If you're going to San Donato......

[DFW]

Or anywhere else in Italy, or Spain, or France, or Europe in general where there will be a lot of people during tourist season......

The social situation is such that it requires the following warning, especially to women: if you have any kind of jewelry on a gold chain, do NOT wear it in public. The price of gold just hit over $3000 an ounce, and this makes it worthwhile for every petty thief on the continent to follow you and grab any gold they can off of you. Earrings maybe, but gold necklaces and chains definitely. It is already happening from Sweden to Italy. It is so frequent that it doesn't even make the news any more, and the cops do not care.

Just do NOT wear them in public. At $100 a gram, it's worth the while of every addict, sneak thief or just jealous citizen to grab a small thin chain, take it to the nearest "we buy gold" kiosk, and cash it in for enough to pay for half this month's rent.

If this is not yet the case in the USA, give it a few weeks, max. They still have calculators back there, don't they?

[Lonestarblue]

1. It's a good idea to never take important jewelry on trips or wear clothing with slogans or US logos.

A friend even leaves her gold and diamond wedding rings at home. Likewise, recognizable designer purses. Too many US travelers don’t seem to appreciate that the point of travel is not to impress the natives with your wealth or political views but to learn about and experience a different culture.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Thanks for the heads-up, my dear DFW!

You make a lot of sense! I hope people will heed it.

And what a scary situation!