Prisoners' Wedding Rings: To Keep Or Not?

Getting married in prison is far from a regular ceremony. While most U.S. prisons allow prisoners to get married, the formalities and preparations are usually the responsibility of the non-incarcerated spouse. This includes obtaining special permissions and understanding state laws. One of the many considerations for those planning a prison wedding is whether prisoners are allowed to keep their wedding rings. While jewelry is generally not permitted in prison due to safety concerns, there are some exceptions for wedding bands and religious necklaces. Inmates are usually only allowed to wear plain wedding rings without any stones or engravings, and there may be a price limit on the ring to prevent it from being used as currency.

Wedding rings are considered a safety issue in prison

In addition to the restrictions on wedding rings, inmates are also limited in the other jewelry they can wear. They are typically only allowed to wear a religious necklace in addition to their wedding band. These necklaces must be non-metallic, cost less than $100, and have smooth edges. This rule is in place due to safety concerns, as necklaces can be used to strangle someone.

The safety concerns surrounding jewelry in prison are not just hypothetical. In 2010, an inmate at Red Onion State Prison in Virginia, Robert Gleason, killed another inmate by strangling him with a religious necklace. As a result, prisons take a cautious approach to jewelry, allowing only simple items that are unlikely to be used as weapons or currency.

The restrictions on wedding rings and other jewelry in prison can be challenging for inmates and their spouses, especially during the wedding ceremony. While most U.S. prisons allow prisoners to get married, the ceremonies are often very different from traditional weddings, with limited guests, no music, and no wedding cake. Inmates and their spouses must carefully consider the restrictions and plan accordingly to ensure their wedding day goes smoothly within the confines of prison regulations.

Prisoners can only wear plain wedding bands

In most US prisons, prisoners are allowed to get married. However, wedding rings are not always permitted. If a prison does allow wedding rings, there are often strict rules about what kind of ring can be worn. For safety reasons, prisoners are usually only allowed to wear a plain wedding band without any stones or engravings. This is because rings with jewels or engravings could be used as brass knuckles in a fight. There may also be a price limit on the value of the ring—often no more than $100. This is to prevent theft and the use of expensive rings as currency within the prison.

In some prisons, inmates are permitted to bring their wedding bands with them when they enter the prison, or they may be able to order a ring from an authorized vendor. Some institutions sell religious jewelry in their commissary, but friends and family are typically not allowed to mail jewelry to prisoners.

In addition to wedding rings, religious necklaces are often permitted. These must usually be non-metallic, cost less than $100, and have smooth edges. They must also be worn under the inmate's shirt.

The rules regarding jewelry for visitors vary depending on the facility. At some prisons, visitors are only allowed to wear a wedding set (a wedding band and engagement ring) and religious jewelry. It is worth noting that most facilities have metal detectors, and jewelry may set them off, so it is generally best to keep jewelry to a minimum when visiting a prison.

Religious necklaces are also allowed, with restrictions

Inmates are allowed to wear religious necklaces, but with certain restrictions. The primary reason for these restrictions is safety. In 2010, an inmate at Red Onion State Prison in Virginia killed another inmate by strangling him with a religious necklace.

Religious necklaces must be non-metallic, cost less than $100, and have smooth edges. In addition, they must be worn under the inmate's shirt. These restrictions are in place to prevent the necklaces from being used as weapons or currency. Inmates can purchase necklaces from an authorized outside vendor or, in some facilities, through the commissary, which offers a range of medallions.

The specific rules regarding religious necklaces may vary depending on the prison or prison system. For example, the prison that Litchfield from Orange is the New Black is based on allows inmates to have a plain wedding band and an appropriate religious medallion and chain without stones.

Friends and family can't mail jewellery to prisoners

In most correctional facilities, friends and family of prisoners are not allowed to mail jewellery to inmates. This is due to safety concerns. Rings with jewels or engravings can be used as brass knuckles in a fight, and necklaces can be used to strangle someone.

In 2010, an inmate at Red Onion State Prison in Virginia killed another inmate by strangling him with a religious necklace. As a result, most prisons have strict restrictions on the type of jewellery that can be worn by prisoners. Only plain wedding bands and religious necklaces are typically allowed.

However, there may be ways for friends and family to send jewellery to prisoners indirectly. Some prisons offer care packages or catalogues from which inmates can order jewellery. These packages may be subject to certain restrictions and limitations, and the availability of items may vary. It is important to check with the specific facility and follow the approved channels to avoid confiscation or other issues.

Additionally, some facilities may allow the mailing of religious necklaces, but this usually requires prior approval from the facility and adherence to specific guidelines, such as non-metallic materials, a value limit, and smooth edges.

Some prisons allow the purchase of jewellery from their commissary

In some prisons, inmates are allowed to wear two types of jewellery: a plain wedding band and a religious necklace. This is largely due to safety concerns, as rings with jewels or engravings can be used as brass knuckles in a fight, and necklaces can be used to strangle someone. To mitigate these risks, necklaces must be non-metallic, cost less than $100, and have smooth edges. Wedding bands are typically also subject to a $100 price limit.

Inmates can bring these items with them when they enter prison, or they can order them from an authorised vendor. Certain prisons also sell religious jewellery in their commissary, and some offer a range of medallions. For example, the commissary in Texas offers pewter crosses, flaming chalices, Hindu iconography, and Wiccan symbolism, with prices ranging from $4 to $23.

It is important to note that friends and family are not allowed to mail jewellery to inmates. Additionally, visitors to the prison are usually only permitted to wear a wedding set (a wedding band and an engagement ring) and religious jewellery. These rules may vary depending on the facility, but they are typically strict, and it is recommended to keep things simple when visiting an inmate.

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