I was recently separated from a company after 5 years for wearing my wedding ring.

91 Comments

1. Rachel BakerSeptember 9,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

   This is the first time I've heard of a workplace dress code prohibiting wedding rings. Is that common in your industry? It seems unusual to me, but perhaps there are safety or health code reasons? The fact that you offered a solution, which they declined, shows to me your willingness to adapt. I might guess that this is just one of many changes happening as the new CEO settles in. I'm sorry you're dealing with a frustrating situation.

2. maria roseSeptember 9,2025 at 2:18PM UTC

   There are certain fields of work where no jewelry can be worn by the employees and this job is probably one of them—yes the OP does not specify the exact job employment position, but for the jewelry to have been made an issue to continued employment and the insistence by the OP to have to not remove them has made this a learning experience for the OP, who also stated that they took this job as a fun experience and to earn funds for their 401k and they were in the past owner of their own business. But this is not their business and they are just an employee however important they feel that their personal input has been to this job. The job requires no jewelry to f any kind be worn on the hands and they deliberately worn jewelry, regardless anyway. The explanation of why no jewelry is probably a safety and sanitation requirement rather than as claimed by the OP as being disrespectful of their marriage status. If taking the rings off is so important and offensive to the OP, then they can find another job that doesn’t have limitation on jewelry worn on hands while working.

3. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 2:36PM UTC

   Out of curiosity, why does the dress code prohibit wedding rings (may I assume it prohibits rings in general)?

4. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 2:37PM UTC

   To add, I recall a friend of my uncle's lost his finger when his ring got caught on something at work. And, too, while not prohibiting at my husband's department (he's LEO) wearing a ran can pose issues in certain situations - like a foot pursuit that leads to hopping fences or something along those lines.

5. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 3:47PM UTC

   That is the weirdest post yet. Do you work on a conveyor belt? Is it a hazard for you to wear it?

6. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 12:49PM UTC

   Il not sure if she’s inspired dialogue here or broke us

   Answers have contained unusual workplace guess including yours. Someone else asked if she worked in a safe room (controlled environment).

7. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 4:03PM UTC

   Unless it is a hazard to getting your work done because you use your hands this is illegal. Did they disclose this in the employee handbook pre-hire? Please consult a good attorney and find a company that is less restrictive toward dress code.

8. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 4:10PM UTC

   It is very common in manufacturing environments (such as plants) long hair must be pulled back, jewelry cannot be worn, no matter the meaning to you. Also, if you work in a food packing plant there is risk jewelry may fall off into the food. Your marriage is not going to change whether you wear a ring or not. It's a legally binding agreement. So don't let not wearing a ring at work take focus.

   If you're in a food packing plant or another plant, it doesn't disrespect your marriage. However, if the company doesn't allow jewelry, I think the readers here want to know what type of work you do. If you're working somewhere for fun, then don't sweat it and find another fun job. Your post is confusing. You are telling us what happened, but the job was just for fun, then you seem concerned about your age and finding another job. If you are working for fun and do not need to work, then don't. Will your age affect you? Yes. But shouldn't, but ageism is real.

9. KatSeptember 9,2025 at 4:38PM UTC

   Since you are just working for the benefits and not concerned about a career path, find an industry that doesn't have restrictions on jewelry that can be worn. Usually, those restrictions are there for health and/or safety reasons - as others have already stated. If wearing a ring is that important to you, look into other types of work outside of factories and food service. It doesn't have be an issue in your next job unless you make it one.

10. AnonymousSeptember 10,2025 at 6:14AM UTC

    Sounds like you’re in manufacturing and wearing of rings could result in losing a finger and putting the company in major trouble. Why would you dispute this policy that supports both you and the company? Go work somewhere else and free up the job for someone who needs it and will not be a liability to the company.

11. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 8:49AM UTC

    Unless the ring fell off into a batch of food that is being packaged for consumer food. THAT is a rationale reason for no wedding rings!

12. GirlBossanova934974September 10,2025 at 12:33PM UTC

    Unless you are working on a production or factory line, this requirement sounds off. The fact that the company allowed this before tells me you were not working on a factory production line. I would consult with an employment lawyer. While you may not get a judgment, you are likely to get some sort of settlement. I don't think this company wants it known that they are doing this.

13. AnonymousSeptember 10,2025 at 12:52PM UTC

    I actually found it interesting that you did not state the reason for your former company’s policy. Letting it get to the point of termination but not disclosing anything other than it being a company policy is a bit suspect if you ask me.

