Who Keeps The Wedding Ring After A Divorce?

Deciding what to do with your wedding band after a divorce can be difficult. The ring carries a lot of symbolic value, representing a commitment, love, and joy shared with your partner on your wedding day. While some people choose to remove their wedding band as soon as their spouse moves out, there is no right time to do so. Some individuals leave their rings on for a period of time after the divorce or even choose to wear them on a different finger. Ultimately, the decision of whether to keep, sell, or repurpose your wedding band is a personal one and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Wedding bands are a symbol of love and commitment

When a marriage ends, deciding what to do with the wedding band can be challenging. Some people view removing the ring as a symbolic step towards healing and moving on. For others, the ring may hold fond memories, especially if the divorce was mutual, and they may choose to keep it as a memento. Still, others may opt to sell or repurpose the ring, transforming it into a new piece of jewellery that represents their new life chapter.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer regarding what to do with a wedding band after a divorce. It is a personal decision that depends on the individual's emotions, values, and preferences. Some people may choose to remove the ring immediately, while others may take their time and wait until they feel ready. Some may even choose to leave it on for a while, especially if the divorce was amicable and they want to show respect for what they once shared.

In the state of New Jersey, wedding bands are generally considered marital property, especially if they were exchanged during the marriage ceremony. This means that they are typically subject to division during divorce proceedings, and a spouse may request a partial refund if they spent a significant amount on the band. However, if the band was given as a gift before the wedding, it may be considered separate property and belong to the recipient spouse.

Regardless of the legal status, the emotional significance of the wedding band can make it challenging to part with. Some people may choose to keep the band, especially if it holds fond memories or represents a period of their life they cherish. Others may opt to sell or repurpose the band, either to gain a sense of closure or to create a new piece of jewellery that symbolises their growth and transformation.

You can repurpose your wedding band

If you decide to keep your wedding band after your divorce, you may want to repurpose it. While some people choose to store their wedding bands, sell them, or get rid of them in other creative ways, repurposing your ring can be a great way to transform it into something new while retaining the sentimentality of the original piece.

One option is to use the stones from your wedding band to create a new piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, earrings, or a new ring. This can be done for yourself or to pass down as an heirloom. This process can be cathartic and empowering, allowing you to transform a painful reminder of your marriage into something that you love. It can also be a way to celebrate your journey of self-discovery and healing.

If you have children, you may want to repurpose your wedding band for them. You could split your stones into two or three different pieces, either for yourself or to give to your children as a gift or heirloom. For example, you could give the diamond from your wedding band to your son or daughter, so they can use it to propose to their partner. Alternatively, you could follow the example of Pamela Graham Burkhalter, who had her wedding band made into a necklace for her daughter on her 21st birthday.

Another option is to melt down the metal from your wedding band and use it to create a new piece of jewellery. This can be a way to move forward while still retaining a connection to your past. However, note that the metal from your original band will need to be cleaned and assayed for optimal results, so it's not advisable to reuse the same metal. Instead, you can receive a credit for your scrap gold, which can be put towards creating a new piece.

Repurposing your wedding band can be a powerful way to transform a symbol of your past into something that represents your present and future. It can be a part of your healing process and a way to move forward with newfound strength and resilience.

You can sell your wedding band

Selling your wedding band after a divorce can be a great way to reclaim your story and rid yourself of a painful reminder of your past relationship. It can also be an unexpected financial windfall, which can help you fund projects, vacations, or even a new piece of jewellery.

There are several options for selling your wedding band. You can sell it to a local jeweller or a pawn shop, or you can try selling it online through sites like eBay, Worthy, or Facebook Marketplace. If you decide to sell locally, be sure to get estimates from multiple shops to ensure you get the best offer. Pawn shops offer immediate cash but may not offer competitive pricing, while consignment shops can take a long time to sell your ring and often charge high fees.

If you choose to sell your ring online, be aware of potential scams and only use trusted sites. Worthy, for example, provides full insurance coverage for your ring and markets it to pre-vetted buyers. They also offer complimentary diamond grading to help you understand the value of your ring.

Before selling your wedding band, it's important to take the time to process your divorce and consider your options. You may want to store your ring or repurpose it into a new piece of jewellery. However, if you decide to sell, it can be a liberating step forward and a way to unlock potential for future happiness.

You can keep your wedding band

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding what to do with your wedding band after a divorce. It is a highly personal decision that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including your emotional state, the nature of your divorce, and your personal preferences.

If you are unsure about what to do with your wedding band, it may be worth taking some time to consider your options. There is no "right" time to remove your wedding band after divorce, and the decision of when and if to do so is entirely up to you. Some people choose to remove their wedding ring as soon as their spouse moves out, while others wait until the divorce is finalised. There is also the option of leaving it on for a period of time after the divorce or removing it and storing it away safely. Ultimately, the decision of when and if to remove your wedding band is a personal one and there is no wrong choice.

If you decide to keep your wedding band, there are a few different options for what to do with it. Some people choose to continue wearing their wedding band, either on their left hand or moving it to their right hand. This can be a way to retain a connection to your ex-spouse, especially if the divorce was amicable. Others may choose to resize their wedding band and wear it on a different finger, or have it remade into a new piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or earrings. This can be a way to transform the wedding band into a symbol of your new life and journey.

It is important to remember that your wedding band is yours to do with as you please. If you feel an emotional connection to the ring and want to keep it, that is your decision to make. However, it is worth considering how wearing the ring might be interpreted by others, including potential new partners. Communicating your intentions clearly can help to avoid any misunderstandings.

You can remove your wedding band at any time

There is no "right" time to remove your wedding band after divorce. You can remove your wedding band at any time. The decision to remove your wedding band is a personal one and there is no fixed rule about when to do it. Some people remove their wedding ring the moment their spouse moves out, while others wait until the divorce is finalised. You might choose to do it at any point in between, or you may even leave it on for a period of time after the divorce.

Removing the ring may feel like regaining control over yourself and your feelings. It may help you to heal psychologically. In amicable divorces, ex-spouses sometimes leave the ring on longer or wear it in front of their ex as a sign of respect for what they once shared.

If you're unsure about whether to remove your wedding band, it may help to consider the following:

• You might not "feel" divorced yet. Take the ring off when you feel ready.
• Removing the ring may feel like you're declaring yourself ready to date others, which may not be true.
• Your ex's decision to remove their ring might influence your decision.
• You might feel conflicted about whether to remove it. Wearing it may feel like a lie to others and yourself, but removing it may also feel like you're ready to date, which may not be the case.
• Removing the ring doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to date. It may simply mean you've reached another stage in the healing process and may be ready to refocus your energy.
• Removing the ring is a sign to others that you are single and may prompt people to ask you about your relationship status. If you don't want to discuss your divorce, you may prefer to leave your ring on for a bit longer.

Frequently asked questions