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One of the most difficult experiences is losing a loved one. Whether it be a spouse, child, or parent, it is not an easy time to go through. There are many things to think about and decisions that need to be made.
One of these decisions is who gets the deceased possessions and more specifically, their wedding ring. As a symbol of love given by their spouse, their wedding ring is important. If a will has been made then this usually specifies who the ring will go to but if it doesn’t, you may be wondering what to do.
Who should get a wedding ring after a death?
After the death of a loved one, traditionally the deceased’s spouse gets their husband/wife’s wedding ring. If it is a parent who has died and their spouse is deceased, then usually the deceased’s will specifies who the ring goes to.
If nothing is specified in the will about who the deceased wedding ring goes to, then the child/children can decide who gets to keep the wedding ring. If a grandparent has passed away and the parents are also deceased, then the grandchildren can keep the ring.
If it’s a parent who has passed away, then the children will usually keep it. If their children are no longer living or don’t want to keep the ring, then it can be given to another family member.
A father’s ring can be given to a brother or nephew and a mother’s ring can be given to a sister or niece. If there is no one to give the ring to and you don’t want to keep it, then you can always sell it. After someone has passed away, their wedding ring is typically given to the closest family member.
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Who Inherits A Wedding Ring?
The loss of a spouse is one of the hardest experiences anyone can go through. As the person who they shared their life with, it can be a very difficult time. When you were married you gifted one another with a wedding ring.
So, after a spouse passes away, who inherits their wedding ring?
Usually, the closest family member will inherit the wedding ring of a deceased loved one. This can be a spouse, child, parent, brother, sister, nephew, niece, etc. If the deceased was married, then their spouse gets the ring or can choose what is done with it.
If the deceased’s spouse is no longer living, and nothing is specified in the will, then the closest family member inherits the wedding ring and can decide what is done with it. But, if the spouse is still living, then they’re the ones who will normally keep their husband/wife’s wedding ring.
A wedding ring is a special piece of jewelry showing your devotion and love for your spouse and choosing what to do with it after someone has died can be difficult. It’s okay to take your time to think through all of your options.
A wedding ring is an important symbol of the love you had for each other and deciding what to do with it shouldn’t be done hastily. If you are struggling with what to do and need some options, here’s some suggestions on what to do with your spouse’s wedding ring after their death:
- Plant the ring with a memory tree.
- Make a shadow box displaying the ring.
- Display the ring in a cloche.
- Have the ring set into their headstone.
- Make a new type of jewelry with the ring.
- Bury them with their ring.
- Make the ring into a family heirloom.
- Donate the ring.
- Sell the ring.
- Add the ring to a pet’s collar.
Is It Proper To Wear Your Wedding Ring After Your Spouse Dies?
Deciding what to do with something as important as a wedding ring after a husband or wife has passed away can be very difficult. You may be struggling with this decision and not wanting to do anything improper. Some people even wonder if it is proper to wear their wedding ring after their spouse dies.
You can certainly choose to wear your wedding ring after your spouse dies. This is proper and there is no need to rush into doing something you aren’t ready for. If you want to continue wearing your wedding ring after they have passed away, you can.
Along with deciding what to do with your spouse’s wedding ring after their death, you may also be wondering what to do with yours. It is special and important to you. As a symbol of the love you shared, you should take your time to decide what to do.
Don’t rush or let others rush you into doing something that you aren’t ready for.
It’s okay to wear your wedding rings after your spouse dies. This is completely appropriate. You were married to them and they hold a special place in your heart. So, if you want to continue wearing your wedding ring, you can.
If you want more options of what to do with your wedding ring to consider, here are some other suggestions:
- Wear the ring.
- Add a memorial diamond to your ring.
- Wear the ring on your right hand.
- Wear the ring on a necklace.
- Have the ring redesigned.
- Put the ring away and keep it safe.
- Donate the ring.
- Sell the ring.
- Make the ring into an heirloom.
- Do a ceremonial goodbye with the ring.
Final Thoughts
If the deceased’s will doesn’t specify, their wedding ring will typically go to the closest family member. This is usually the spouse but can also be children, parents, etc.
If a spouse dies, then the husband/wife can choose what is done with the wedding ring.
A wedding ring is important to the deceased’s spouse. It is a symbol of their devotion to each other and the love they shared. Everyone grieves differently and losing someone you love will be hard so don’t try to rush it.
There are many options to consider when deciding what to do with a loved one’s wedding ring. Whether you want to keep the wedding ring or do something a little more unconventional with it, your love for your spouse will remain the same and you will forever have the memory of them.
