Rhiannon Hendricks
The loss of a spouse is a life-altering event. In the aftermath, many people struggle with what to do with their wedding rings, as they are a symbol of love and commitment. Some people find solace in wearing their wedding ring, as it reminds them of their spouse and the memories they shared. Others may choose to switch their ring to their other hand or wear it as a necklace, keeping it close to their heart. Redesigning the ring, adding a memorial diamond, or passing it on as a family heirloom are also ways to honour a spouse's memory. Ultimately, the decision is deeply personal, and there is no right or wrong answer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Continue wearing the ring | For remembrance, comfort, and security |
| Wear the ring on the other hand | To symbolize moving forward while keeping the memory of the marriage close |
| Wear the ring on a necklace | To keep the ring close to the heart and easily visible |
| Put the ring in a box | To keep the ring safe and nearby |
| Redesign the ring | To give the ring a new feel, e.g. adding a memorial diamond, creating a pendant, or cutting it into pieces for gifting |
| Bury the ring with the spouse | To provide a sense of closure and symbolize moving forward |
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What You'll Learn
Continue wearing the ring
Deciding what to do with your wedding ring after the death of your spouse is a personal decision that can be difficult to make. While some people choose to stop wearing their wedding ring after their spouse passes away, others continue to wear it as a way to keep their spouse close to them. Here are some reasons why you may choose to continue wearing your wedding ring:
Comfort and Remembrance:
The wedding ring is a symbol of the love and commitment shared between a married couple. It can provide comfort and security during the grieving process, reminding you of the memories and love you shared with your spouse. The physical presence of the ring can help you feel like your spouse is still with you, providing solace during difficult times.
Moving Forward While Honouring the Past:
Some widows and widowers choose to switch their wedding rings to their right hand as a symbolic gesture of moving forward in life while still honouring their marriage. This simple act acknowledges the evolution of your life while keeping the memory of your spouse close.
Personal Style and Sentiment:
Your wedding ring may hold immense sentimental value, and over time, it becomes a part of your personal history. Even as your life circumstances change, you may find comfort in continuing to wear your ring as it carries deep personal meaning. It is a unique piece of jewellery that reflects your journey and can be a constant reminder of the love you shared.
Individual Grieving Process:
Everyone grieves differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While some may find it challenging to be constantly reminded of their loss, others may find solace in those reminders. If wearing your wedding ring provides you with comfort and a sense of connection to your spouse, then there is no reason to stop wearing it.
Ultimately, the decision to continue wearing your wedding ring is a personal choice. Do what feels right for you and allows you to navigate your grief in a way that honours your spouse and your journey together.
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Wear it on a chain
Deciding what to do with your wedding ring after the death of your spouse is a deeply personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer, and it is important to do what feels best for you.
Wearing your wedding ring on a chain or necklace is a common practice among widows and widowers. This allows you to keep the ring close to your heart, where it can serve as a constant reminder of your spouse and the life you shared together. This option may be especially meaningful if you find that wearing the ring on your finger is too painful a reminder of your loss, but you are not yet ready to part with it entirely.
You can choose a nice neck chain and add your wedding ring as a pendant. This simple yet meaningful way to represent your marriage covenant can help you feel that your spouse is always with you, providing comfort and a sense of security.
Additionally, you can also add a memorial diamond to the necklace. This unique option involves creating a diamond from the cremation ashes or hair of your deceased spouse. Most memorial diamond companies offer a range of options for colours, cuts, and carats, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind tribute to your spouse's life and your shared memories.
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Redesign the ring
Redesigning your wedding ring can be a beautiful way of honouring your spouse's memory and celebrating their life. Here are some ideas for redesigning your wedding ring:
Adding a Memorial Diamond
Adding a memorial diamond to your wedding ring is a meaningful way to pay tribute to your spouse. You can have a memorial diamond made from their cremation ashes or hair, which most companies offer in various colours, cuts, and carats. It is recommended to choose a colourless diamond for its simplicity. This way, you can carry a part of your spouse with you always and keep their memory close as you journey through a new phase of your life.
