Deborah Chan
Losing a spouse is a difficult process, and wedding rings can become a heavy weight on the finger or a source of comfort. While some widows and widowers choose to stop wearing their wedding rings, others continue to do so or move them to their right hand. There are also a variety of ways to redesign or repurpose wedding rings, including melting them into pendants, cutting them into pieces, or adding memorial diamonds created from a deceased spouse's ashes or hair. These transformations allow individuals to honour their spouse while making the ring more relevant to their present and future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Continue wearing the wedding ring | For remembrance, comfort, and grieving |
| Move the wedding ring to the other hand | To indicate widowhood and as the first step in letting go of the past |
| Redesign the wedding ring | Add elements or remove details to create something new for the next chapter of life |
| Add a memorial diamond to the wedding ring | Memorial diamonds pay tribute to a loved one's life and represent their one-of-a-kind nature |
| Incorporate the wedding ring into a loved one's headstone | A unique way to celebrate enduring love |
| Place the wedding ring in a ring box or shadow box | To keep the ring safe and near, with the option of customisation |
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What You'll Learn
Move your wedding ring to your right hand
The decision to move your wedding ring from your left hand to your right hand is a personal one and can be influenced by various factors, including cultural and religious traditions, societal norms, and individual beliefs. Here are some reasons and considerations for making this change:
Cultural and Religious Traditions: In some cultures and religions, wearing the wedding ring on the right hand holds significant meaning. For example, in Eastern European countries, Western Asian countries, and Orthodox Christian countries like Greece and Bulgaria, it is customary to wear the wedding ring on the right hand. This practice is deeply rooted in cultural and religious symbolism, with the right hand representing power and moral rectitude. Therefore, moving your wedding ring to your right hand can be a way to honour these traditions and symbolize your commitment in a culturally or religiously significant way.
Societal Norms and Personal Comfort: While the left hand is commonly associated with marriage in many Western cultures due to the ancient belief in the "vena amoris" or "vein of love," societal norms are evolving. Traditions are adaptable and can change over time to reflect new perspectives and norms. Moving your wedding ring to your right hand can be a way to embrace modern expressions of commitment and symbolize your love in a way that feels most authentic to you. Additionally, personal comfort plays a role, and you may find it more comfortable or practical to wear your wedding ring on your right hand.
Individual Beliefs and Preferences: Ultimately, the decision to move your wedding ring to your right hand comes down to your individual beliefs and preferences. For widows and widowers, this decision can be especially meaningful. Moving the wedding ring to the right hand is often seen as the first step in the healing process, allowing individuals to avoid the pain associated with constantly being reminded of their spouse's death. It can provide comfort and help in the grieving process, serving as a symbol of the enduring love and memories shared with their departed spouse.
It's important to note that there is no single correct way to wear your wedding ring, and you should choose the option that feels most meaningful and comfortable to you. Whether you decide to move your wedding ring to your right hand indefinitely or for a temporary period, ensure that it aligns with your beliefs and provides you with solace during this challenging time.
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Redesign your wedding ring
Redesigning your wedding ring can be an emotional process, but it can also be a fun way to explore a change of style or accommodate changing tastes. There are many ways to redesign your wedding ring, and most jewellers will be able to fulfil your design wishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Custom Engravings
Adding a custom engraving is a unique way to personalise your wedding ring. From your wedding date to a special phrase or your spouse's initials, engraving transforms your ring into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. This subtle detail is perfect for honouring the special moments and sentiments you share, making your ring truly yours.
Add a Memorial Diamond
Adding a memorial diamond to your wedding ring is a meaningful way to celebrate your spouse. You can create a memorial diamond from the cremation ashes or hair of your deceased spouse. This priceless piece of jewellery can represent years of love, laughter, and precious moments, providing a way for you to keep your loved one with you as you journey through a new phase of your life.
Incorporate a Coloured Gemstone
Consider replacing your diamond with a coloured gemstone. Sapphires, for example, are very hard and come in all colours of the rainbow. You can also add colour by incorporating your children's birthstones into your wedding ring redesign or simply choosing your favourite colour.
Upgrade with a Custom Diamond Halo
If your centre diamond is very special to you, you can enhance it with a custom diamond halo. A custom halo is made to fit perfectly around your stone, making your diamond appear larger.
Update Settings and Materials
Redesigning your wedding ring can also make it more durable. You can update the settings and worn areas with stronger materials, such as gold or platinum.
Ultimately, the decision to redesign your wedding ring is a personal one. You can choose to add, remove, or change elements to create something new that you can carry into the next chapter of your life.
