can diamonds fly?

[sdprice]

If I put an engagement ring inside my carryon, so I can propose at our destination. Will the airport security xray machines show that''s its an engagement ring? Or will they make me take it out of the bag?

I don''t want my GF to catch a glimpse of it nor for the security agents to make me take it out to inspect it.

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

LOL. When I saw this subject, I had to think about my early days in the diamond business.

Working for a sightholder specialized in small melees (on average 0.02 Ct-stones), I often had stones flying. This refers to stones flying out of the tweezers.

As for your question, airport security will not spot the diamond. No need to worry.

Live long,

 

[Indira-London]

Paul is right.

As a woman who wears quite a lot of diamond jewellery - I do not get bleeped or stopped at airport security as the amounts of gold/platinum overall is still despite me wearing 3 rings, a pendant and a bracelet.

 

[Lexie]

It seems to me that you shouldn't have any problems stowing the e-ring in your carry-on and getting it safely past airport security; however, this article and this article make me a little weary, although I'm sure it doesn't happen very often.

What I would be more inclined to do would be to put the e-ring in one of those travel pouches that hang around your neck (like this, for example), or you could also try putting the e-ring in these passport security socks

If you ended up going that route, you could then transfer the e-ring into your carry-on after passing the airport security line, or I guess you could keep the e-ring in either of those for peace of mind during your trip.

 

[John P]

Date: 7/16/2008 8:53:51 AM
Author:sdprice
If I put an engagement ring inside my carryon, so I can propose at our destination. Will the airport security xray machines show that's its an engagement ring? Or will they make me take it out of the bag?

I don't want my GF to catch a glimpse of it nor for the security agents to make me take it out to inspect it.

I've known plenty of gents who pulled this off but understand the concern. Gone are the days when you could hide it in your shaving kit. Clear plastic isn't so good for hiding items.

If you're taking a laptop or mp3 player along you could secret the ring box in a bag for accessories (headphones, adaptor, etc.)...just don't spill it out on the plane. Planning for the security area I'd even stick a label on top of the ring box with "Shhh! Proposal!" written on it. If they feel a need to open your accessories bag I'd like to think they'd see that and make the inspection subtle.

Send your GF through first. Hopefully she will be putting her shoes back on when you're gathering your carry-on. Hey, you could even plant a couple of ball-bearings in her pocket so she's pulled aside when you go through (just kidding!).

 

[denverappraiser]

Jewelry made of the usual materials like gold, platinum, diamonds etc.. will not cause any alarm at the security platform. People walk through that scanner wearing quite a bit of jewelry all the time. The problem is with the presentation box and, in particular, the spring on the lid. Usually this won’t cause you much grief either but, if you have checked baggage, keep the ring itself on your person and hide the box in your checked bag.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Jewelry Appraisals in Denver

 

[pixley]

Neil,

Would it hurt the ring to string it on a necklace (or two, for added security) and then hide it under one's shirt for safekeeping?

Pix

 

[denverappraiser]

That’ll get it dirty and may have a tiny amount of wear from the chain but it shouldn’t cause any real trouble. I usually recommend keeping it in a small plastic bag that will keep it clean and then use a safety pin or duct tape (we’re talking about guys here) to secure it to the inside of your pants pocket. By the way, not the same pocket with your keys.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Jewelry Appraisals in Denver

 

[pixley]

Good point about the dirt. It'd probably be all sweaty by the time it reached its final destination! I'm amazed at the lengths these sweet guys go to in order to surprise their sweeties. It's lovely to hear their stories.

 

[RxTechRN2b]

Cute and clever title! I like the baggy pinned inside the pants pocket idea, and you could even combine the other idea by writing on the baggy "shhh - engagement ring/surprise marriage proposal!"

 

[jewelerman]

ring in breast pocket,box in carry on and girlfriend in front of you...dont risk a missing ring or a blown surprise.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

OR!!!!!!! You could plant the diamond on her and when security pulls her aside to strip search her, you could just hit one knee and propose!

LMAO... I''m totally kidding- but I just got a really funny image in my head and thought I''d share.

I have no suggestions other than that- I''ve never flown with a diamond, but my rings have never set off the metal detector.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Or... if you have any prescription medications, you could hide the ring inside the bottle... then if they stop you and ask you about your ring, you could pass it off as "medications"