Deborah Chan
Deciding what to do with a wedding ring after a divorce can be a difficult and emotional process. Wedding rings are often imbued with sentimental value and can be worth a lot of money. There are various options for what to do with a wedding ring after a divorce, including keeping it, selling it, repurposing it, or returning it to the giver. The decision is influenced by various factors, such as the reason for the divorce, the relationship with the ex-spouse, and personal beliefs. Some people may choose to keep wearing their wedding ring, especially if the divorce was mutual and amicable, while others may opt to sell or repurpose the ring as a way to move on and start a new chapter in their life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keep the ring | Sentimental value, nostalgia, comfort, fond memories, or a symbol of something in the past |
| Sell the ring | Financial gain, a fresh start, or a new beginning |
| Repurpose the ring | Create a divorce ring, turn it into a pendant necklace, melt it down, or pass it down to children |
| Store the ring | Keep it in a memory box, safety deposit box, or on a keychain |
| Return the ring | Give it back to your ex-spouse or sell it back to the original dealer |
| Throw away the ring | Spite or catharsis |
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What You'll Learn
Selling your wedding ring
Before selling your ring, it is important to consider its value, both sentimental and monetary. If you have children, you may want to keep the ring and pass it down to them as a family heirloom. Additionally, if the ring holds fond memories for you, you may want to keep it or repurpose it into a new piece of jewellery that you can continue to wear.
If you decide to sell, it is recommended to have the ring valued by an expert first so that you know what to expect. You can then sell it for its value in gold, to a private jeweller, or online via sites like eBay or local selling platforms. It is worth noting that selling to a jeweller may be preferable if you want to build a relationship with them and potentially repurpose other jewellery.
It is also important to be cautious when choosing a jeweller to sell to. T.H., a divorcee, shared her experience of selling her engagement ring: "I went to sell my engagement ring, the appraisers told me the ring had a significant defect in it. Now, I know my ex-husband doesn't buy anything defective. There's just no way he bought that engagement ring with that level of imperfection... The defect was so bad that it cut the value of my engagement ring in half. I would have gotten twice the amount of money. I realized you have to go to someone you trust. It's important to have a relationship with the jeweller or have your jeweller referred to by someone you trust."
Ultimately, the decision to sell your wedding ring after a divorce is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Take your time to consider your options and make the choice that feels right for you.
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Repurposing your wedding ring
Melt it down and create something new
You can take your wedding ring to a jeweller and have it melted down to create something entirely new. This could be a new ring, like a divorce ring or "freedom ring", which serves as a powerful reminder of your inner strength and a celebration of your resilience and personal growth. You could also create a pendant necklace or earrings from the metal and stones of your original ring.
Reset the stones
If your ring has precious stones, you could reset them into a new setting. For example, you could take the centre stone and set it in a new band, or create a pair of earrings with matching stones.
Pass it down
If you have children, you might consider keeping your wedding ring or repurposing it into a new piece of jewellery to pass down to them. This could be a sentimental way to honour your past while creating something new for the future.
Keep it in the family
If you are not ready to part with your wedding ring, you could store it somewhere safe, such as a memory box or safety deposit box. This option allows you to hold onto the ring without having to wear it or have it on display.
Ultimately, the decision of what to do with your wedding ring after a divorce is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. Take your time to consider your options and choose the path that feels right for you.
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Keeping your wedding ring
If you are ready to take your wedding ring off your ring finger but would still like to wear it, consider wearing it on another finger or hand. Alternatively, you could put it on a chain and wear it as a necklace. If you have children, you may want to keep the ring and pass it on to them as a sentimental heirloom.
If you are not ready to part with your wedding ring completely, you can store it somewhere safe, such as a memory box or safety deposit box. This can be a good option if you are not sure what to do with the ring and need more time to decide.
You may also want to consider repurposing your wedding ring into a new piece of jewellery. For example, you could reset the stones into a new ring or necklace. This can be a way to create something new and beautiful that you can be proud to wear and that makes you smile.
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Returning your wedding ring to your ex
If you and your ex are on good terms, you may be able to have an open discussion about the ring and reach an agreement that works for both of you. You may decide to sell the ring back to the original dealer, as in the case of Jessica, who sold her ring back to the diamond dealer and was "done with it". Alternatively, you could follow the example of T.H., who kept her engagement ring in a safety deposit box at the bank for over 13 years, considering it an insurance policy that she could sell if she needed money.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your ex, the laws in your state will dictate who can keep the ring. In some states, like California, there is a middle ground, allowing the giver to reclaim the ring if the engagement was ended by the recipient or by mutual agreement, but not if the giver ended it. It is worth noting that wedding rings are sometimes considered marital property, especially if they were exchanged during the marriage ceremony or purchased by the couple together. In such cases, one partner might request a partial refund when the marital assets are divided.
Ultimately, the decision to return your wedding ring to your ex is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is important to take your time, consider your options, and do what feels right for you.
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Storing your wedding ring
If you decide to store your wedding ring, there are several options to consider:
Safety Deposit Box
Placing your wedding ring in a safety deposit box at a bank can be a secure way to keep it out of sight but accessible if needed. This option may be particularly appealing if you view the ring as an insurance policy or an asset that can be sold for financial gain in the future.
Jewellery Box or Memory Box
For those who are not ready to part with their wedding ring completely, storing it in a jewellery box or memory box can be a suitable option. This allows you to keep the ring in a safe place while also providing easy access if you ever wish to reflect on the past or revisit memories associated with the ring.
Passing it Down
If you have children, you might consider storing your wedding ring with the intention of passing it down to them in the future. This could be a way to repurpose the ring and assign new meaning to it, allowing your children to create their own memories and associations with the jewellery.
Returning to the Gifter
In some cases, individuals may choose to return the wedding ring to their ex-spouse, especially if the ring was a family heirloom or holds significant value for their former partner. This decision may be influenced by cultural or personal beliefs and the desire to foster goodwill during the divorce process.
Repurposing the Jewellery
Another option is to repurpose the wedding ring into a new piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or earrings. This can be done by working with a trusted jeweller to redesign the ring and create something new and meaningful. Repurposing the ring allows you to transform the symbolism of the ring from a reminder of your marriage to a celebration of your personal growth and resilience.
Ultimately, the decision to store your wedding ring and the method of storage you choose is deeply personal and should consider your unique circumstances and emotions. Taking the time to process your divorce and reflect on your feelings can help guide you in making a decision that aligns with your values and promotes emotional healing.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some people sell their rings, while others keep them as a symbol of a fond era of their life. You could also repurpose the ring into a new piece of jewellery, such as a necklace.
No, you don't have to keep your wedding ring after your divorce. However, it is important to take some time to process the change before making any rash decisions.
No, you don't have to sell your wedding ring. However, if you are interested in selling your ring, it is worth having it valued by an expert first.
Yes, you can give your wedding ring back to your ex-spouse if you want to. However, it is not common for people to give back their wedding rings after divorce.
Yes, you can repurpose your wedding ring. You could turn it into a pendant necklace or a divorce ring, also known as a freedom ring or an independence ring. Alternatively, you could melt the ring down and use the money for something new.
