What Should I Do With My Wedding Ring After Losing My Partner?
Meaningful Ideas to Honour Your Love
Losing a spouse is undoubtedly one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. In addition to the emotional toll, there are also practical challenges involved with burial and memorial decisions, legal paperwork, and other final considerations. One of the decisions that may arise is what to do with the wedding ring.
At Legacy Jewellery, we understand that deciding what to do with a wedding ring after the loss of a spouse can be an emotionally challenging decision. We encourage you to take your time and consider all of your options before making a decision.
Some people choose to continue wearing their wedding ring as a symbol of their enduring love and commitment, while others prefer to repurpose the ring into a new piece of jewellery that reflects their loved one's memory.
Reimagining your spouse’s wedding ring can be a beautiful way of honouring their memory
We've had many customers tell us that they still feel married, even though their spouse has passed away. For some, wearing the wedding ring on the traditional finger may not feel right anymore. That's why we offer a range of options for repurposing your wedding ring and, if desired, your engagement ring into a piece of jewellery that you can wear in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to you.
For example, we can incorporate the gemstones into a new ring design, that you can wear as a tribute to your loved one's memory. Alternatively, we can transform the ring into a different piece of jewellery, such as earrings or a pendant, that you can wear in a way that feels more appropriate for your current situation.
Our team of skilled designers and craftsmen are here to work with you to create a piece that reflects your personal style and honours your marriage in a way that feels right for you. We understand that this decision can be especially tough, and we want to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in the final piece of jewellery that you choose.
So if you're facing this difficult decision, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you find a way to preserve your memories and honour your loved one's legacy through a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewellery that you can cherish for years to come.
Options for Repurposing a Wedding Ring:
There are many alternative options for repurposing a wedding ring, depending on your personal preferences and the type of jewellery you want to create. Here are a few examples:
Transform the ring into a pendant: This is a popular option for those who want to keep the sentimental value of the ring close to their heart. Often the wedding ring can be melted down and shaped into a pendant, which can be worn on a necklace.
Read our FAQ on what can be re-used and repurposed when transforming a piece of jewellery. Any ‘new gold’ that is used in the Legacy design is recycled gold.
2. Create a pair of earrings: If you have diamonds or gemstones in your wedding ring, you can consider having them removed and turned into a pair of earrings. This is a great way to create a new piece of jewellery that can be worn on a daily basis.
3. Make a new ring: If you want to create a new ring, you can consider using the stones from your wedding ring and adding new ones to create a unique design. This is a great option for those who want to keep the sentimental value of the ring, but want to create something new and different.
4. Create a bracelet: If you have multiple rings, you can consider having them melted down and shaped into a bracelet. This is a great way to create a piece of jewellery that incorporates all of your rings.
Beautiful bracelet created using a sentimentally important wedding ring
The first thing to consider when choosing a jeweller for your jewellery remodelling project is their expertise and experience.
Remodelling existing pieces of jewellery requires a specialist skill set. Look for a jeweller who is experienced in jewellery transformation and understands the various gemstones and precious metals used in old jewellery. They should be able to work closely with you to ensure that the final piece matches your vision and expectations.
And please don’t rush the decision. Do your research and ask to see examples of your jeweller’s previous work. Read testimonials and reviews and ask to speak to previous clients. This is an important decision and you should feel nurtured and listened to throughout.
Sandy’s Story
After the sudden loss of her husband, Sandy knew she wanted to create something meaningful and wearable. We worked gently and carefully, incorporating elements from both her engagement and wedding band and her dearly missed husband’s wedding band. The result was a stunning new design - a daily reminder of their love. A ring that brings her comfort in her new life.
Before - Wedding bands and engagement ring for reimagining.
After - A beautiful balanced Legacy design
Bernadette’s Story
Bernadette lost her husband suddenly and struggled to come to terms with her loss. After two years, she finally felt ready to create a pendant using her husband’s gold wedding band. A pendant she could wear close to her heart. She loved the idea of two interconnecting circles or hearts. A symbol of their love forever.
Graham’s Story
Graham contacted me a few months after the death of his wife. He wanted to create a ring he could wear on his right hand, using her wedding and eternity rings.
We gave a respectful nod to the original design by adding a subtle stippling and leaf effect to the gold. The result was a simple, yet meaningful ring that Graham could wear every day and feel connected to his beloved wife again.
If you're wondering what to do with your wedding ring after the death of a spouse, we're here. No pressure. No obligation. Just kind, thoughtful guidance when you're ready to explore your options. Book your free, no-obligation call with Sarah today.
Alternatively, you can read Sarah’s new book A Legacy Reimagined - Redesign & Relove your Forgotten Jewellery. Available on Amazon.
