Franklin Dean
Wedding rings are often loaded with sentimental value, representing a lifetime of love, commitment, memories, and achievements. However, deciding what to do with an old wedding ring can be emotionally challenging, especially in the case of divorce or the death of a spouse. There are several options for what to do with old wedding rings, including keeping them as family heirlooms, selling them, or repurposing them into new jewellery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose into a new piece of jewelry | Add extra diamonds or change the setting to make it modern |
| Create a new necklace with the existing ring | |
| Add gems or diamonds into a new setting that can be worn as a pendant | |
| Use the metal in part of the chain or setting | |
| Create jewelry for children | |
| Sell | Get an appraisal and sell privately on Facebook Marketplace, Shopify, or The Real Real |
| Sell to a mom-and-pop jewelry store via consignment | |
| Keep | Pass down as family heirlooms |
| Keep as a symbol of a fond era of life | |
| Wear the ring to honor family history | |
| Keep as a reminder of a lifetime of love, memories, and achievements | |
| Dispose | Throw away |
| Leave it in the building where the wedding took place |
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What You'll Learn
Sell it privately
Selling a wedding ring privately is a good option if you want to get the most money for it. Websites like eBay, Worthy.com, and idonowidont.com are good options for selling privately. However, it's important to note that selling privately can take longer, and if you're selling on eBay, you're unlikely to get good offers unless you're a well-established seller.
Before selling, it's a good idea to get your ring appraised by a third-party service so you know its value. You can then use this information to set a fair asking price. It's also worth getting the ring professionally cleaned, as this can increase its value.
When selling privately online, it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety. For example, you could meet the buyer in a public place and bring someone with you.
If you're not comfortable selling your ring privately, you could consider selling it to a local jeweler, pawn shop, or consignment shop. However, these options may not offer you as much money, and consignment shops can take a long time to sell your item.
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Remodel into a new ring
Deciding what to do with an old wedding ring can be challenging, especially if it holds sentimental value. One option is to remodel the ring into a new piece of jewellery, such as a new ring, necklace, or another type of jewellery. This allows you to retain the sentimental value of the original ring while creating something new and modern that you will wear.
When remodelling an old wedding ring into a new ring, you can choose to work with a jeweller to create a bespoke design. This may involve reusing the existing gemstones and metal or adding new elements to create a fresh look. For example, you could reset the original diamond into a new setting or add additional diamonds to create a halo around the centre stone. If you are not ready to part with the original ring, jewellers can also work from images to replicate the design.
Some jewellers offer a complete remodelling service for coloured gemstones, both precious and semi-precious. They can create incredible ring designs to showcase your gemstone. For example, one design featured a six-carat aquamarine set into 950 platinum. If you are using diamonds or precious gemstones over 1.0 carat, some jewellers may require proof of provenance, such as an old appraisal or insurance policy.
In addition to changing the design, you may also want to consider using a different metal for the new ring. For example, you could remake a yellow gold ring into a platinum ring. This process often requires additional gold or platinum to create the new design. If you are not attached to the original metal, you can send your gold to be refined and use recycled metals from other old rings to cast your new ring.
When deciding to remodel an old wedding ring into a new ring, it is essential to take your time and consider your options. You can start by discussing your ideas and intentions with a jeweller, either in-person or remotely, to help you take the first step toward designing your dream ring.
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Turn it into a necklace
Turning an old wedding ring into a necklace is a great way to repurpose a piece of jewellery that holds sentimental value. It can be a way to honour a loved one who has passed away, to mark a significant relationship that has ended, or simply to create a new piece of jewellery that you will wear.
Before you begin the process of turning your old wedding ring into a necklace, it's important to take some time to consider your intentions with the ring. Do you want to keep the existing ring and update it with a fresh new look, or create an entirely new piece of jewellery? If you're unsure, it may be helpful to consult a jeweller, who can advise you on your options and recommend new designs.