14. Liz MilneSeptember 10,2025 at 12:56PM UTC

    'separated' from a company?

15. SPNN4 SSeptember 10,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

    Ironic isn't it.

16. Julie WozniakSeptember 10,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

    Fired.

17. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 12:47PM UTC

    You know “conscious uncoupling” like when Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin got divorced.

18. AnonymousSeptember 10,2025 at 1:03PM UTC

    I know the company in which you are speaking of and my reason for separation are pretty frustrating as well. In my honest opinion I feel like they are wanting to get rid of additional people without having another big layoff. Enforcing all the new rules have forced some to leave, made it hard for some to work and so on..

19. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 8:48AM UTC

    It was the company policy to not wear wedding rings and then they decide to enforce it. Policy was in place all along!

20. surfnwriteSeptember 10,2025 at 1:24PM UTC

    It's a stupid rule, but if it's a good job I would take the ring off. This is not a hill to die on. It's not disrespecting your marriage.

21. Pamela RosenSeptember 10,2025 at 1:29PM UTC

    I have to say that no wedding rings is a strange policy and it must be there for a reason. You didn't say what kind of job it is, but if you're working in, say, a clean room, people can't even wear makeup, let alone rings, and you have to go through an air shower just to walk in. If you work in something like surgery, or health care, that could be a contamination concern. Same for any kind of a job where you have to touch another person. If it's manufacturing, it's for your safety. I am the last person to say companies don't make rules for dumb reasons, but this one sounds like it's probably for safety.

22. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 8:46AM UTC

    In healthcare providers it is policy to not wear wedding rings. No negotiations.

23. Me!September 10,2025 at 1:39PM UTC

    In the industry I work in removal of jewelry is done for safety not only of the employee but the product and customers. If this is the case in your situation leave your ring at home or work in a different industry. Ask yourself if I remove my ring am I still married and is this the hill I want to die on.

24. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 1:05PM UTC

    Most relevant comment on this thread.

25. AnonymousSeptember 10,2025 at 5:04PM UTC

    Like others have said, it is probably a safety concern. If it is for customers, patients, or products because of contamination, wearing latex/non-latex gloves like those used in hospitals should be sufficient to cover that concern. If it is for your safety because of machinery, is your finger worth more than your ring, because you could risk losing it? Again, work gloves should cover that concern unless they restrict needed dexterity. I would suggest that when you file for unemployment that you ask how to contact the EEOC to see if this would be a valid claim of discrimination on marital status or religious grounds, especially since you have suggested appropriate "reasonable" accommodations that they deemed "inappropriate" or "unreasonable.

26. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 2:52AM UTC

    Doesn't sound like they were out of line. Just not the job for you.

27. Marjorie CoganSeptember 11,2025 at 3:07AM UTC

    That does not sound legal. Are you in an "at will" state? If not, talk to a labor lawyer.

28. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 12:38PM UTC

    It is if its a food related industry for example.

    Just because u are "allowed" to do something that's clearly documented to b against the rules doesn't mean that can't b used against anytime they see fit or want to reduce numbers w/o offering severance.

29. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 1:04PM UTC

    Call a labor lawyer over wearing a wedding ring?? Get real!

30. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 6:15PM UTC

    It's totally legal if it's for safety or health reasons.

31. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 8:44AM UTC

    Times change, so do company policies. I parted with my wedding ring years ago because it has metal in it that can cause health problems. Is your marriage defined by a piece of metal and a gemstone on a finger?

    The dress code never changed, just their enforcement of it. Not sure if you have a case there.

32. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 12:52PM UTC

    Was there a hazard caused by wearing rings? Im not clear why it was a dress code violation. If its a safety issue that's one thing but if its an office I'd say call an attorney.

    As it sounds like tou parted in good terms ask HR what the policy is for references. Most companies these days just confirm salary and dates of employment and job title.

    In that case you do not need to get into it with a potential employer. "It wasn't aligned with your goals"

33. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 1:04PM UTC

    Is it a gigantic diamond ? Why would you need to wear it everyday to work. Frustrating. Just leave it at home when going up work, simple

34. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 1:49PM UTC

    This is a ridiculous answer. To many, a marriage is a bigger commitment than a job ever will be.

