What do you do with your wedding rings after a divorce? If you’re like me, you may be asking yourself this question. I’m here with some ideas for you.
In 2021, after 15 (almost 16) years of marriage, my ex-husband and I decided to go our separate ways. If I said it was an amicable split, I’d be lying. Many marriages, when they end, don’t generally end on a good note, and mine was one of them. We’d previously been planning our 20th anniversary vow renewal, and it was actually something I was looking forward to. I thought we were doing well, and I enjoyed our time together, but it just wasn’t meant to be. His infidelity completely caught me off guard, and now all I have is a stunning wedding band that I wore every day and never took off. My wedding ring symbolized the love we had, but I no longer wear it, and it brings me bittersweet memories.
For many people, their wedding ring is a symbol of love and commitment. But what do you do with it after a divorce? That depends on the settlement. A settlement dictates the terms of your divorce, and that includes splitting up your possessions. Some people choose to keep their wedding rings as a reminder of their marriage, while others prefer to sell or donate them. There are pros and cons to both options, so it’s important to think carefully about what feels right for you. If you’re not sure what to do with your wedding ring after divorce, read on for some tips.
Decide if you want to keep the ring or sell it
It can be difficult to decide what to do with your wedding ring after a divorce. It may have endured through times of hardship or been part of an instrumental moment in your life. However, it can also be a reminder of what used to be and a painful place to store memories. Deciding whether to keep the ring or sell it is ultimately up to you. Consider weighing out the pros and cons of each option. What would help you move forward and bring you peace of mind? What will feel like closure? The decision that’s best for your emotional well-being is priceless.
Keep it as a reminder of what you went through
No matter what you go through in life, it can always be a good reminder to keep something. When you hire top rated divorce lawyers for your divorce, you may have undergone a lot of stress and heartache. But that’s life, isn’t it? It throws us curveballs sometimes, and we come out stronger on the other side. Following a divorce, a wedding ring can serve as a reminder of what once was and how far you’ve come since then.
Symbolic of the past and overcoming hardship, the wedding ring continues to tell your story and remind you of how strong you are no matter what struggles come your way. Although it may evoke emotion and sadness, it’s important to remember that you have grown and learned from those experiences. Keeping the wedding ring as a reminder can be such a comforting feeling, even amidst uncertainty or turmoil.
If you decide to keep the ring, figure out how to wear it without reminder of the divorce
A painful divorce can be hard to move on from, but wearing a reminder of it doesn’t help. If you want to keep the ring that was given in marriage and you don’t want to feel the sting of pain every time you look at it, try thinking outside the box to find ways to wear it without being reminded uncomfortably. One strategy would be to create a piece inspired by the ring—have a jeweler design something based on its style that makes it unique and celebrates your experience rather than evoking pain.
Alternatively, for a simpler solution, try switching the finger it’s worn on or wearing it with other pieces so its symbolism is balanced out with positive energy and light. You can repurpose the ring as a necklace and wear it close to your heart as a reminder of the love that was shared between two people who now walk different paths. Whatever option you choose, always remember that when you look at the ring from now on, consider its new purpose: an expression of your strength and newfound freedom.
If you decide to sell the ring, find a reputable jeweler who will give you a fair price
After a recent divorce, you might find yourself needing to sell the wedding ring you once proudly wore. While the task may be difficult, it can also be financially beneficial. In order to get the best price for your wedding ring, it’s important to take extra care when selecting a reputable jeweler. With the right professional, they will provide an honest assessment of the worth of your wedding ring and offer a fair price. By shopping around and doing some research beforehand, you’ll reduce the chances of being taken advantage of in what can be a very emotional situation.
Use the money from selling the ring to do something special for yourself, like a spa day or weekend getaway
After divorcing, selling your wedding ring can be a big decision. Selling that wedding ring after all the special memories can be a difficult and sad thing to do. Deciding what to do with the money you get from it can help you focus on something positive. Why not treat yourself? Use it to treat yourself to a luxurious spa day or to recharge your batteries with a weekend getaway. Either option will leave you feeling pampered, refreshed, and ready to move into the next chapter of your life.
Sell it and use the money for something practical, like paying off debt
After a divorce, many people face difficult financial choices. One option to consider is to sell your wedding ring; the proceeds can be used to pay off debt. Although it may seem counterintuitive or emotionally tough, in the long run, it can help reduce your financial stress and worries. Instead of seeing the wedding ring as a reminder of a past relationship, view it as an opportunity to use the money for something practical that will improve your overall wellness. Selling your wedding ring and using the money for financial security might just be exactly what you need.
Give it away to a charity that supports divorced women
Instead of storing my wedding ring away and forgetting about it, I’ve decided to donate it to a charity that provides support for divorced women. Doing so is an easy way for me to help someone in need, as the money generated from the sale of the wedding ring could be used to provide counseling services or housing aid. I know from firsthand experience how challenging this period of life can be, and I am pleased that by giving away my wedding ring, I can bring emotional solace or financial assistance to someone who needs it.
Give it back to your ex spouse
If the marriage ended on good terms, you may want to consider giving the ring back to your former spouse. This could be a way of showing respect for their decision and honoring the former bond between you two. This gesture can provide a sense of closure and can also signal that you have moved on from the marriage, both emotionally and spiritually. On the other hand, keeping your wedding ring as a symbol of what once was is an acceptable choice as well. There really are no wrong answers in this situation. Ultimately, it’s up to you as to what you feel most comfortable with. Regardless of your final decision, it’s okay to heal however you need to.
Pass the ring on
Though wedding rings hold great emotional significance for many, some may find it difficult to face the memories associated with what was once a symbol of everlasting love. If you have children from the marriage, consider passing down the wedding ring to them when they are older. It may become something special that they hold onto in their own lives or pass down to future generations in their family. Doing this can be a touching way to remember the relationship and honor the love that was once shared.
Throw it away or destroy it so you can move on
In many ways, a wedding ring can be one of the most symbolic and emotionally charged objects someone can possess. When a relationship has ended and divorce is inevitable, it isn’t always easy to part with certain reminders of that time in your life. It can be incredibly cathartic to take action by throwing away or destroying something as symbolic as a wedding ring after divorce; however, it can also be quite daunting. Destroying wedding jewelry may open up intense emotions, albeit ones that will ultimately help you heal, rebuild, and move on with your life.
Let go of any negative feelings associated with your divorce and remember that this is just one chapter in your life story
Divorce can be an emotionally charged experience, where the associated feelings of hurt, anger, and disappointment can seem too difficult to bear at times. But it’s important to remember that in the midst of these negative emotions is an opportunity to start over—a chance to create a new chapter of life with newfound independence. If you’re willing to confront and let go of the negativity left over from your divorce, you will unlock potential within yourself that can help you rewrite your future story and come out of this experience even stronger. Take pride in knowing that, with the courage to confidently end one chapter, you can open the next one for something even better.
In Conclusion
I hope this article has been helpful as you decide what to do with your wedding rings after divorce. If nothing else, hopefully it’s given you some food for thought on how best to handle the situation and move forward on your journey towards healing and happiness. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to remember that getting divorced doesn’t have to be an unhappy experience. It’s natural to feel some sadness at the end of a marriage, but it’s also OK to move on and look forward to new beginnings. Whatever you decide to do with your wedding ring after a divorce is up to you—just make sure it reflects what feels best for you.
I wish all the best for everyone going through this difficult time!
