Key facts
- Women are increasingly purchasing or redesigning jewelry to mark their divorces.
- The trend involves repurposing engagement ring diamonds into new pieces, often called 'divorce rings'.
- These rings are seen as a symbol of financial liberation and a fresh start after a marriage ends.
- Some women view redesigning their jewelry as a better investment than reselling engagement rings, which typically fetch only 30% of their original price.
- The 'divorce ring' trend is associated with a broader cultural movement celebrating post-divorce independence and glamour.
A growing trend sees women marking their divorces with new jewelry, often by redesigning their engagement rings into 'divorce rings.' These pieces symbolize a new chapter, financial liberation, and a personal declaration of independence.
Deb Marino, a blogger from Florida, spent over £2,000 to reset her engagement ring diamonds into a new design, adding a sapphire to represent her daughter. She views the ring as a defiant statement, stating, "Of course it's a middle finger ring, because, why not?" Marino explained that discarding her engagement ring would imply regret she doesn't feel, and not wearing it would be a waste of precious diamonds.
This trend is being promoted by jewelers globally, aligning with fashion's embrace of a 'hot divorcee summer,' characterized by liberated glamour and a 'don't care energy.' Kate Daly, co-founder of Amicable, a UK divorce mediation service, notes that purchasing a new ring post-divorce can signify a woman's first major solo financial decision after a period of extreme financial pressure and upheaval.
Ceri Evans from Wales purchased a new £3,000 diamond ring after her divorce, calling it her 'USA ring' and a 'declaration of independence.' Alex Proie in Pennsylvania repurposed the gold and diamonds from her five-year anniversary band into a new ring, which she sees as a reminder of her resilience and ability to rebuild financially after separating from her husband of seven years and coming out as gay.
Jeweler Lylie has observed a growing interest in transforming old wedding and engagement rings into new items. Online discussions reveal various approaches to old wedding jewelry, from continued wear to ward off advances, to discarding them entirely. Many, however, seek to mark their new life with significant spending, such as holidays, tattoos, or home refurbishments.