    There are SOME jobs where rings can be a physical safety hazard, but outside of that very limited scope, there is no reason for this bizarre dress code requirement. The fact that she asked and they EXPLICITLY okayed her wearing the ring anyways tells me it wasn't a safety requirement. I'd say the other respondent is probably more on the nose here:

    "My guess is that the industry you are working in prohibits wedding rings for the purpose of making women seem "available" who are not."

    Which is disgusting, honestly.

35. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 8:12PM UTC

    Seriously a piece of rock on your finger, if not worn everyday 24/7, is a violation of your marriage vows?? And not respecting your marriage??

    ok then go sit on top of mountain and stop working

    the company has a policy that you can’t wear a ring made of metal due to a reason and it’s the policy but you are going to take it personally as an affront to your marriage

    I never heard anything so ridiculous in my life. The poster should just walk away and sanctify the marriage by looking at her ring and let someone else take the job

36. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 12:46PM UTC

    Too bad we’re both anon. I like your post.

    Tge last line made me laugh. Thank you

37. AnonymousSeptember 22,2025 at 4:18PM UTC

    Not everyone feels the same as you, and it's rude to hold everyone to your own standards of what is or isn't important.

    As I mentioned in my previous post, it depends on the reasoning behind their "policy". If it's a safety/industry regulation issue that's universally applied then that's one thing, but if, as another comment alluded to, it's to make employees appear "available" then it's disgusting and degrading of one's marriage—and likely not applied equally to men as to women (which would make it misogynistic and also in violation of discrimination laws).

38. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 1:33PM UTC

    Yikes. I think this is more a question of what type of ring were you wearing for your field. Options include switch to a simple low profile band or a silicone band which still says that you are married but doesn't stick out such as diamond might or have metal which could have conductive properties or the stone(s) could become loose and therefore a liability.

    As others have said, common fields which require similar safety measures are the sciences, many medical or research facilities, construction/demolition, technical, production or repair, etc.

    You mentioned it cannot be removed, which indicates that it might be too small to actually pull off your finger. If that's the case, there are a couple of home remedies that could help or you could actually go to a jeweler for a few more professional ways to help that.

    I hope you can find another fun job or ask if other ring options are available to go back to that one.

39. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    My guess is that the industry you are working in prohibits wedding rings for the purpose of making women seem "available" who are not. You say you were working there for "fun" so I am guessing this is a company that prides itself on the beutiful people who work for them, the business/repeat business they generate from those beautiful women, the tips, etc.

    My cousin worked for either this same company, or one similar, and LOVED her job. When her boyfriend proposed she was prohibited from wearing her engagement ring to work and was told that she would not be allowed to wear even a simple gold band after marrying. This company was all about image, and "no wedding rings" was part of that image. This did not sit well with her boyfriend, and he eventually broke things off and moved on. I don't think she ever got over that break-up; wishing she had just left rather than place the job before him.

    It doesn't sound like the company has any ill will towards you, so I think you will be fine. Also, if there is anyone there who would be willing to write up a good reference for you, that would be great.

    I commend you for standing by your commitment to your marriage! Best of luck to you!

40. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 4:36PM UTC

    Your cousin's boyfriend is an ass, respectfully.

41. Balanced336389November 28,2025 at 3:23PM UTC

    That’s sad when all she had to do was take her ring off before she started her job and put it back on when she left work.

42. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

    If it's for safety, Get it tattooed on then. No metal, probably less expensive than another ring or the medical cost of loosing a finger. If it's because they want you to seem "available" that's kind of gross and do you really want that kind of job? Also how lucky you are that you can just take a job for "funsies"

43. Keri BlaszczynskiSeptember 11,2025 at 2:46PM UTC

    I believe I know the company you're speaking of as I have heard from many people I know that work there that this is a major thing being enforced after many years of being able to wear certain things. If I am correct, it is the food and beverage industry and the reason for no jewelry, nail polish, etc is for health safety regulations rather than trying to make women seem available or disrespecting anyone's marriage. If nail polish chips off or a gemstone falls out of a ring and drops into someone's drink or meal, that is a huge liability and in today's world, could shut down a company. I work in healthcare and for those who work in a clinic (even those who do front desk check in and are not "in" the clinic space itself) and/or have hands-on patient care, it is the same situation-losing a nail, scratching a patient, nail polish in food/beverage, open toe shoes risk being exposed to dropped needles, scalpels, etc. - all are not allowed.

