Wedding Bands: Widows' Options

There is no right or wrong answer to what widows should do with their wedding bands. It is a personal decision that depends on what feels right for the individual. Some widows may choose to continue wearing their wedding band on their left hand, while others may move it to their right hand as a symbol of moving forward. Some may decide to wear their spouse's ring on a chain or leather cord, or add a simple black ring as a mourning ring. Others may choose to keep the ring in a special jewellery box or small keepsake box, or even sew it onto clothing. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and widows should do what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them.

Move the wedding band to the right hand

There is no right or wrong answer to what a widow chooses to do with her wedding band. It is a personal decision and there is no specific etiquette to follow. Some widows may choose to continue wearing their wedding band on their left hand, while others may prefer to move it to their right hand. Moving the wedding band to the right hand can be a way to symbolise moving forward while still keeping the memory of the marriage close. It may be a more comfortable option for widows who are not ready to part with their wedding band completely but would like to indicate that they are widowed. It can also be a good option for widows who are uncomfortable with the idea of wearing their wedding band on their left hand, as it is no longer considered a symbol of marriage. Moving the wedding band to the right hand can also be a way to avoid unwanted attention, as it may signal to others that the widow is not available for romantic pursuits. Additionally, some widows may choose to wear their wedding band on their right hand as a transition before ultimately taking it off entirely. This can allow them to gradually adjust to the idea of not wearing their wedding band on their left hand.

Wear it on a necklace

One option for widows is to wear their wedding band on a necklace. This can be a great solution for widows who want to keep their ring close to their heart, or for those who work with their hands and risk damaging the ring. It can also be a safer option for widows who are involved in activities where wearing a ring could be dangerous, such as rock climbing or scuba diving.

Some widows may choose to wear their wedding band on a necklace along with their spouse's wedding band, keeping the memory of their marriage close to their heart wherever they go. This option can also be a way for widows to feel closer to their spouse, as if they were still with them.

For widows who want to wear their wedding band on a necklace but are concerned about it coming loose, there are ring holder necklaces available. These necklaces are designed to securely hold a ring and can be found on sites like Etsy and Amazon.

Ultimately, the decision of what to do with a wedding band is a personal one, and widows should do whatever feels right for them.

Have it redesigned

There is no right or wrong answer to what a widow chooses to do with her wedding band. It is a very personal decision and one that can be made in a variety of ways. One option is to have the wedding band redesigned. This could be done by finding a quality jeweller who can take the original ring and transform it into a new piece of jewellery. For example, the band could be turned into a beautiful memorial piece of jewellery, such as a brooch, necklace or pendant, to remember your spouse by. You could also have the wedding band melted down and turned into a pendant or coin, perhaps engraved with your spouse's name or your wedding date. Alternatively, you could repurpose the ring to include your spouse's fingerprint etched around the band. This would require some additional planning to ensure that you have your spouse's fingerprint available to use. Fingerprint jewellery adds a personable and memorable touch to your jewellery pieces. Another option is to gift the wedding band as an heirloom to your child or another family member. This could be a way of saying goodbye to your ring, knowing that it is staying in the family and going to someone you love.

Gift it as an heirloom

One option for widows is to gift their wedding band as an heirloom to their children or other family members. This can be a meaningful way to keep the ring in the family and pass on its significance to the next generation. It can also be a way to celebrate the life of the deceased spouse and share their story with future generations.

Some widows may choose to pass on the ring as a graduation or birthday gift, or for any other special occasion. The ring can be given to a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or another loved one as a way to honour the memory of the deceased spouse. This option may be especially appealing to those who no longer wish to wear the ring themselves but want to ensure it stays within the family.

Another option is to have the wedding band redesigned and turned into a new piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, bracelet, or earrings. This can be done by a skilled jeweller who can incorporate the original ring into a new design. This option allows the widow to continue wearing the ring in a different form, perhaps alongside other meaningful jewellery or mementos.

Ultimately, the decision of what to do with a wedding band after the death of a spouse is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. Widows should do what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them, whether that means keeping the ring, passing it on, or something else entirely.

Bury it with your spouse

Burying your wedding band with your spouse is a meaningful way to say your final goodbye. This is a common choice for widows who want to keep their rings together. It can be a healing experience, honouring the life lived by your spouse, while also symbolising that you are moving forward.

If you choose to bury your wedding band with your spouse, you can ask for the ring to be placed on their finger or kept somewhere on their person. Alternatively, you can have the ring set into their headstone.

Some people may prefer to bury their wedding band in a location that was significant to them and their spouse, or place it in the ocean or a river. This can be a way to celebrate the impact of your remarkable spouse.

Frequently asked questions