my backpack or briefcase to put jewelry in when im going to take mass transportation or walk at night.Turn your ring toward your palm at the very least.I would suggest insurance.Also dont keep your rings in plain sight at home.And dont store them in a jewelry box in plain sight.(home robbed once and they only got costume jewelry that was in plain sight)When a stranger compliments me on my ring and asks if its real i ignore the question.When i travel i put better jewelry in bank box.

That is so scary! Grapegravity, that is a really scary story, too.

They say to put yourself in the criminal's minds. Often, they are desperate to get quick cash, score drugs or just young people who don't know any better. What do you think a desperate or very cash hungry person would think or feel if they saw someone with big bling walking around by themselves? It helps to be aware at all times, try not to be distracted by talking on your cell when in risky areas or be otherwise compromised carrying too many bags, tottering around in stilettos alone and etc. Just be safe!

Like TooPatient's smart aunt - if you feel a twinge of something strange, turn around and head toward a safe area. Here in NY, many women feel guilty or brush it off and get into that elevator or walk that dark block when their instincts are saying DANGER DANGER.

I think it's a valid instinct that can save your life. Once DH and I got out of a cab very late at night and there was a man in sweats and he totally cased me. We both in an instant saw the glint in his eyes when he looked at my bag and jewelry (we had gone to a dinner party) -- and DH immediately put me back in the cab and we drove to a more crowded block. It was interesting how he felt it, too. You can tell if someone means you harm or if someone has that "nothing to lose" feeling... As a human being, you feel scared. The hairs stand up, you feel keenly aware that something is wrong. It's just that we bury those feelings when we should really pay attention to them. I would be sad if I got robbed, but I'd be devastated if someone got hurt.

 

[PaulaW]

Yep, I feel pretty safe wearing my jewelry, but I do keep an eye out and make sure I''m aware of my surroundings. Every now and then I take the train to work and I have to walk through a seedy area. I make sure I turn my rings inward before I start walking. Other than that, I''ve never really felt threatened or anything. I think the best thing you can do is get your jewelry insured and enjoy wearing it!

 

[TooPatient]

My mom and I both have the same thing we do if we have to walk alone through a potentially dangerous situation.

Most recently, she was coming home from the hospital after dark. Her car was in the parking garage across the street and there was no one else around.

We call someone on our cell phone. Very aware of everything around, but talking on the phone. That way we are able to watch and if ANYTHING looks wrong, the person on the other end of the phone grabs their other phone and gets the police on the line. Luckily we''ve never had to call the police.

Important part is to be aware. Don''t just talk about your day and ignore your surroundings.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I don't feel unsafe. If I'm going somewhere with a higher crime rate, I'm more discret as in turning my diamond inward or putting my hands in my pocket and make sure my hair isn't tucked behind my ears so that my studs are visable.

But, then again, everything I own is smaller. I'd feel uncomfortable ANYWHERE with a 2 ct diamond ring on. Seems like I'm ALWAYS being approached by people in parking lots asking me for $.

 

[elle_chris]

Sometimes. I do the reverse subway commute (the city to brooklyn), and in the mornings, there's not too many people going my way. The ones that do, well, they're pretty shady looking. If I'm wearing my e-ring, i turn it into my palm. I also don't take anything with me when traveling.

 

[LGK]

I think it''s wise to take precautions- I always turn my rings into my palm if I''m walking around at night, especially in downtown Seattle. And I tend not to walk around alone after dark anyway. I haven''t ever noticed anyone sketchy looking at my jewelry like it might be worth a mugging, though.

Luckily I tend to think people assume my jewelry is fake, which is just fine with me. At work I don''t mind showing my jewelry to people who ask or telling them it''s real, because I have a panic button that calls the police within easy reach and the police station is about a block away- their response time is virtually instantaneous. And I work with my husband, who is a few feet away most of the time.

Every now and again someone who asks about my jewelry gives me the willies, and in that case, I''ll swear up and down it''s fake.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I''ve never felt unsafe and take public transportation to work. I''m not much of a jewelry girl, either, and have been wearing a ring less and less (I''d say once a month at this point?), but it''s not because I feel unsafe.

 

[grapegravity]

Date: 10/14/2009 12:48:10 PM
Author: TooPatient
My mom and I both have the same thing we do if we have to walk alone through a potentially dangerous situation.

Most recently, she was coming home from the hospital after dark. Her car was in the parking garage across the street and there was no one else around.

We call someone on our cell phone. Very aware of everything around, but talking on the phone. That way we are able to watch and if ANYTHING looks wrong, the person on the other end of the phone grabs their other phone and gets the police on the line. Luckily we''ve never had to call the police.

Important part is to be aware. Don''t just talk about your day and ignore your surroundings.

Actually, a friend of my co-worker did just that (called her friend on the phone meanwhile she felt unsafe riding the train alone) as she was riding the train at night after work to go home..... and the call sudden got cut off.... her body was found the next morning not too far from the train station she got off to go home....

 

[tlh]

Yes I do. Insure it, and live w/o worry.

