It happens often, and without any warning. You take off your ring to do the dishes – and just as quickly, it’s gone. Losing your wedding ring is devastating to any bride, old or new. And the odds that it will happen in your lifetime are actually pretty high. (As our own Stefanie found out just weeks ago). So what do you do? And even more panic inducing – how do you tell your hubby that the ring he picked out specifically for you may be down the drain? We won’t lie to you, it’s not going to be fun. But there are a few steps you can follow to help track it down – or eventually replace it.
Losing your Wedding Ring – A Survival Guide
Retrace your Steps
This goes without saying, but the first step is to try to remember where the last place you saw your ring was. Then search like you have never searched before. Leave no pants pocket unchecked and no purse un-turned. Don’t forget about obscure places like the washing machine, the garbage can, or your sock drawer. If you have a pet with a fondness for eating everything he can get his paws on, keep an eye on his potty habits for a few days. And when you’re sure you’ve looked everywhere possible look again.
Inform your Spouse
Telling your partner may be the hardest part about losing your wedding ring. So give them time to process the information and work through their own feelings about the situation. Chances are the panic you felt when you realized it was gone will be mirrored back at you. But it’s important to remember that even if they are upset initially, your ring is just a symbol. And while we totally understand the sentimental value of a piece as special as your wedding ring, at the end of the day your love for each other is what’s important. So don’t get hysterical, and enlist them in the hunt.
Ask Around
You’ve searched on your own to no avail. Now it’s time to call in reinforcements. Ask friends and family who you may have seen around the same time you lost your ring if they remember seeing it on your finger. Did you swing by the gym on your way home from work? Call and see if anybody turned one in to the lost and found. Online community message board sites like Craigslist and Nextdoor can be great at helping you track down a wayward ring. The more eyes you have searching, the better luck you’ll have tracking it down.
File an Insurance Claim
If, after all of the searching, you are still coming up ringless, it’s time to decide what your next steps need to be. If you purchased engagement ring insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. And even if you don’t have ring insurance be sure to check under your homeowners policy just in case. Most won’t cover the full cost of a replacement ring, but all usually include some form of jewelry coverage.
Decide on a Replacement
Replacing your ring doesn’t have to be a sad or defeating occasion. Many couples use this as an opportunity to renew their vows, or simply to revisit the vows they made over the first rings. You don’t need a big fancy ceremony, or even anything official. Pick something beautiful out together and take a private moment to remind your partner of all of the reasons you fell in love with them in the first place. Better yet? Write out your new vows in a gorgeous card from Marrygrams for a keepsake they will treasure forever. And maybe get the insurance this time. 
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