Things to do with a wedding ring after a spouse's death

Losing a spouse is one of the most devastating experiences one can endure. The journey to accepting a life without them can be long and difficult, requiring support from loved ones. For many, a wedding ring serves as a symbol of the love and commitment shared between partners. After the loss of a spouse the decision of what to do with their wedding ring can be a challenging and emotional one, one which has no right or wrong answer. It comes down to what feels right to you. Whatever you decide to do, know that you can take all the time you need to make these personal decisions. 

  Here are our ideas on things to do with a wedding ring after your spouse passes away. 

Wear the ring

After a spouse dies, there is no time frame for when you should stop wearing your wedding ring. In fact, you don't have to stop wearing it at all. This is a personal decision, don't place too much weight on what others say you "should" be doing. There is never a timeline to follow when grief is involved, it looks so different to everyone.   

If you choose to date again, when the time comes you can move your wedding ring to your right hand or a different finger on your left hand. This allows you to feel close to the partner you have lost, while being open to new possibilities. 

Make a necklace

Another idea is to turn the wedding ring into a piece of jewellery that can serve as a memorial to the lost spouse. This can include a necklace, bracelet, or even a pair of earrings. The ring can be melted down and used to create a new piece that incorporates the original design or it can be used in its original form.  

Some people attach two rings to their necklace chain, this is their own wedding band and the wedding band of their partner who has died. Others choose to just wear their own wedding ring.

Redesign the ring

If you don't want to wear the ring as is, you could consider having it redesigned. This way, you can wear the ring in a new form that has meaning to you. An idea is to have the ring made into a pendant for a necklace or have the stone reset into a different piece of jewellery. This can help to give the ring a new purpose while still honouring the memories of your spouse. For those who may ask you about your ring, this can be a nice way to talk about your spouse and your life together.   

Talk to a jeweller about how you can redesign your piece of jewellery. As this keepsake holds many memories and is of particular sentimental value, you may want to meet with a few jewellers to find that special person who just feels right to you. A kind and compassionate jeweller will help make the process a little easier. 

Give the ring to a family member 

Another option is to pass the ring down to a family member as an heirloom. This is a meaningful way to keep the ring in the family and honour your spouse's memory. You can choose to pass it down at any time, or you could wait until a family member becomes engaged or married. Be sure to include it as part of your Will to ensure that it is placed in the hands of your chosen recipient.  

Passing the ring down to family is a sentimental way to show that your love lives on and is safe with family. 

Donate the ring

You could consider donating it to a charity. There are many organisations that accept jewellery donations and your ring could bring joy to someone else.   

Keep in mind that you'll need to be at peace with not knowing who the new owner of the ring will be. Some people take comfort in knowing that the ring will give another person or couple joy and can help with your healing process.   

Alternatively, you can give your ring to someone you know, like a couple who are soon to be married. It may bring you peace to know that your love is not only living on and helping others to create beautiful memories together. You could also donate the ring to a cause that was important to your spouse.

Create a memorial garden stone

If you have a garden, consider creating a memorial garden stone with your spouse's wedding ring. You can create the stone yourself or have it made by a professional. The ring can be embedded into the stone, creating a unique and lasting memorial to your spouse.

Turn the ring into a piece of art

If you are artistic or know someone who is, you should consider incorporating the wedding ring into a piece of art. This could be a painting, sculpture, or any other form of art that has meaning to you. This is a creative way to honour your spouse's memory and create something that is meaningful and unique.    

The decision of what to do with a wedding ring after a spouse's death is a deeply personal one. There is no right or wrong way to handle this decision, take the time to consider all your options and make a decision that feels right for you. Whether you choose to keep the ring as is, have it redesigned, or donate it to a worthy cause, the most important thing is to honour the love and memories shared with your spouse.