Deborah Chan
Losing a spouse is one of the most daunting experiences a person can go through. The grieving process is different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to mourn. A wedding ring is a symbol of love, commitment, and personal history. It is a profound item of significance, and deciding what to do with it after a spouse's death is a challenging and deeply personal decision. Some widows and widowers continue to wear their wedding rings, while others choose to remove them. Some may redesign their rings or pass them on as heirlooms. Ultimately, the decision of what to do with a wedding ring after a spouse passes should be made by the individual and what feels right to them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Continue wearing the ring | To honour their spouse and their enduring love and commitment |
| Wear the ring on a chain around the neck | To keep the ring close to the heart and easily visible |
| Pass the ring down to children or other family members | To keep the ring in the family and celebrate the spouse |
| Incorporate the ring into a headstone | To symbolise enduring love |
| Bury the ring with the spouse or in a significant location | To commemorate years of love and marriage |
| Release the ring into the ocean | As a form of remembrance and release |
| Repurpose the ring into a new piece of jewellery | To honour the memory of the loved one |
| Store the ring in a ring box or shadow box | To keep the ring safe and protected |
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What You'll Learn
Continue wearing the ring
Deciding what to do with a wedding ring after the death of a spouse is a very personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer, and the decision is entirely up to the individual. For some, wearing their wedding ring can be a source of comfort and a way to keep their spouse's memory close. Here are some reasons why one might choose to continue wearing their wedding ring:
Symbol of Undying Love and Commitment
A wedding ring is more than just jewellery. It is a symbol of the love and commitment shared between spouses. By continuing to wear the ring, one can feel a sense of closeness and connection to their spouse, even after their passing. The ring serves as a reminder of the special bond and the memories created together.
Comfort and Security
The grieving process can be challenging, and wearing a wedding ring can provide comfort and a sense of security during this difficult time. It can be a source of strength and a reminder of the love and support received from one's spouse during their lifetime. The ring can also symbolise moving forward while still honouring the memory of the marriage.
Honouring Their Memory
Continuing to wear the wedding ring can be a way to honour the memory of one's spouse. It can be a daily reminder of the love shared and the life lived together. Moving the ring to the right hand, as many widows and widowers choose to do, can symbolise this transition and the continued presence of one's spouse in their heart.
Personal Journey and Preference
The decision to continue wearing a wedding ring is a personal journey. It is about doing what feels right and best for the individual. There should be no pressure or influence from others, as the choice is deeply personal. One may choose to continue wearing the ring for as long as it brings comfort and a sense of connection to their spouse.
Creating a Memorial Ring
Some people may choose to redesign their wedding ring to create a memorial ring. This could involve adding a memorial diamond or their spouse's diamond to the original wedding band. This new ring can symbolise the continuation of their love and the memories shared, providing a way to keep their spouse close as they navigate their new phase of life.
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Turn it into a pendant
Losing a spouse is one of the most challenging experiences one may face, and deciding what to do with your wedding ring can be difficult. One option is to turn it into a pendant. Here are some ways to do this:
Melting the Ring into a Pendant
You can choose to melt your wedding ring and shape it into a pendant. This option allows you to keep the sentimental value of the ring close to your heart. You can wear it on a necklace, and it can be a constant reminder of the love and memories shared with your spouse.
Adding a Memorial Diamond
You can add a memorial diamond to your wedding ring pendant. Memorial diamonds are made from the cremation ashes or hair of your deceased spouse. These diamonds can be customized in shape, size, and colour, creating a unique representation of your loved one's one-of-a-kind nature. It can be a beautiful and heartfelt way to keep them close as you journey through life without them.
Combining with Your Spouse's Ring
If you have access to your spouse's wedding ring, you can incorporate it into the pendant design. This symbolically combines the rings of your marriage covenant, representing the enduring love you shared.
Passing it Down as an Heirloom
You may decide to turn your wedding ring into a pendant to be passed down as an heirloom. This can be a heartfelt gesture to your child or grandchild, who can use the pendant as their wedding ring. It can bring comfort to know that the ring continues to symbolize spousal love, keeping your spouse's memory alive in the family.
Displaying it in a Shadow Box
If you're not ready to wear the pendant or pass it down, you can display it in a shadow box. A shadow box is an enclosed glass display case that holds important objects and memorabilia. You can include both your wedding ring pendant and your spouse's ring, along with other sentimental items, creating a visual tribute to your enduring love.
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Bury it with your spouse
Losing a spouse is one of the most challenging experiences one can face, and the grief and pain can take a long time to process. The wedding ring becomes a heavy weight on your finger, a reminder of your departed spouse and the love you shared.
