Yeah, I remember that there was an Everybody Loves Raymond episode that had a plot like this...sort of.

Sounds like OP should have watched MORE sitcoms. Then he would have known that such plans never work out in the end.

She should have discussed with him about locking it in the safe.

There was nothing wrong about keeping the engagement ring in the safe, and wearing a copy. It's however wrong to have lost the so-said ring and not coming clean immediately even if OP was insecure or afraid of being scolded.

But the keeping it safe plan should have been made known to OP.

Tbh, honesty and communication are far more important. It's kind of sad that our society puts so much emphasis on the material aspects of a relationship (especially the rings and the dress), to the point where a husband would feel the need to lie about losing his wife's engagement ring for fear of reprimand. True, losing a keepsake wold suck. But in the end, it's only an inanimate object and the relationship itself is far more valuable.

Yes, yes you have..

Definitely, talking and honesty never hurt anyone!

So does ma diiiiiiiiiick