Getting engaged is one of those life-changing moments that makes you want to shout from the rooftops.
It’s right up there with getting into your dream school, having your first baby, and finding out your grandma chose you to inherit her vintage sapphire necklace. (Okay, maybe that last one is just us.)
Announcing your engagement is the first of many actions you’ll take that will set the tone for your wedding. A formal wedding may call for a printed, mailed engagement announcement. If your guest list will consist mostly of local friends and family, announcing your engagement in the newspaper may fit just right.
For many, dare we say most, brides-to-be these days, an engagement ring selfie broadcasted across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter is one of the first methods of announcing the big news.
While there’s tons of advice on how to get the perfect engagement ring selfie, and quite a few engagement announcement etiquette tips, hardly anyone is warning of the hidden danger of announcing your engagement with a close-up of your freshly adorned ring finger.
It’s More Than the Ring
When you post a picture of your gorgeous, probably expensive diamond ring, the sparkle might catch more eyes than you want it to.
In 2020, more than 1.2 million households fell victim to a committed or attempted burglary, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Victimization Report. Half a million people experienced motor-vehicle theft, which is a good reminder to never leave precious items in your vehicles, either.
Thieves target homes for a variety of reasons. Some seek out unprotected, easy targets in lower-income neighborhoods for a quick hit with little chance of an alarm system to deal with. Others, however, watch for signs of wealth – a bigger bang for their buck.
Consider this:
Couples spent an average of $6,000 on their engagement ring in 2021, according to The Knot 2021 Jewelry and Engagement Study.
Combine the average value of engagement rings with the ease of selling them, especially online, and it’s not surprising that engagement rings are a target for thieves.
Not only is a diamond ring a tempting target all on its own, it could also indicate the owner has other valuable possessions, too. Exactly what your friendly neighborhood burglar is looking for.
Announcing an Engagement on Social Media: Precautions
Now, we’re not saying announcing engagements on social media is something you shouldn’t do. Just follow a few simple guidelines to better protect your ring – and yourself:
- Don’t announce your house is empty. Beware of vacation countdown widgets, RSVPs to Facebook events, check-ins and location services. Anything that tells a stranger exactly when you’ll be way from home is dangerous.
- Up your security settings. Set your Instagram account to private, lock down your Facebook, and only allow apps to know your location when necessary. The fewer people who can see your profiles, the less risk.
- Don’t focus on the ring. Pictures prominently featuring the ring itself are much more likely to catch the eye of a jewelry thief than a cute picture of the two of you. Plus, focusing on your love makes for a more gracious announcement than the 4Cs commentary likely to ensue from a ring close-up.
Now that you know how to announce your engagement safely, go ahead and share the big news. Here’s some engagement announcement tips to get you started.
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