Fellowship of the Ring

Never mind the diamonds. A little gold ring is a girl’s best friend, particularly if it looks enough like a wedding band to discourage those pesky Lotharios who can make single women travelers feel as if they’re running the gantlet at a Tailhook convention. Ergo, the Faux Wedding Band, a new offering in the catalog of Santa Barbara travel outfitter Magellan’s. “Men around the world know a ring means you’re married. The faux band stops them from being so enthusiastic,” says Gloria McManus, who co-founded Magellan’s with her husband, John, 12 years ago. She leaves the wedding ring he gave her at home and wears a fake band when traveling in places where petty crime is common. Faux Wedding Band, $9.85. from Magellan’s, (800) 962-4943, fax (800) 962-4940, www.magellans.com.