Melting into a Pendant or Brooch
You can give your wedding ring to a quality jeweller, who can melt it into a pendant or a brooch. This way, you can still wear the ring close to your heart and transform it into a new piece of jewellery that reflects your loved one's memory.
Cutting into Pieces
Another option is to cut the ring into several pieces and gift them to your children or other family members. This way, you can share the memory of your spouse with your loved ones, allowing them to carry a piece of your spouse with them as well.
Incorporating into a Headstone
Incorporating your wedding ring into your spouse's headstone is a unique and creative way to celebrate your enduring love. This option may require prior discussion and planning with your spouse before their passing, as it needs to be decided before commissioning their headstone.
Removing or Adding Elements
If you still desire to wear your wedding ring but want to redesign it, you can remove or add certain elements to create something new. This can symbolise moving forward while still keeping the memory of your marriage close. Most jewellers can fulfil your design wishes and help you create something special and meaningful to honour your spouse's memory.
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Bury it with your spouse
Deciding what to do with your wedding ring after the death of your spouse is a personal decision that can be difficult to make. If you feel that wearing your wedding ring is too painful a reminder of your loss, you may want to consider burying it with your spouse. This can be a meaningful experience that provides a sense of closure as you navigate your healing journey.
Burying your wedding ring with your spouse symbolises honouring their life and your marriage while also signifying that you are moving forward. It can be a powerful way to gain a sense of closure and help you process your grief. This decision may be influenced by your beliefs or cultural practices surrounding death and mourning. Some people may find solace in the idea that their ring will remain with their spouse for eternity.
Additionally, you may choose to include your spouse's wedding ring in the burial. This can further symbolise the enduring love and commitment you shared. It is a way to physically unite the rings, representing the union of your marriage. If you have access to your spouse's wedding ring, burying the rings together can be a poignant gesture.
If you decide to bury your wedding ring with your spouse, you may want to consider a few things. Firstly, ensure that the burial site allows for the inclusion of personal items. Some cemeteries or burial grounds may have specific regulations or restrictions regarding what can be buried with the deceased. It is important to respect these guidelines and communicate your wishes to the relevant parties involved in the burial process.
Lastly, take the time to reflect on your decision and seek support if needed. Deciding what to do with your wedding ring is an emotional process, and it is normal to experience a range of feelings. Discussing your thoughts with a trusted friend or family member can provide valuable perspective and comfort. Alternatively, seeking the guidance of a grief counsellor or joining a support group can offer specialised assistance in navigating the complexities of grief. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to grieving, and it is important to make the choice that feels right for you.
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Pass it on as a family heirloom
Passing on a wedding ring as a family heirloom is a way to celebrate your loved one and ensures that their story is shared for decades to come. This is a way to keep their memory alive and honour their life.
Some people may choose to wear their spouse's wedding ring on a chain around their neck, keeping it close to their heart. This can be a constant reminder of the love and commitment shared with their spouse, and a way to carry their loved one with them throughout their life. It can also be a way to symbolise that you are moving forward, while still keeping the memory of your marriage close.
You could also pass on the wedding ring to your children or grandchildren, who can then choose to wear it or display it in a meaningful way. This could be a special way to connect generations and keep the family legacy alive.
Another option is to redesign the ring and pass it on as a new piece of jewellery. You could work with a jeweller to add a memorial diamond, made from your spouse's cremated remains, or include meaningful engravings. This way, the ring is transformed into a unique and powerful tribute to your spouse, while still preserving its original significance.
The grieving process is different for everyone, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with a spouse's wedding ring. Passing it on as a family heirloom is just one of many options to consider, and it can be a way to keep your spouse's memory alive and celebrate their life.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. You can do whatever you want with your spouse's wedding ring. You can keep wearing it, switch it to your other hand, redesign it, or keep it in a ring box or shadow box.
You can give your spouse's wedding ring to a jeweller to redesign. You could add a memorial diamond made from your spouse's cremated remains, or melt it into a pendant. You could also cut it into several pieces and gift them to your children.
Redesigning your spouse's wedding ring can help you to feel connected to them and keep their memory alive. It can also be a way to symbolise moving forward while still honouring your marriage.