If you decide to create a new piece of jewellery, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll need to select a chain that complements both the design of the ring and the overall style of the pendant. If you plan to wear the necklace every day, a yellow gold chain is a good option. For a more elevated, fancy style, you might choose a white gold chain. The length of the chain will also affect the look and feel of the piece, so consider whether you want a longer or shorter necklace.
Once you've selected a chain, you can begin the process of designing the pendant. If the ring has diamonds or other gems, you may want to incorporate them into the design. You can also choose to use the metal from the ring as part of the chain or setting, depending on the design. If you're working with a jeweller, they can help you create a custom design that integrates your personal sense of style and taste.
Finally, it's important to consider the emotional significance of the ring and how you want to honour that in the new piece. For example, if the ring belonged to a loved one who has passed away, you may want to create a pendant that symbolises their memory. Or, if the ring marks the end of a significant relationship, you may want to design something that represents a fresh start and a new chapter in your life.
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Pass it down as an heirloom
Passing down wedding rings as heirlooms is a valued way to continue the story of one's family history. It is a way to honour and form a connection with your ancestors, linking them to your future family. It is also a more budget-friendly choice than purchasing a new ring.
If you are the recipient of an heirloom ring, it is important to express gratitude to the family member who passed it down to you. Writing a thank-you note or giving them a gift can be a good way to show your appreciation. Before proposing with an heirloom ring, it is essential to ask permission from the family member who owns it. This conversation should be done face-to-face, and the family member should be given ample time to consider the decision without feeling pressured.
Once you have received permission to pass down the ring, it is a good idea to take it to a trusted jeweller for cleaning and inspection. This is also an opportunity to discuss any desired alterations to the ring, such as resetting the stone or upgrading the band. However, keep in mind that some families may consider the ring too sacred to alter, so it is important to respect their wishes.
If you are considering passing down your own wedding ring as an heirloom, it is crucial to understand the value and significance it holds for your family. You can do this by having conversations with your parents and grandparents about their stories and memories associated with the ring. This will not only give you a deeper connection to the ring but also allow you to pass on those stories to future generations.
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Return it to the giver
Returning an old wedding ring to the giver is one option for dealing with it after a divorce. The decision to return the ring can be influenced by various factors, including the laws of the state or country, the nature of the relationship, and the emotional significance of the ring.
In some states or countries, engagement rings are considered "conditional gifts." This means that if the wedding does not take place, the ring may be returned to the giver. The laws regarding wedding rings post-divorce can also vary, and they may be considered marital property or gifts depending on who purchased them. If the ring is an heirloom from the giver's family, it can add complexity to the situation, as there may be emotional attachments and legal considerations.
Before returning the ring to the giver, it is important to take time to process the divorce and consider your options. The ring may hold sentimental value, and returning it can be a difficult decision. Some people choose to keep the ring, especially if the divorce was mutual and the ring symbolizes fond memories of the relationship. Others may prefer to sell the ring or repurpose it into new jewellery to mark a new chapter in their lives.
If you decide to return the ring to the giver, it is essential to handle the situation with sensitivity and respect. Communicate your intentions clearly and consider the other person's feelings. Returning the ring can provide closure and symbolize moving forward, allowing both parties to part ways with mutual understanding and respect.
Ultimately, the decision to return the ring to the giver depends on individual circumstances and preferences. It is a personal choice that should consider the legal, emotional, and relational aspects involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Some options for what to do with old wedding rings include keeping the ring, selling it, repurposing it, or passing it down to your children as an heirloom.
Old wedding rings can be remodelled into new rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, or other types of jewellery.
In many states, engagement rings are considered "conditional gifts", meaning they may be returned to the giver if the wedding doesn't take place. Wedding rings are more complicated, and ownership may vary depending on whether the rings were purchased together or gifted to each other. Heirloom rings passed down from family add another layer of complexity and are typically treated the same as new rings under the law.
You can take your old wedding ring to a jeweller to discuss your options and get recommendations for new designs.
