Wearing Love Bracelets should be absolutely fine in Europe. They are hard to remove so I doubt any pickpockets would try their luck. They would rather go for something easier to grab like a wallet or a ring. Another point is that in Europe there are so many people that sell and wear fake Love bracelets and rings. I see it all the time, I even overheard one lady bragging how great her fake Love bracelet is at a cafe. That is another argument as to why a thief would not risk the effort to steal and grab a Love bracelet.
Would you wear your Love bracelets to Europe?
- Thread starter PrincessChelle
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Love bracelets should be fine although personally I cover mine up in some areas. They can’t steal a Love off your wrist but wearing something well known might make you a target.
My Italian friend said her mom’s Rolex was stealthily removed off her wrist when she was in Naples. I’ve heard dozens of stories like this. My parents were pickpocketed in the Paris metro and hotel cleaning staff stole out of their rooms during one of our vacations. My aunts were pickpocketed clean of their jewels in Barcelona (but to be fair, I could 100% imagine them being absentminded tourists walking around in the Rambla with 3 carat e-rings and diamond necklaces). None of these things have happened to me but I’d like to think I am more cautious when in a new place.
It happens to people all the time all over the world, but it’s not something I would obsess over. If you’re willing to be very careful with your stuff (and insure it!) then go ahead and wear it. If you’d feel more free leaving it at home, that works too.
My Italian friend said her mom’s Rolex was stealthily removed off her wrist when she was in Naples. I’ve heard dozens of stories like this. My parents were pickpocketed in the Paris metro and hotel cleaning staff stole out of their rooms during one of our vacations. My aunts were pickpocketed clean of their jewels in Barcelona (but to be fair, I could 100% imagine them being absentminded tourists walking around in the Rambla with 3 carat e-rings and diamond necklaces). None of these things have happened to me but I’d like to think I am more cautious when in a new place.
It happens to people all the time all over the world, but it’s not something I would obsess over. If you’re willing to be very careful with your stuff (and insure it!) then go ahead and wear it. If you’d feel more free leaving it at home, that works too.
I’m going to Portugal and debating whether to take any of my Cartier pieces (specifically my thin JUC bracelet as I am leaning toward leaving the love cuff at home). I heard it’s pretty safe but on the other hand, not sure if it’s worth the hassle to bring it. Do I need to worry about Portugal thinking I purchased it there and show receipts?
I always have my invoices scanned with me. Have never been asked for, though.
I thought the same thing. We're going to Europe (Paris, Venice and Rome) in July and I'm really nervous about it now. But I lived in NYC for two years and never had anything happen. But back then, I was a poor college student so I didn't have to worry about jewelry.
I think a lot of people forget that a lot of these designs that people wear daily, actually originated in Europe and we are very used to seeing them frequently in major cities. I have travelled around Greece, Turkey, Spain, etc. with no issues at all. Every city has risks, you just have to be diligent and keep your wits about you. If you will feel uncomfortable wearing them, leave them at home.
However I agree with this 100%. It is not necessarily the items that you're wearing, but things/traits that out you as an American will make you seem easier to pickpocket, due to the European perception/stereotypes of Americans.
However I agree with this 100%. It is not necessarily the items that you're wearing, but things/traits that out you as an American will make you seem easier to pickpocket, due to the European perception/stereotypes of Americans.
Been all over Europe with mine and I’ve seen loads of Cartier on other people when we go to Europe
Haha that’s got to be one creative pick pocket to pry those loves offYes ... all stolen from US tourists
Here's a good question. If you do decide to travel with your LOVE bracelet, and you do get robbed, do you travel with the screwdriver just in case? I guess you never know what could happen and what if you don't have the screwdriver and there's no way to get it off?
I've read this thread and I'm going to chime in here with what might be an unpopular opinion, and I certainly mean no harm by it, just presenting another point of view.
Europe, like anywhere else, can be safe or dangerous depending upon where you go (as others have pointed out).
However, we are in hard times. We are approaching a global recession. Many people don't have money, are hungry, or have been sick in the Pandemic or lost loved ones. Addtionally, many in Europe are from places where there is war, famine, and severe climate change. Being sensitive to the tone of society might help you blend in better as a visitor, too.
I can see that one beloved Love bracelet might be on the arms of many in Europe, but three together could be interpreted as a more significant statement that equates to you having more resources.
Does wearing three indicate more wealth than the usual person, and make you a target for being followed and robbed in other ways?
if someone challenged you and threatened your life or your family's lives to remove them, would you be able to do so and give it to them? (The other TpF member's suggestion to carry the screwdriver is helpful). And would that be something that would scar your children and dampen your memories of the trip? I don't mean to scare you, but just thinking through scenarios.
I know what it is like to feel "bare" without the usual jewels. However, the Euro is at such a low right now, you might want to just get a smaller, thin Love (you know, for 'travel'
) while you are there, and leave the beautiful big ones at home.
I haven't travelled to Europe since 2019 because of the Pandemic, but I never take or wear any jewelry that can't be easily replaced. I wear sliver with a stainless steel or even swatch style watch for summer, and leave my beloved jewels at home.
I hope you have a wonderful trip and see marvelous things and stay safe, whatever you decide to do about your beautiful bracelets.
Europe, like anywhere else, can be safe or dangerous depending upon where you go (as others have pointed out).
However, we are in hard times. We are approaching a global recession. Many people don't have money, are hungry, or have been sick in the Pandemic or lost loved ones. Addtionally, many in Europe are from places where there is war, famine, and severe climate change. Being sensitive to the tone of society might help you blend in better as a visitor, too.
I can see that one beloved Love bracelet might be on the arms of many in Europe, but three together could be interpreted as a more significant statement that equates to you having more resources.
Does wearing three indicate more wealth than the usual person, and make you a target for being followed and robbed in other ways?
if someone challenged you and threatened your life or your family's lives to remove them, would you be able to do so and give it to them? (The other TpF member's suggestion to carry the screwdriver is helpful). And would that be something that would scar your children and dampen your memories of the trip? I don't mean to scare you, but just thinking through scenarios.
I know what it is like to feel "bare" without the usual jewels. However, the Euro is at such a low right now, you might want to just get a smaller, thin Love (you know, for 'travel'
) while you are there, and leave the beautiful big ones at home.I haven't travelled to Europe since 2019 because of the Pandemic, but I never take or wear any jewelry that can't be easily replaced. I wear sliver with a stainless steel or even swatch style watch for summer, and leave my beloved jewels at home.
I hope you have a wonderful trip and see marvelous things and stay safe, whatever you decide to do about your beautiful bracelets.