    In situations like this, I suggest removing the personal aspect from your feelings about this request. Try to remember that this change isn't personal and has nothing to do with the sanctity or respect of YOUR marriage (or the hundreds of others this affects), it is "simply" a company policy that is now being enforced because of new leadership.

    As far as finding a new position, I think being honest is important. Ensuring that a new employer understands that this separation isn't about being opposed to change (because things are always going to change as time goes on as you're currently experiencing) but that your personal morals did not coincide with this specific part of the dress code they're now fully enforcing, you respect the change that company is making to ensure adherence to health codes but you cherish your ability to wear your wedding ring outwardly as part of your marriage and the ability to do so is a non-negotiable for you during employment.

    I do agree with some others that respecting your marriage is more about your moral compass than a piece of jewelry (assuming that the employer is enforcing these things for appropriate reasons) and if you want to stay in the same industry, you may find similar rules in other places. Respectfully, your unwillingness to remove your ring while working may limit what you're able to do and you have to weigh whether the need for employment is greater than the visual of being married during work hours--you are married whether the ring is on your finger or not, that does not change. You can wear your ring until you punch in, perhaps pin a small silk pouch inside your bra so you can safely tuck your ring inside and cinch it closed - it is still "part of you" but cannot fall out or be lost, then once punched out, replace it on your finger. Again, it isn't personal, it's policy-your spouse is fortunate to have your dedication to your marriage. Best of luck as you decide how to maneuver through this challenge.

44. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 4:36PM UTC

    Perfect response, Keri.

45. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 2:46PM UTC

    Please share what kind of work you do....Others have said the same thing I was going to add - it could be for safety reasons. I work in a specialized construction industry where NO jewelry, or loose-fitting clothing, and other "hazards" can be on the worksite. I have long hair and have to keep it pulled back in a pony tail or up in a bun so it does not get caught in machinery, etc. Rings may pose an electrical hazard. OSHA regulates our work gear. And I deal with injuries on the job.

    If you liked the job, I don't understand why you won't remove your ring (IF it is for safety-oriented reasons). My 30-year marriage is not defined by the ring on my hand.

    Any decent jeweler can cut the ring off and resize it for you so you can take it off and put it on whenever you like.

    Again, not knowing what you do for work makes it difficult to offer a solution. Best of luck.

46. Lori DolanSeptember 11,2025 at 2:49PM UTC

    A job just for fun? While I'm sitting here practically homeless and begging people for a job.

47. JulesSeptember 11,2025 at 3:20PM UTC

    What field are you in? I work in medical billing & coding we will have open positions in Q1 of 2026 and most work is remote. Wishing you the best of luck, I know it can be hard to find a decent role these days.

48. Lori DolanSeptember 11,2025 at 7:54PM UTC

    Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm always been open to remote, hybrid, in office whatever it takes. This job market has really taken it out of me.

49. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 6:10PM UTC

    Do you have any types of openings for people who would be knew to billing/coding? I've worked with ICD codes some in a past job on the tech side and have worked in HIPAA compliant settings for 5+ years but am struggling in this market.

50. yvette finley PHRSeptember 13,2025 at 12:37PM UTC

    I hope you find something soon!

51. AnonymousSeptember 16,2025 at 1:06PM UTC

    The issue is likely the resume. Invest some time in redoing it, optimize it for applicant tracking systems, and use AI as well. If you don't know how spend a bit of money to hire a company to do it for you or ask a friend that knows how. You need to ensure your resume has a lot of keywords that are also in the job description or you're never getting past the bot that reads it. ALWAYS include a Cover Letter. If you are getting interviews, something there is lacking. Get a recording device and record them and have a friend listening with you when you review it later. Practice with AI bot the answers to the questions you've been asked. Finally clean up your appearance if you have an outdated look, get a fresh haircut, nails done, new clothes that make you look young and vibrant. Wear a suit even if you're at Walmart for a cashier job!! These things all matter. Good luck.

52. JulesSeptember 11,2025 at 3:24PM UTC

    Katie do you work in a field where jewelry could endanger you or the equipment? If that is their reason it does make sense. If you do work in manufacturing, have you considered a tattooed wedding ring, those can be beautiful, stylish & permanent.