Burying your wedding ring with your spouse is a common way to commemorate your years of love and marriage. It is a way to leave a piece of yourself with your loved one, even in death, and a symbol of your undying love. It can be a healing experience, allowing you to gain closure and let go of your grief. You may choose to bury both your ring and that of your spouse together, or you may decide to keep your ring with you, as a reminder of the love you still hold for them.
If you choose to keep your wedding ring, you may decide to wear it on your right hand as a symbol of moving forward while still honouring your marriage. This can be a comforting option, and many widows and widowers find solace in this gesture. You may also choose to wear your ring on a necklace, close to your heart, or place it in a ring box or shadow box, perhaps with other items that remind you of your spouse.
For some, wearing the ring can be too painful a reminder, and it may be preferable to remove it. This is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong decision. You may wish to keep the ring in a safe place, such as a memory box, or pass it on to children or grandchildren as a family heirloom.
Whatever you decide, the process of deciding what to do with your wedding ring after the loss of a spouse is an intensely personal one, and there is no one "right" way to navigate this difficult decision.
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Pass it on to your children
Deciding what to do with a wedding ring after the death of a spouse is a deeply personal decision. While some may continue to wear their wedding ring, perhaps moving it to their right hand, others may choose to redesign it or pass it on to their children.
Passing on a wedding ring to your children is a way to keep the ring in the family, allowing you to share the love that the ring symbolises with another. It can also be a way to continue the story of your family history. You could give the ring to your child as an heirloom, to be passed down through the generations, or you could have the ring resized and given to your child or grandchild as their own wedding ring.
If you have multiple children, you could consider having the ring redesigned into several pieces of jewellery, such as necklaces or brooches, to be shared among them. Alternatively, you could add a memorial diamond to the ring before passing it on. This could be created from the cremation ashes or a lock of hair of your late spouse, adding an extra-special element to the ring.
If you are not ready to part with the ring, you could keep it in a safe location, such as a ring box or shadow box, perhaps alongside other items that remind you of your spouse. You could also wear the ring on a chain around your neck, either on its own or alongside your spouse's wedding band.
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Incorporate it into a memorial diamond
Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, and the grieving process varies for everyone. Some people can't bear to look at anything that reminds them of their deceased loved one because the pain is too much, while others grieve by holding on to possessions left behind by their loved ones. Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment between a married couple, and they constantly remind you of the life and love you shared with your spouse.
Memorial diamonds are a beautiful and heartfelt way to celebrate those who have passed away. These diamonds can be made from the cremation ashes or hair of a loved one. They can be customized in shape, size, and colour to create a unique piece that embodies the memory of your loved one. Memorial diamonds can be set into your existing wedding ring or used to create a new piece of jewellery. This option provides a tangible and lasting way to keep a part of your loved one with you at all times.
If you decide to incorporate a memorial diamond into your wedding ring, you can send the ashes or hair of your deceased spouse to a memorial diamond company, which will then make and deliver the diamond to you. Most memorial diamond companies offer their clients a range of options regarding colours, cuts, and carats. You can then work with a jeweller to incorporate the memorial diamond into your wedding ring.
Alternatively, you may choose to have your wedding ring completely redesigned. This could involve changing the setting, incorporating new design elements, or even using the diamond as part of a new ring design. A jeweller can work with you to create a piece that reflects your personal style while also embodying the memory of your loved one.
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Frequently asked questions
This is a highly personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer. Some people continue to wear their wedding ring, sometimes switching it to their right hand, while others choose to remove it. If you decide to remove it, you could store it in a ring box or shadow box, or pass it on to your children or grandchildren as an heirloom.
Redesigning your wedding ring can be an exciting and empowering transformation. You could modernise it or completely transform its look. Consider adding or replacing stones with different colours, shapes or cuts to give it a unique and personal significance.
If you no longer wish to wear your wedding ring, you could add it to a memory box along with other items that remind you of your spouse. Alternatively, you could wear it as a necklace, either on its own or with your spouse's wedding ring.
One option is to bury your wedding ring with your spouse or in a location that is significant to your relationship. Another option is to let your wedding ring go out into the ocean as a form of remembrance and release.
Yes, it is common to feel guilty about removing your wedding ring as you may feel like you are betraying the relationship you shared with your spouse. However, it is important to remember that taking off your wedding ring does not mean that you have forgotten about your spouse or that you did not love them. Ultimately, the decision to remove your wedding ring is a personal one and should be made when you feel ready to take that step.
