Getting Your Wedding Ring Back After Divorce

The wedding ring is a symbol of love and commitment, and deciding what to do with it after a divorce can be challenging. There is no right or wrong answer for when to take off your wedding ring, and some people continue wearing it long after their divorce. If you're wondering what to do with your wedding ring, there are several options to consider. You could continue wearing it, wear it on a different finger or a necklace, repurpose it into a new piece of jewellery, pass it down to your children, or sell it. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you should do what feels right for you.

Selling the ring

Selling your wedding ring after a divorce can be a great way to rid yourself of a painful reminder of your marriage and reclaim your story. It can also provide an unexpected financial windfall that could help fund projects, vacations, or new pieces of jewellery to create happy memories.

There are many reasons why selling your wedding ring after a divorce can be a positive step forward. Firstly, it can be an important step in moving on from the grief of an ended relationship. Releasing a symbol of the past can also help release emotional barriers, and the final sale is one more way to say goodbye to your marriage. Secondly, selling your ring can provide a financial benefit. The proceeds from the sale can be put towards a rainy-day fund, college savings, or your retirement account. It can also help cover the costs of the divorce itself, including legal fees, alimony, and other expenses.

When it comes to selling your wedding ring, there are several options to consider. You can sell to a local jewellery store, but they may be reluctant to buy it back for its fair market value. Consignment shops are another option, but they can take a long time to sell your ring and often charge high consignment fees. Pawn shops offer a safe and quick option for cash, but they may not offer competitive pricing. Online platforms like eBay or specialised auction sites such as Worthy and The Real Real are also viable choices, potentially offering stronger offers due to lower overhead costs and access to a wider market.

If you choose to sell your wedding ring, it's important to find a buyer or platform that you trust and do your research to ensure the safety and security of your transaction. Working with diamond specialists experienced in helping divorcees and checking online reviews can help ensure a positive and secure selling experience.

Passing it down to children

Passing on your wedding ring to your children is a popular option for divorced parents. It can be a nice way to preserve the ring as a family heirloom and allow your children to decide what to do with it when they are older. Some people choose to repurpose the ring into a new piece of jewellery for their children, while others simply save it for their children to use as a wedding or engagement ring when they get married.

If you have particularly valuable rings, antiques, or family heirlooms, it is sensible to keep them in the family. You could also consider storing the ring in a safe place, such as a memory box, until your children are old enough to decide what they want to do with it. This can be a good option if you are not ready to part with the ring completely but no longer want to wear it.

Another option is to use the stones from your wedding or engagement ring to create a new piece of jewellery for your children. This can be a way to preserve the sentimentality of the ring while also creating something new and fresh. You could work with a jeweller to design a bespoke piece that your children will cherish.

Ultimately, the decision of what to do with your wedding ring after a divorce is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and it will depend on your own thoughts and preferences. Some people may choose to sell their ring or keep it for themselves, while others may pass it down to their children. Whatever you decide, it is important to take the time to process the change and consider your options before making a decision.

Repurposing the ring

Repurposing your wedding ring after a divorce can be a way to reclaim your power, inspire you, and make you feel good about yourself. It can also be an empowering experience, representing a new beginning and helping you move on from the past. Here are some ideas for repurposing your wedding ring:

Turn it into a Necklace

You can redesign your ring into a minimalist necklace, allowing you to keep the memories of your marriage alive without constantly reminding you of its end. It's a great way to showcase your sense of style, and you can work with a jeweller to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Transform it into a Right-Hand Ring

Wearing your old engagement ring on your right hand is a way of reclaiming it as your own. It reminds you of your strength and independence. You can give the ring a new design, wear the band without the stone, or use the stone for a different piece of jewellery.

Create a Bracelet

Bracelets are timeless pieces of jewellery that can be worn daily and are a more subtle way to wear your diamond. Repurposing your diamond into a bracelet allows you to keep the memory of your past relationship alive without constantly looking at the ring.

Make a Diamond Necklace

If your old engagement ring has multiple little diamonds, consider turning it into a diamond necklace. You can choose the style, setting, and length of the necklace to create a unique piece that suits your personality and lifestyle.

Design a Pendant

A diamond pendant is a timeless piece of jewellery that can be worn for any occasion. Working with a skilled jeweller, you can design a custom pendant that perfectly suits your style.

Create a New Pair of Diamond Earrings

You can artfully repurpose your diamond ring into a new pair of diamond earrings. If you have three stones, you can even use one for a necklace. If you only have one diamond, you can get a second stone to create a unique and beautiful pair of earrings.

Reset the Diamond

Resetting your diamond is a simple process that involves removing it from your old wedding ring and creating a new jewellery design. This allows you to start fresh without reminders of your previous relationship. You can reset the diamond into a new piece of jewellery for yourself or create a family heirloom for your children.

Returning the ring

If you choose not to return the ring, there are several other options to consider:

• Selling the ring – This is a common option, as it allows you to get some money back and can provide a sense of closure. However, be aware that you will likely only get a fraction of the ring's original value.
• Storing the ring – If you are not ready to part with the ring, you can store it in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box or a memory box. This can be a good option if you are not sure what to do with the ring or if you want to pass it down to your children.
• Repurposing the ring – You can work with a jeweller to melt down the ring and create a new piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or earrings. This can be a cathartic process and allow you to move forward while still preserving the sentimentality of the ring.
• Passing down the ring – If you have children, you may want to consider passing down the ring to them. This can be a way to preserve the ring's sentimental value and create a family heirloom.
• Wearing the ring – Some people choose to continue wearing their wedding ring, even after divorce. This may be because they are not ready to part with it or because it still holds fond memories. Alternatively, you can wear the ring on a different finger or on a necklace.

Keeping the ring

Keeping your wedding ring after a divorce can be a tricky decision. Here are some reasons why you may want to keep it:

Sentimental Value

The ring may hold sentimental value, especially if the divorce was mutual. It could symbolise a fond era of your life, such as the time you spent with the person with whom you had children or a wedding where all your loved ones gathered to celebrate you.

Heirloom

If the ring is an heirloom passed down from your family, you may want to keep it for its sentimental value. In this case, it is typically treated as your property under the law, and you are not legally obligated to return it. However, you may choose to offer your ex-spouse the opportunity to buy the ring back or exchange it for other assets of comparable value during the division of marital property.

Legal Entitlement

In most states, engagement and wedding rings are viewed as gifts from one fiancé to the other. Once the couple is married, the condition of the gift has been met, and the recipient is legally entitled to keep the ring, even in the event of a divorce.

Repurpose

You may choose to repurpose your ring, especially if it is an expensive piece of jewellery. You could reset the stones into a new piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, earrings, or a ring for your child. This can be a cathartic process, allowing you to transform a painful reminder into something new and positive.

No-Fault Approach

If the decision to end the marriage was mutual or amicable, you may feel less inclined to part with the ring. This is a personal decision, and there is no prescribed way of dealing with when and how to remove and dispose of your wedding ring.

Take Your Time

Finally, it is important to take your time and avoid making rash decisions. Store your ring safely until you are ready to decide what to do with it. You may eventually choose to sell it, pass it down to your children, or simply keep it as a memento of that chapter of your life.

Frequently asked questions