53. WandaSeptember 11,2025 at 3:27PM UTC

    At first, I was confused as to why you weren't allowed to wear your wedding ring while at your former company. Typically, there shouldn't be an issue. But as others have said, if wearing the ring posed a problem while you performed your duties, in terms of safety or liability, then okay, I see the logic. Additionally, I wouldn't think that it matters that you're married or choose to wear your ring when being considered for another position. It's your legal status and you shouldn't have to or be forced to deny it.

54. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 4:35PM UTC

    Removing your ring (assuming you can) during working hours is not disrespecting your marriage. I know countless people who are the kindest, most loyal, faithful people ever and who do not even wear a wedding ring.

    If your industry, as others have noted, involves food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, or anything remotely ingestible, it could very well be a safety issue. Do they allow earrings or other jewelry? Gel manicures? (Gel nails pop off sometimes.)

    If I am being honest, your comment about "working there for fun" is so privileged and entitled. I am older than you and my job is actually fun, but I am grateful for it every single day. There are things I would flex on in order to keep my job - like wearing or not wearing something - and things I would be firm on (ethical issues, for example).

    I'd take the ring off for 8 hours a day. Nobody can "disrespect" your marriage except for you or your spouse.

55. AnonymousSeptember 11,2025 at 5:02PM UTC

    I’m confused. Is the dress code related to safety? Why would you not remove a wedding ring if that? Ive been married to the same person for multiple decades. :) My ring size has gone from a size 3 to a size 7. They were resized twice. I haven’t worn them in a decade. I cant imagine a relationship based on wearing my rings constantly. Sounds um kinky and unprofessional. What is really going on here?

56. Lisa Marie GarciaSeptember 12,2025 at 9:03PM UTC

    wow - you think it's kinky and unprofessional without seeing the ring or knowing why she can't (or most likely won't) take it off?

57. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 9:46PM UTC

    Without seeing the ring?

58. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 11,2025 at 5:34PM UTC

    What country are you in and what kind of work do you do?

59. Lori DolanSeptember 11,2025 at 7:52PM UTC

    Um excuse YOU, but you have absolutely no idea the amount of stress I'm under the amount of resumes I've sent out and the rejections like a lot of people who are in this network. And you need to check yourself to come on here anonymously no less and call somebody else out for supposedly being salty about a trivial issue over removing a wedding ring for a job. At least I had the courage not to hide behind an anonymous moniker.

60. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 12:44PM UTC

    And perhaps you should post anonymously. What if when you apply for jobs this pops up in their search and you know that they’ll take a look at your online presence. I’d guess that these posts would be a red flag that would be brought to the hiring manager’s attention. If nothing else showing your emotion shows a lack of judgement. As tough as it is your online presence should be positive. Your tarnishing your brand.

61. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 6:11PM UTC

    FWIW, this market is making me want to drop dead so I can stop job searching. I totally agree with your responses to OP and the judgmental BS. I wouldn't see anything wrong with what you've said if I searched you as a potential coworker.

62. Mindy SheikhSeptember 12,2025 at 12:30PM UTC

    I have never heard of such a thing. This has nothing to do with performance or insubordination and I would think any organization with integrity would hire you regardless of what the former employer did. In my opinion they did you a favor, because why would you want to be associated with a company that does not allow you to wear your wedding ring????

63. Janet ParkhurstSeptember 12,2025 at 10:55PM UTC

    Hi Mindy,

    I like your answer. So far, no one has commented on the personal issue of it's no one's damned business if someone chooses to wear their wedding ring to work or not. It's just so small; it's a non-issue! And if that company is that small minded, I know I wouldn't want to be working for them. Because God only know what else they would pick on. The exception of course is, as several others pointed out, if it's a safety issue with a real danger attached, then that's a different story. But the OP said "wedding ring," not simply "rings" or "jewelry." That has me wondering...

64. AnonymousSeptember 16,2025 at 1:00PM UTC

    Thousands of companies allow no jewelry or have a strict dress code. Manufacturing, healhcare, food service. It's extremely common for safety and health concerns.

65. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netSeptember 12,2025 at 12:58PM UTC

    It is very difficult to even comment on this because we do not have enough information. what is the job-where is it located-is it a safety hazard and if so why and do men wear their wedding rings and is other jewelry allowed. What is the industry and what country are you in?

66. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

    I worked in a place where wedding rings couldn't be worn. It was a safety hazard. If your ring slipped off your finger and got into the molten metal it could cause an explosion. I'm sure MRI specialist can't wear jewelry either for safety reasons and many other profession. I agree with everyone else that we need more context before we can comment.

67. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 6:08PM UTC

    it was your choice to follow the rules or not. you did not. if you are asked "why did you leave your former job" and you tell the truth, it will make it harder for you to be hired somehwere. Why? Because you are an employee who thwarts the company rules. You do not get to decide what's fair or not; you only get to decide if you want to follow the employer's expectations or not.

68. Lisa Marie GarciaSeptember 12,2025 at 9:02PM UTC

    She said when she was hired they told her it's ok to wear it. Now the rules are being enforced. That's not quite the same as it was her choice to follow the rules or not.

69. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 6:21PM UTC

    If OP is in anything where the ring could get caught, that's a safety issue. That can cause horrific injuries.

    It's also a safety issue if you actually cannot remove the ring now. If anything caused your hands to swell, you'd have a serious circulation problem if your ring cannot be removed when your hands are their normal size.

70. AnonymousSeptember 12,2025 at 10:59PM UTC

    I have a feeling this is bait. It lacks all the detail and reasons why rings were ? in the first place. This is not an honest cry for support. It's bait.

71. AnonymousSeptember 15,2025 at 7:08PM UTC

    Bait? What does that mean? Why would someone do that?

72. Farah BajwaSeptember 13,2025 at 5:25AM UTC

    The job market isn't the best at the moment but you can definitely get another one. You can say you and the company parted ways because it was no longer a good fit for you

73. Najja MeeksSeptember 13,2025 at 12:31PM UTC

    I’m going to go out on a limb and assume this may be a food/beverage service job (probably S’bux). With that, if you were hired knowing what the dress code policy was and your supervisor/mgr didn’t enforce it that’s very unfortunate but it is the policy nonetheless. Typically jewelry, especially ones with stones aren’t allowed in work environments for specific safety reasons, not because they are trying to infringe upon who you are as an individual. Remove the ring if you want your job back or go find a new one with policies that you’re ok with.

74. Sheri GreenSeptember 13,2025 at 12:32PM UTC

    Employers can legally do this if it is employed universally, and not discriminatory.

    Speak with an attorney in your state. Good luck!

75. Sheri GreenSeptember 13,2025 at 12:35PM UTC

    An employer cannot forbid a wedding ring arbitrarily or as a way to discriminate against someone’s marital status or religion.

76. Balanced336389November 28,2025 at 3:13PM UTC

    That may not be the reason. My

    cousin works on the neonatal unit in a hospital. Bc of delicate equipment, delicate baby’s skin, etc., the nurses were asked not to wear any jewelry—none. Bc if they have to go to the MRI unit, jewelry can be attached to the machine, or hold a premature baby that can be scratched with it. So, everyday she works, she takes off her wedding ring, and puts it in her locker or her purse. Or she just doesn’t wear any. My other cousin is also a nurse and works in the hyper baric machine. She is dealing with burn patients and wound patients, in the hyperbaric machine. So she doesn’t wear any jewelry either. She doesn’t want it to get ruined.

    So sometimes it’s for safety sake.

77. RosanneSeptember 13,2025 at 2:07PM UTC

    Try to understand why your new employer wants to restrict and the nature of your job. Your employer isn't simply making restrictions out of whim or for personal reasons. In healthcare for example, you cannot wear a ring because it might not only pose a risk to your patients but it might also affect your license as a professional.

    It doesn't mean that when you don't wear it, you don't value your marriage. Sometimes we need to compromise and adjust for the sake of providing service to others and prevent harm.

    It is also unfair for your colleagues who are following a strict dress code while they saw that you are doing the other way which might cause a misunderstanding and rift while working at them.

    If you really want to stick into wearing it, address it to your potential employer and see their response to it.

78. AnonymousSeptember 13,2025 at 2:08PM UTC

    On the surface, this makes your eyes pop wide open, like WTH!

    However, we need to look deeper. What is the role, where do you work?

    For example, in a food mfg facility, of course it is not allowed for anyone to wear jewelry, fake nails, buttons, etc. It's beyond a co policy, it's national food regs, etc.

    Not knowing the answer to this, each co has it's own culture and ways to operate.

    Frankly, you joined a co knowing it's rules, decided to chance it anyway. For whatever reason that ring was looked away from by prior mgmt, and the new mgmt is adhering to co policy.

