For decades, divorce was something women were expected to endure quietly, paperwork signed, rings tucked away in drawers, grief processed behind closed doors. But lately, something has shifted.
Instead of hiding the end of a marriage, more women are marking it. Not with bitterness or spectacle, but with intention. The divorce ring has entered the chat, a trend that’s equal parts fashion statement, psychological ritual, and personal reclamation.
At first glance, it might look like just another jewellery moment. But linger a little longer, and you’ll see something deeper shimmering beneath the surface: transformation.
What is a divorce ring?
At its core, a divorce ring is a personal statement piece, often repurposed from an engagement or wedding ring, or designed entirely from scratch. These rings symbolise:
- Liberation: Breaking free from old narratives and reclaiming your autonomy.
- Transformation: Embracing a new identity and celebrating personal growth.
- Community: A silent nod of solidarity to others who’ve walked the same path, sparking conversations and connections.
Unlike traditional wedding bands, which signify union, divorce rings are about individuality. They’re reminders that while a marriage may end, your story continues stronger, wiser, and unapologetically your own.
Psychologists have long understood the power of ritual in transition. According to research published in Psychology Today, symbolic acts help the brain process loss and change by giving abstract emotions a physical anchor.
“Rituals create meaning where words fall short; they help us metabolise emotional endings.” A divorce ring does exactly that: it gives form to grief, relief, resilience, and rebirth, sometimes all at once.
This cultural shift is visible not only in therapy rooms but also on red carpets. In March 2024, Emily Ratajkowski quietly reset the conversation when she debuted two new rings crafted from the diamonds of her former engagement ring following her divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard.
Designed by Alison Lou, the pieces split her toi et moi ring into two separate but complementary designs.
“The idea of divorce is a separation,” designer Alison Chemla told Vogue, “so it was always going to be about splitting the ring.” One design was even inspired by a Rihanna toe ring, proof that freedom, too, can be playful.
What makes divorce rings resonate is that they’re not about erasing the past. They’re about integrating it.
Blake Asaad, founder and creative director of fine jewellery house Goodstone, says more women are approaching jewellery design as a healing process. “Divorce rings aren’t about bitterness,” he explains.
“They’re about reclaiming your story. Choosing a piece that represents who you are now can be incredibly grounding and empowering.”
From a mental health perspective, this aligns with what therapists call post-traumatic growth, the idea that people can emerge from profound loss with deeper self-knowledge and strength. Divorce, while painful, often marks the moment a woman chooses herself again. A ring becomes a daily, tactile reminder of that choice.
Trending divorce ring styles
Divorce rings are as unique as the women wearing them, with designs that reflect personal stories and styles. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Three-stone rings: past, present, future
The three-stone ring is a timeless design that takes on new meaning in the context of divorce. Each stone represents a phase of your journey: who you were before marriage, who you became during it, and who you’re evolving into now.
“The centre stone, often the largest, symbolises your present self because this moment matters most,” explains Asaad. The design’s versatility allows for endless personalisation, from classic symmetry to bold, contemporary settings.
2. Birthstone rings: Symbolic rebirth
Your birthstone, untouched by anyone else’s story, is a perfect symbol of reclaiming your identity. A birthstone ring is both deeply personal and empowering.
“Wearing your birthstone can feel like a reclamation of self.” Whether as a bold solitaire or surrounded by diamonds, birthstone rings carry an innate uniqueness that celebrates individuality.
3. East-west settings: A new perspective
The east-west setting, where the stone is set horizontally instead of vertically, is a modern twist that symbolises looking at life from a fresh perspective.
Ideal for elongated stones like emerald cuts or ovals, this style exudes individuality and transformation.
4. Pavé bands: continuity and sparkle
A pavé band, with tiny diamonds set closely together, offers a continuous sparkle that symbolises the ongoing journey of personal growth.
Each small diamond represents a moment or experience that’s shaped you. Pavé bands can be worn solo or stacked with other rings, creating a layered look that celebrates your multifaceted story.
5. Toi et Moi: Honouring two versions of yourself
Traditionally representing two souls in union, the toi et moi (you and me) style takes on new meaning in divorce rings. The two stones can symbolise your past and present selves, or the duality of who you were and who you’re becoming.
Asaad suggests using contrasting stones for a bold statement: “It’s a reminder that you’ve evolved and that both versions of you deserve recognition and love.”
