“In general, jewelry doesn't need to be removed before going through security,” wrote the TSA on its Twitter page called @AskTSA. “However, we recommend putting on heavy jewelry after you go through security, to reduce the likelihood of an alarm that results in a pat-down screening.”
Keep It in Your Carry-On
Don't keep the ring on your person. While a ring in a carry-on bag doesn't trigger a bag check, a ring in your pocket might trigger the alarm, and you'll have to take it out in front of everyone.
Rings (and other jewellery)
Jewellery will only set off metal detectors if it's made from magnetic metals. This means that you don't need to remove good-quality rings, necklaces, bracelets and piercings if they're made from silver, gold or platinum.
Endless amounts of rings, watches, necklaces and earrings can be picked up with a metal detector. People playing Frisbee, volleyball or frolicking on the beach don't even realize when their ring falls loose or clasps break on necklaces and bracelets.
If you are travelling with valuable items such as jewelry, please keep those items with you at all times (do not put them in checked baggage). You can ask the TSA officer to screen you and your valuables in private to maintain your security. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'
A dated copy of a jewelry appraisal, jewelry insurance policy or receipt can be used to prove ownership of the jewelry prior to your travels outside the United States. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may accept a photo taken of you with the jewelry in your possession prior to your travels.
The primary penalty a person will face when failing to disclose any item through the United States Customs and Border Protection is the seizure and loss of the property. This generally starts when clearing customs when arriving in the country if no declaration is made.
You will need a carnet for temporary duty/tax-free entry of goods such as commercial samples, jewellery, goods for international exhibitions, equipment for sporting events, professional television and film equipment. There are different types of carnets. Check which type you will need to bring goods into Australia.
One last tip for traveling while wearing your engagement ring: don't voluntarily remove your rings at airport security. Platinum, silver, and gold will not set off the alarm, and all of that TSA confusion provides the perfect distraction for a leering eye to swipe a sparkler.
Metal detectors have a tough time detecting metals like stainless steel, which have very poor electrical conductivity. Stainless steel has low magnetic permeability, which means it does not produce a signal strong enough to be detected. Other items that metal detectors won't be able to locate include: Gemstones.
Show it to the secuity guard so that they don't stop you. A walk through detector may or may not beep but a hand-held detector will beep when the security scans you. I did that before and just put it in a locked check bag. You can also put a not that says ring if they had to search.
THE OFFENDER: ALUMINUM FOIL WRAPPERS
Why they catch attention: Nothing escapes the metal-detecting prowess of airport security systems—not even something as miniscule as a foil wrapper.
Also, leave the metal combs and other adornments behind or in your bag. The situation is that some machines are set higher than others so you never know what level of metal will set it off. UNDERWIRE BRA: Yes, it's true.
Baggage Scanners are explicit enough to pick up detailed images of your luggage contents, which is why so many of us wonder “what do airport baggage scanners detect?” They can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, including most organic materials.
It might be tempting to keep the engagement ring on you at all times so you know it's safe and sound, but this could cause more problems than it solves. If the ring's in your pocket it will either set off the metal detectors and a cause a fuss, or you'll have to empty it into the tray for your partner to see.
Most rings will be fine leaving and coming back, but goods with a value over $10,000 have to be declared. If your ring is worth more than this amount, be sure you have a dated copy of the insurance policy, appraisal, or receipt, to prove it was purchased in the United States and not subject to duties.
If you are travelling with valuable items such as jewelry, please keep those items with you at all times (do not put them in checked baggage). You can ask the TSA officer to screen you and your valuables in private to maintain your security. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'
The ring itself should look nothing like a safety hazard going through the x-ray machines at security. Just store it securely in your carry-on bag. Watch the bag carefully. Make sure the bag has started its journey through the x-ray machine before you step through the metal detector or the dreaded body scanners.
Generally speaking scanners cannot identify diamonds. However they can identify metal that diamonds are mounted in, or if carried loose, the paper briefke in which the diamond is located. However, 99% of all airport staff will wave you through as cleared if you show them the paper briefke.
What you wear down there can show up on the scanner. Using period products such as tampons and period panties while traveling may be unavoidable, but be sure not to shove excess toilet paper or tissues in your pants or pockets.
Modern airport scanners, with their extremely sophisticated technology, can see everything in your luggage, including any items a passenger attempts to conceal or hide. This includes both metallic and non-metallic objects, as well as organic and inorganic materials, including items such as illegal drugs.