    If you like your coworkers, the job and the comp, maybe take a wider view of your stance. There is no disrespect to your marriage to take it off. Think of all the kinds of jobs where no jewelry is allowed: mechanics, doctors, surgeons, there are many places where jewelry is a danger to the wearer as well as safety for the product or clients or customers or patients, etc.

    Just decide what's what for you, like you would any other rule at any co. It's on you that you stayed this long under the largesse of prior mgmt.

    Five years is above the national norm for US jobs, where 2-4 is the avg in a role. Might be time to move anyway to keep your skills fresh.

    This is a rough economy, so to look elsewhere, buckle up, the avg job search this year is 5-6 months.

    Good luck to you whatever your choice, if you leave, be careful to live with the new co policies, don't expect to be an exception.

79. AnonymousSeptember 13,2025 at 5:09PM UTC

    The job market is terrible right now. There are more unemployed than there are jobs. If you really need the money, then put the ring in your pocket while at work and it back on after work. That way, at least you have it close to you.

80. AnonymousSeptember 16,2025 at 12:56PM UTC

    Please STOP watching mainstream news and fear mongering. The unemployment rate was over 14% in 2020 at the height of covid, now it's at 4.3% last year was 4.1% it's not that dramatic!!! There are jobs out there.

81. Ellen Smith FaganSeptember 13,2025 at 7:31PM UTC

    The no-rings rule is illegal and unconstitutional. REPORT IT . I know it sounds like you might get too loud doing it that way, but I promise you I have done the same thing after feeling the same fear of problems afterward HOWEVER I will tell you what Congressman Simmons told me "the constitution of the United States of America guarantees you against even the fear of reprisal, " But no constitution is worth the paper. It was written on if we don't use it. BE an American for a change order report it, and that earns for you! Pay attention, You will see

82. Catherine FiskSeptember 14,2025 at 12:29PM UTC

    I agree, you have been wearing it for many years and nothing. They just changed it now. New person in and think they can change it.CF

83. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 9:49PM UTC

    what if it is a safety concern? A mechanic, for example, could be badly burned if they wear a gold/silver wedding band. They wear nothing or Silicone. People have also said the other reasons why safety and health say NO jewelry. You say go against it for risk of serious injury? It does not sound like reprisal but a true risk/safety reason.

    We also have not heard from the original poster with answers to the questions others have asked. If not for safety then it could be different.

84. AnonymousSeptember 15,2025 at 7:07PM UTC

    No it’s not illegal. Where did you hear that. It is a standard safety regulation approved by OSHA for certain industries

85. AnonymousSeptember 16,2025 at 12:51PM UTC

    It's not illegal at all. Companies can initiate policies for safety as well as have a dress code in general that requires a specific look and if no jewelry is part of that then there's nothing illegal about it. People throw around that term and it's ridiculous. The OP knew the rule, refuses to abide by it and now was terminated for not following the rules. Just because you don't like something doesn't make it illegal!!!

86. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 17,2025 at 2:07AM UTC

    Please share exactly in what way this is unconstitutional.

87. JD MorrowSeptember 14,2025 at 12:44PM UTC

    I noticed people ignoring the "cannot be removed" part - is your finger a little thicker than it was when you got married? That's going to become a health issue later on, you should have it resized if you can.

    This in itself won't make it harder for you to find a new job. Your potential new employers don't need to know the details, there was a shift in the company culture and it didn't fit your values anymore. What will make it harder is the current job market, which is terrible right now. Be prepared for a long, tedious, grueling job hunt. That's how it's going for everybody this year.

88. Lisa Bohm KleinSeptember 14,2025 at 3:41PM UTC

    Can you tattoo it on your finger? There is likely a rule, as in food service, but a tattoo is more personal and permanent than a simple ring. That way you can honor your marriage and stay in compliance.

89. Ushan GovenderSeptember 15,2025 at 3:34PM UTC

    Until you offend someone with your tattoo, it is always something. I used to be a chef, so I understand not wearing a ring that hinders your work; the same applies to nail polish and short nails.

90. Lorraine HewittSeptember 15,2025 at 1:48PM UTC

    I work in insurance, and while I don't know the "why" behind the CEO's decision, rings can sometimes pose a safety threat depending on the type of work.

91. Tracy OconnorSeptember 17,2025 at 5:57PM UTC

    I am guessing that this company is a manufacturer of some sort and the wearing of the ring was against safety or food safety regulations. I would just look for jobs that are outside of these kinds of manufacturing environments.