You’ve Heard of Engagement Rings, but What About Divorce Rings? Here’s Why the Trend Is on the Rise (2024)

There’s a new fashion statement on the rise thanks to Emily Ratajkowski, sparking a trend for the newly single. After the model’s divorce from ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard was finalized, she posted about refurbishing her engagement ring into two "divorce rings" on Instagram to celebrate a new state of independence. And the idea is getting so popular, jewelers are starting to add divorce rings as it's own product category in their stores.

We spoke with a jewelry expert about this trend to learn what it’s really about, how to get the style best suited for you, and all the best ways to show it off.

What Are Divorce Rings?

“Traditionally, engagement rings and wedding rings symbolize the commitment and union between partners, says Rachel Akmakjian, Director of Jeweler Relations at BriteCo and Graduate Gemologist. “‘Divorce rings’ are seen as a way to mark the end of a marriage and celebrate newfound independence.”

Akmakjian adds that "engagement and wedding rings can often have lower resale value when associated with a divorce or breakup, which is oftentimes the reason for trying to sell a former ring in the first place.” However, this new trend has “changed the narrative” by repurposing the jewelry into something new with a different and positive meaning.

Tips for Picking a Divorce Ring

Divorce rings can vary in design and meaning, and will ultimately depend on the individual wearing them. “People tend to rework the stone(s) in their former ring into a new modern fashion ring,” Akmakjian says. “Women may choose to wear this on their ring finger or switch it to another finger or hand.”

While engagement rings symbolize commitment and unity, divorce rings represent "empowerment, closure, or simply a way to signify a new chapter in one's life,” Akmakjian says.

She stresses the importance of having a design that is all about your style. “Pick something that would fit into your everyday lifestyle because these rings are meant to be worn more often as a reminder of new beginnings."

When shopping for a divorce ring, Akmakjian says it’s essential to find a local jeweler or online retailer that “specializes in custom work” to ensure they have the right experience to rework a ring properly.

How to Incorporate Your Divorce Ring Into Your Style

“Wearing your new piece daily is the best way to show it off,” Akmakjian says. She adds that “jewelry is an adornment” that is meant to be noticed and welcomes any inquiry behind its significance.

Consider curating the rest of your everyday jewelry collection to match your ring, since you'll be wearing it often. For instance, if the ring setting is yellow gold, start collecting gold necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other rings to complement each other.

Similar to Ratajkowski, you can also show it off online. “Posting it to social media is also a great way to spread the news and receive support from your network,” Akmakjian suggests.

You’ve Heard of Engagement Rings, but What About Divorce Rings? Here’s Why the Trend Is on the Rise (2024)

FAQs

You’ve Heard of Engagement Rings, but What About Divorce Rings? Here’s Why the Trend Is on the Rise? ›

While engagement rings symbolize commitment and unity, divorce rings represent "empowerment, closure, or simply a way to signify a new chapter in one's life,” Akmakjian says. She stresses the importance of having a design that is all about your style.

Why the new proposal trend is for two engagement rings? ›

Eliza Walter of the sustainable jewellery brand Lylies, explains that “about half” of her clients use “promise rings” when they want the proposal to be a secret. These are unisex bands the proposer uses as a placeholder for the engagement. Then, the couple comes back to co-design their forever rings together.

What is the meaning of the divorce ring? ›

Unlike traditional wedding rings, which symbolize union and commitment, divorce rings signify liberation and individuality. They are worn proudly as a statement of resilience and empowerment, celebrating personal growth in the face of adversity.

What is the new engagement ring trend? ›

Aveline Solitaire Engagement Ring

Elongated shapes, such as radiant, emerald, and oval-cut diamonds, are traditionally set vertically. But in the spirit of standing out from the crowd, customers in 2024 are flipping that tradition on its head by setting their center stone horizontally.

Is there a correlation between engagement ring cost and divorce? ›

The study also revealed that: Men who spent between $2,000 -$4,000 on engagement rings were 1.3 times more likely to end up getting divorced than those that spend less than $2,000. Women whose engagement rings cost more than $20,000 are 3.5 times more likely to get divorced.

What is the 2 month rule for engagement rings? ›

You may have heard of the "two-month rule," which suggests you should spend two months' worth of your income on an engagement ring. While this may be what you have heard, the reality is that there is no set rule on how much money you should spend on an engagement ring!

Why are there two engagement rings? ›

For several centuries it was the custom for Romans to wear iron rings at home, gold rings in public. During this period a girl or woman might receive two engagement rings, one of iron and one of gold.

What is the divorce ring trend? ›

Here's Why the Trend Is on the Rise. Don't resell your engagement ring—refurbish it into a divorce ring instead to celebrate your newfound independence and the next chapter of your life.

Does the woman keep the engagement ring after divorce? ›

Courts have ruled that engagement rings are conditional gifts, typically made by the husband-to-be to his fiancee. If the parties marry, then “the condition has been met,” and it becomes a “completed gift.” Therefore, the wife gets to keep the engagement ring as it is her non-marital property.

Which finger do you wear a divorce ring on? ›

Price, who also hosts a podcast titled Her Empowered Divorce, added that there is no right or wrong finger to wear a divorce ring on as it's all down to the individual—adding to the liberating and fun nature of the trend.

Did Meghan Markle have her engagement ring changed? ›

Meghan's engagement ring, originally a three-stone design featuring two diamonds from Princess Diana's collection and a center cushion-cut diamond from Botswana, has undergone several modifications since she first received it.

What type of engagement ring looks biggest? ›

Best Diamond Shapes for a Big Look

The ones that carry mass at the top are marquise, pear, and oval cut diamonds. These diamond cuts are known as elongated shapes, and these elongated shapes actively contribute to the illusion of size.

How much is an engagement ring in 2024? ›

The average cost of an engagement ring in 2024 ranged from $5,000 to $7,000 USD. Keep in mind that prices vary based on location, quality, and personal preferences. Ignore the outdated “three-month salary” rule. Instead, consider your financial situation and long-term goals.

How much should your husband spend on your engagement ring? ›

How much should you spend on an engagement ring? Most people believe you should spend at least two months' salary on your engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.

Is it OK to ask for an engagement ring back after divorce? ›

As we explained above, even if an engagement ring is a conditional gift, it belongs to the recipient once the couple is married. For this reason, most state courts agree that the engagement ring is the recipient's separate property. That means the recipient will probably get to keep it after the divorce.

Should the engagement ring be more expensive than wedding ring? ›

Engagement rings are more expensive than wedding rings because they typically feature a large diamond along with other intricate details like milgrain or pave. Wedding rings are usually more simple in nature, such as a plain metal band or a pave band with small diamonds.

Do I have to get 2 rings when proposing? ›

It depends on your relationship, your personality and the type of proposal you want. Here are some different ways to handle the rings at a marriage proposal: 1. Give both rings: A traditional approach is to give both the engagement ring and the wedding ring at the time of the proposal.

What is the meaning of the double engagement ring? ›

A two-diamond engagement ring is also a symbol for you and her. This is why the ring is often called the Toi et Moi ring, meaning a “you and me” ring.. Like this gorgeous 1.5-carat Toi et Moi diamond ring with a white gold band.

Who started the two stone engagement ring trend? ›

But their origins can be traced to 1796, when Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais, with a pear-shaped sapphire and pear-shaped diamond set together in a yellow gold ring.

What does wearing two wedding rings mean? ›

In many cultures, wearing two bands signifies unity and commitment in marriage. The inner band may represent the private bond, while the outer band symbolizes the public declaration of marriage. However, the specific meaning behind two bands depends on each individual.

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