A quiet revolution is unfolding in matrimonial traditions as 28% of newlyweds now forgo wedding rings altogether, according to a survey by The Knot—a 400% increase from just a decade ago. This trend, most pronounced among millennials and Gen Z, reflects changing attitudes toward marriage symbolism, financial priorities, and personal identity. What was once considered an unbreakable tradition has become optional for a growing segment of the population, sending shockwaves through the $90 billion global jewelry industry.
The reasons behind this shift are as varied as the couples themselves. Many cite practical concerns—the discomfort of wearing jewelry daily, safety issues for those working with machinery, or the hassle of removing rings for sports and fitness activities. Others view the tradition as outdated, with 62% of ringless couples in the survey describing the practice as “a marketing creation rather than a meaningful ritual.” Financial considerations also play a role, especially as the average cost of an engagement ring in the U.S. now exceeds $7,000—a substantial sum for debt-burdened younger couples.
Perhaps most interesting is the philosophical rejection of traditional symbols. Modern couples increasingly view marriage as a partnership of equals rather than a transfer of ownership—making the historical origins of wedding rings (which date back to Roman times when women were considered property) problematic for some. “We didn’t want symbols that originated from oppression,” explains Maya Chen, 29, who married without rings last summer. “Our commitment lives in our actions, not metal circles.”
The jewelry industry is scrambling to adapt. Some companies now offer “tattoo rings” (permanent ink bands), while others promote alternative symbols like matching bracelets or necklaces. A niche market has emerged for temporary “occasion rings”—high-quality pieces worn only for special events. Meanwhile, social media has seen a surge in #NoRing weddings, with couples sharing creative alternatives from synchronized wristwatches to plantable metal-free bands that grow into trees.
Psychologists note this trend may reflect deeper societal shifts in how we conceptualize commitment. “Younger generations want their marriages to look different from their parents’,” observes relationship sociologist Dr. Emma Rosen. “Rejecting traditional symbols becomes a way to assert that difference.” While diamond marketers warn that ringless marriages are statistically more likely to end in divorce (a claim hotly disputed by researchers), the trend shows no signs of slowing—forcing the wedding industry to reconsider one of its most fundamental assumptions about how love should be symbolized.
