Divorces are no walk in the park, no matter the reasons, dependents or finances involved, but if the rise of divorce cakes and parties are anything to go by in recent years, it seems the world is finally realising that sometimes the break-up of a marriage doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. In fact, it can open up a whole new chapter to life that's positive, loving, and self-determined.
One person who is celebrating her post-divorce era is model and author, Emily Ratajkowski. Earlier this week, the former ELLE UK cover star showed off her new 'divorce rings' on Instagram, and made a case of taking something old and giving it new meaning.
In a series of pictures posted to her Instagram account, Ratajkowski showed off her new 'bling', which was repurposed from her original two-diamond engagement ring, given to her by her now ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard, with whom she co-parents a two-year-old son, Sylvester. The model divorced her ex in September 2022 following a four-year marriage.
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The rings, which were previously made from one single ring of side-by-side diamonds - one tear-drop, one square - sat on a chunky gold band, have since been split up to make two individual rings. The square diamond, worn in her recent photo on her 'ring' finger, is flanked by two additional diamonds on a thick gold band, while the other (on her little finger) now sits on a thin gold band.
Alison Chemla, Ratajkowski's friend and CEO of New York jewellers Alison Lou, is the mastermind behind the original and now re-designed rings.
Divorce rings aren't exactly a new phenomenon, but, according to jewellery insiders, they're on the rise and increasingly becoming a way for women, in particular, to reclaim their power post-break-up.
'Unfortunately, as some relationships conclude, there is the desire to transform the jewellery that was previously worn as a symbol of the relationship, into something with a more positive sentiment,' a spokesperson from London-based antique jewellery brand Wave Antiques tells ELLE UK. 'I believe they will rise in popularity so people can reclaim the power of their feelings towards their rings.'
It would seem divorce rings are a material symbol of progress, strength and self-love that pay tribute to a person's past, but also looks ahead to their future. 'They represent a new future and they show that your jewellery can stay with you for life, even if it just needs to take a new form,' the jewellery expert adds.
Best Divorce Rings
Liberty 9ct Gold and Diamond Initial Liberty Signet Ring
E.W Adams E.W Adams 1.06ct Platinum Diamond Ring
So, how do you go about buying a divorce ring or re-purposing an engagement ring?
'The focus of this process should be to find ways to make you enjoy wearing your jewellery in a new way,' the spokesperson adds, noting the rising popularity of trilogy, initial and wishbone rings, post-split. 'Choosing a different style or colour of metal can easily transform rings very quickly away from what they previously looked like.'
'Traditionally, diamond rings are very popular, so adding some colour with sapphires, rubies or emeralds can quickly make the appearance very different.'
Whether you choose a divorce ring style to remind you about the importance of self-love and resilience, or you simply can't stand the thought of an expensive piece of jewellery going to waste, we can't get enough of Ratajkowski's sustainable fashion choice.
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