That said, I was walking home one day and a guy driving an old model faded paint car (definately not of the standard of where I live) pulled over to (I thought ask for directions) ask me the time. I felt it was very strange that he would ask me the time, and so I looked at my watch, as I was doing so I saw that he was looking very intently at my left finger. I gave him the time and then I turned around and went into a nearby business for awhile, as I was not clear of his intentions. So just because I wear my jewelry w/o worry- as it could be replaced, my SAFETY and the price I put on that cannot, and I do not like to jeopardize that by flaunting my have- in areas of have-nots. So unfortunately I no longer walk w/o my husband - and when I run I leave my jewelry at home (that and it gets NASTY from the sweat!) - and if in an area of questionable comfort - I turn my sparklies palm - side and just worry about cleaning them later.

 

[wsu12]

To be honest..No. With that said I still wear my jewelry everywhere. I feel as though I can sense the desperation from certain individuals and THAT is scary. What is the solution? Great question...

 

[Dancing Fire]

nobody dare to mess with my wife.she is 6'' 4" 340 lbs.

 

[butterfly 17]

I live in Staten Island, NY and returned back to school in Sept, LIU in Downtown Brooklyn (DeKalb Ave), so I had to start taking public transportation again.

I don''t wear my rings when I take the train. I wear earrings, a watch and a necklace, but not my bigger solitaire or really flashy rings.

My husband, an NYPD Lt. always tells me not to wear anything too flashy and don''t pull out my iphone. He works Transit and he tells me that the number one phone stolen on the trains is the iphone, by high school kids, who knew? He tells me every week he always get called to an iphone robbery. Apparently, they aren''t stealing the other brands.

Since I take the train around 3 pm, when the kids get out of school, I don''t even pull my phone out. I am not paranoid, but why risk it.

If I were you, I would just keep it in my pocket in a little jewelry bag or box and then when I get to work, put it on.

Especially on the train, I wouldn''t worry about it on the bus/express bus, but I have seen people get robbed on the train when I was younger and it was not a fun experience for me to watch.

 

[CaliSun]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

I''ve read old threads on PS about this topic, but given the drastic changes in the economy, I really agree with those of you who noted that crime has certainly increased. Especially small theft. So I thought this topic was worth revisiting.

You''ve all truly provided a lot of valuable, eye-opening feedback and I appreciate it.

I commute from the east bay to San Francisco on the train and encounter all sorts of people on my way to and from (gotta love SF!). But I tell you, some sure are creepy. Today, for example, on my way through the subway station, some random creepy old guy walked right up to my face and said ''HI!''
well, if I had my rings on (oooo not yet!!), I''d have been a bit more freaked for sure.

Anyhow, thanks once again. Never hurts to be aware of one''s surroundings and take necessary precautions when the situation calls for it. I''ve never really had extravagant jewelry and I''m scared already! But I intend to wear my new rings and enjoy them every day, within reason...

Thanks again everyone.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Aside from my engagement ring, my other jewelery consists of smaller diamonds and colored stones, and I don''t think my solitaire ering itself is big enough to attract too much undue attention if I''m not waving it around.

I also look like a teenager, which I think leads to people thinking it might be fake.

I''m definitely very cautious at night in the city though. I know of people who have gotten hospitalized due to violent muggings. I also take off my white coat and stethescope anytime I''m outside the hospital since that has also been known to mark you as a target.

 

[Sizzle]

I''m a bigger girl so I doubt someone would try to take me.. unless they had a gun. I have a 4 1/2 carat set (3 1/2 ct three stone and 1 carat wedding band). I do alot of volunteer work where I tend to just wear a plain band, just because I feel a little strange wearing that much sparkly

 

[soocool]

I don''t know if I ever feel entirely safe wearing any jewelry . I was mugged many many years ago when I was in college right in front of the campus police barracks. (go figure!) But I refuse to live in fear that there is someone lurking out there ready to pounce on me. I do carry pepper spray (I am also considering getting a civilan taser- checked and ok with our local & state police) primarily because my dog has been attacked by other dogs that usually break through the invisible fence.

So if anyone wants to mess with me I pack pepper spray and a 15 lb schnauzer who will go for the jugular!

 

[autumngems]

Work on a Marine base so I feel pretty safe, out in town is a small community so I feel safe there as well. Besides, they would have to pry them from my cold dead body to get it away from me.

 

[kenny]

I''m a guy and still I''m concerned occasionally.
I''ll turn the rock into my palm sometimes.

 

[TooPatient]

Date: 10/14/2009 7:19:35 PM
Author: fsu1227
To be honest..No. With that said I still wear my jewelry everywhere. I feel as though I can sense the desperation from certain individuals and THAT is scary. What is the solution? Great question...

The answer is to be prepared.

I took a year of martial arts (not that I remember much now -- need a refresher self defense thing).

And I WILL be getting trained in self defense with a gun & a concealed carry permit. (I will not carry anything until I am properly trained) They have great classes near me that teach you how to use the gun for home defense and also for self defense outside of the home. Covers topics like when to use it, how to keep the nasty creep from taking it from you, how to wear it in a comfortable and discreet way, and what you need to know (about legal stuff) if you ever have to use the training.
In addition to that, they have a hand to hand course in case something happens when you don''t have a gun (or can''t get to it).


I''ve seen too many stories of a young woman walking to her car alone or home alone or whatever. (I have one family member killed in a mugging & another who was carjacked and survived)


My list of classes:

Intro to gun safety
home defense 1
concealed carry 1
hand to hand
concealed carry 2
home defense 2
Maybe additional advanced courses???