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Incorporate a memorial diamond
Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, and everyone grieves differently. You may choose to continue wearing your wedding ring as a way of keeping your spouse's memory alive, or you may decide to celebrate their life through a memorial service or keepsake. What you choose to do with your wedding ring is a personal decision, and you should do what feels right for your unique situation and relationship with your loved one.
One option is to incorporate a memorial diamond into your wedding ring. Memorial diamonds are diamonds made from the cremated remains or hair of a loved one. These diamonds can be customized in shape, size, colour, cut, and carats to create a unique representation of your remarkable loved one. You can send the ashes or hair of your deceased spouse to a memorial diamond company, which will then create and deliver the diamond to you.
Once you have received your memorial diamond, you can take your wedding ring to a quality jeweller, who can help you add the diamond to the ring. This might involve melting the ring into a pendant or cutting it into several pieces, depending on your preference. Adding a memorial diamond to your wedding ring is a meaningful way to celebrate your spouse and keep their memory close.
Alternatively, you can choose to redesign your wedding ring entirely. This might involve creating a new piece of jewellery, such as a pendant or necklace, that incorporates the memorial diamond. Redesigning your wedding ring can make it easier to wear without having to explain its meaning to others. It can also be a way to create a new, positive association with the diamond while still celebrating your spouse's life and your unbreakable connection.
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Store your ring in a ring box or shadow box
Storing your wedding ring in a ring box or shadow box is a great way to keep it safe and protected when you're not wearing it. Here are some tips to consider:
Ring Box
Ring boxes are designed to securely hold your ring, preventing scratches and dirt. You can use the original ring box, which is often designed to fit your specific ring, or purchase a new ring box. Customised ring boxes can be a thoughtful way to commemorate your loved one, perhaps featuring their initials or your wedding anniversary date. If you have multiple rings, consider a ring box with compartments to keep them separate and avoid scratches.
Shadow Box
A shadow box is an enclosed glass display case that allows you to store and showcase your ring along with other sentimental items. You can place both your wedding rings and meaningful belongings inside, creating a tribute to your loved one's life. Shadow boxes can be hung on walls or kept in storage, offering a visible reminder of your cherished memories.
General Storage Tips
When storing your ring, it's essential to choose a consistent location, reducing the risk of misplacement. Consider having multiple storage options, such as one upstairs and one downstairs. Fabric-lined boxes are ideal, as they protect your ring from scratches and potential damage. Avoid harsh chemicals and acids when wearing your ring, as they can erode the setting and, in some cases, the diamond itself. Regular cleaning with jewellery cleaner or warm soapy water will help maintain your ring's condition.
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Add new inscriptions
Losing a spouse is a heartbreaking experience, and deciding what to do with your wedding ring can be a real dilemma. There is no right or wrong answer, and it is a very personal decision. Many widows choose to keep wearing their wedding band as a reminder of their love and their spouse, but on their right hand, to symbolise that they are no longer married. Some widows also choose to wear their wedding ring on a chain around their neck, keeping their spouse close to their heart. This can be done with the late spouse's wedding ring as well, creating a beautiful representation of their life and the memories shared.
Another option is to redesign the ring. A jeweller can melt down the original ring and create a new piece of jewellery, such as a pendant, pin or spiral, to represent the continued, yet mysterious, journey with your spouse. Redesigning the ring can be a way to continue enjoying the jewellery without the same "I'm married" message. You could also add a new inscription to the ring, perhaps a meaningful quote or verse, to create a new, unique piece of jewellery.
If you decide to stop wearing your wedding ring, you could pass it down to children or other family members. Alternatively, you could bury your ring with your spouse, providing a sense of closure and symbolising that you are moving forward.
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Frequently asked questions
You can redesign your wedding band to continue enjoying the jewellery without the same "I'm not married" message. You could modernise the ring with a sleeker band, a new setting, or additional accent stones. You could also resize the ring to ensure it remains wearable and meaningful.
Resizing your wedding band ensures it remains wearable and meaningful. The most traditional and precise method is the cut and solder method, which involves cutting the band, inserting a small piece of matching metal, then soldering, polishing, and re-finishing the ring to make it larger. To make the ring smaller, a small piece of the band is removed, and the ends are soldered back together and reshaped. However, resizing may result in the loss of detail, weakening of intricate metalwork, and a risk of breakage for certain ring designs.
You could wear your wedding band on your right ring finger instead of your left to symbolise moving forward while still keeping the memory of your marriage close. Alternatively, you could wear the ring as a necklace to keep it close to your heart, or place it in a customised ring box or shadow box.
