Contrary to popular thought that divorce rates in the USA are high, the current rate stands at 30 to 40%. Still, it accounts for a huge number of marriages that have crumbled, or soon will.
The still huge population that will undergo divorce, especially younger generations, use divorce rings to indicate status, usually of freedom, of being unmarried, with an unofficial “unmarried” ring.
Your local scribe, in-house publicist, and researcher, Rallye Ibanez, presents the unofficial “unmarried” status symbol: the divorce ring. The fine arts graduate, fashion researcher, and former wedding events staff member tackles this special “reverse marriage” jewelry, its styles, and raison d’être.
The Divorce Ring
For the past few years, the words “Divorce Ring” have been trending on and off online. A few articles came out in the 2020’s about getting this special “marriage freedom” ring and being independent.
These rings offered a way to remove the negative feelings and stigma of divorce. However, it has been going on for years.
It happened again in 2024 when model Emily Ratajkowski split with her husband of two years, Sebastian Bear-McClard. To celebrate this ending, Emily had her previous engagement ring, a “tou et moi” double gem ring, transformed into two separate one-gem divorce rings. It has become a symbol of a celebratory ending, reversing the emotions involved.
A divorce ring is the ultimate expression of freedom. celebrating independence instead of mulling it over and calling it a breakup or split. By 2024, it trended again in a bigger way. It was also an empowerment for both women and men.
Apparently, the originator of the actual divorce ring was Chicago native Mrs. Marina Parke, who divorced his husband Fred in 1911. She had her marriage ring resized for her pinky. Soon, other separated and divorced wives did the same, creating a new cultural phenomenon and a new ring in the wedding context, only well, reversed.
Today, these divorce rings come in so many different designs and forms. Much like how rich celebrities can afford customized rings with premium features, celebrities are also celebrating marriage dissolution through crafted rings of freedom.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Divorce Ring Design
One of the more prominent divorce ring owners and trendmakers is Emily Ratajkowski. Formerly married to film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, they finalized their divorce in 2024.
No discussion happened between the ex-couple about returning the rings upon divorce. Instead of having the burden of these rings that symbolized her previous marriage, Emily chose to keep and repurpose them with help from Alison Chemla, from the top jewelry brand, Alison Lou, who also designed the engagement ring. It was a full-circle moment.
Her original engagement rings featured a “Tou et moi” design, which paired a princess-cut and pear-shaped diamond together. The dissolution process separated them for real and for good this time, creating two divorce rings with the two diamonds now living their separate lives.
Today, many divorcees follow suit, using engagement and wedding rings and creating new divorce rings out of them in different designs. This action also solves the issue of ending up with a ring you can’t use. Turning them into fashionable rings you can still use post-divorce saves you money as well.
The psychological impact of a divorce ring reverses the sad and depressing subject into one of celebration.
Emily said later on TikTok that “The main reason that I’m sharing that I did this because I seen so many comments that associate divorce with failure and shame. And both personally and politically, I fundamentally disagree with that.”
“I think historically, the shame around divorce is at least partly what has kept women in unfair, unhappy, and even sometimes abusive marriages. Finding the resources and strength to leave a relationship is often a very brave and remarkable act. I’m not trying to make the point that everyone needs to make a divorce ring or turn their wedding dress into a mini dress or whatever symbolic gesture for evolution,” she added.
What to Do When Going Through a Divorce?
The Wedding Scoop does not endorse divorce, and as much as possible, we encourage fixing the marital issues first and open communication. However, it can be a rough time to go through, and we can only hope our tips help ex-couples go through a difficult time.
Go through the grieving process and let yourself get over it in the best, non-hurtful ways. Deal with the post-breakup void at your personal pace.
Some, like Emily, take a positive spin on it to remove the negativity, anger, guilt, or loneliness of a divorce. Instead of thinking of those aspects, Emily chose to celebrate the positive outcomes of the event.
Since then, she and other divorcees reframed themselves with freedom and independence. Those rings symbolize freedom from the person and the pain associated with the relationship.
You’re no longer obligated to stay with someone you used to be with. This is lonely in the first few months or even years, but replacing that void with activities and personal interests helps you recover.
Make sure you also deal with this by reaching out to others or hanging out with your closest people. Aside from keeping yourself busy with personal interests, you have more time for family and friends.
On top of having time for different activities and interests, do not forget to take care of yourself as well. You’ll be able to get through this and move on. To do that, you have to give the best care to your mind and body. Be kind and positive to yourself.
Finally, reflect on the past and cherish the good that happened, while learning and remembering the lessons that it gave you. Both are two of the most important takeaways from a divorce.
I felt sad reading this