Lost Your Wedding Ring? These Are the 6 Things to Do ASAP

It's a scenario no one wants to find themselves in: You look down at your left hand and notice that your wedding ring is missing. When did you last see it? Was it on your hand when you left the house, or did you leave it at home in the ring dish beside your bed? Unfortunately, lost wedding rings (and engagement rings!) are surprisingly common. While no one wants to misplace this important piece of jewelry, life happens. Perhaps you took it off for a workout class, didn't realize it was fitting a little bit loose ahead of a swim, or left it on the bathroom counter to wash your hands and forgot to replace it. Whatever happened that caused your beloved ring to go missing, the steps you should take as soon as you notice it's gone remain the same.

First and foremost, avoid going into full panic mode. No matter what happens, it's important to remember that it is your marriage that truly counts—not the jewelry that symbolizes your relationship. Rings can always be replaced.

Once you've put yourself in the correct headspace, it's time to take action. Here, we're sharing the six things to do as soon as you realize your wedding ring is missing.

Focus on Finding the Lost Ring

Take a deep breath and focus your attention on finding the lost wedding or engagement ring. Determining approximately when and where the ring disappeared or was last seen will give you a place to begin your search. It will also increase the odds of unearthing it.

Retrace Your Steps

Once you've recalled the last time you had the ring on (or at least the last place you remember seeing it), it's time to retrace your steps. It's a good idea to enlist some of your loyal friends to come with you for extra sets of eyes.

Call in the Experts

If the ring took a tumble down your drain, immediately call your plumber. If the ring accidentally fell into the sand during your honeymoon, the hotel staff or locals with a metal detector on hand may be able to help. Whatever you do, don't take matters into your own hands in these types of scenarios, as you may ultimately cause more damage.

File an Insurance Claim

If you have insurance on your ring (which you absolutely should), immediately file an insurance claim. This step is important even if you're still looking for the lost ring: It's best to let your insurance company know as soon as possible that the ring was lost, ideally within 24 hours of it going missing. If you do end up finding it, you can cancel the claim and give an update to your insurance company. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Talk to Your Jeweler

Call the jeweler where you got the ring as soon as you can. It's possible they might have another one in the same style. If not, they should be able to re-create a similar ring for you.

Get a Temporary Ring

Whether you lost your engagement or wedding ring (or both!), you might feel naked without that special piece of jewelry on your left hand. Instead of going without something entirely, choose to wear a temporary ring to symbolize your love and commitment. Most jewelers stock simple gold bands for reasonable prices, so you could certainly purchase something new, but feel free to shop your own jewelry box. If you have another ring you love, slip it on that important finger for the time being.

Another option? Purchase a faux ring online. It could be a fun opportunity to test out new shapes and styles.