Some tragic things are so symbolic that they demand a commentary. Remaining silent is not an option.
Such is the case of a new trend among well-heeled women suffering from the pains of divorce. They have taken to making “divorce” rings to celebrate their newfound “freedom.” Wearing one is a form of therapy that helps them put their marriages behind them and open new chapters in their lives.
What makes this trend so symbolic and tragic is that these are not new rings, but old ones. Women are repurposing their old engagement and wedding rings to construct divorce rings. The gems are reset in other non-bridal patterns to make the break more categorical, whimsical and playful.
Symbol of Unity
Marriage rings symbolize the highest expression of unity between a man and a woman, brought together by matrimony. Rings have always been cultural signifiers that set the couple apart as special because of their commitment.
Ring diamonds are forever and serve as a public testimony to a permanent commitment to each other.
Thus, there is tragic irony in this trend that takes the ultimate symbol of unity and now forces it to affirm the contrary.
No More Shame and Stigma
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal (Feb. 14-15, 2026) reports that, for some women, the new rings replace the “shame and stigma” of divorce with “empowerment and celebration.”
High-end jewelers are finding increasing demand for the rings as women are willing to spend thousands of dollars to make the adjustments. Celebrities like model Emily Ratajkowski helped make these rings go mainstream in 2024 when she posted her two divorce rings on social media.
Jewelers have long reset the gems of divorced women to appear discreetly in necklaces and earrings. The demand has now shifted to rings since they make a more “loud and proud” statement of self-affirmation.
Me, Me, Me
The primary focus of those who make these rings is personal affirmation. It is a way of putting oneself first after a union, in which each is required to consider the other. The ring made to proclaim “we” to everyone now says “me, me, me.”
Wearing one indicates that one need not be married to have such a fine piece of jewelry on one’s finger. One jeweler recommended calling them “freedom” or “independence rings.” They can serve as markers for the next phase in the person’s social life after the divorce.
Some women use the rings to reflect a different attitude toward divorce. These regard divorce as a source of status, not stigma. The divorce ring affirms the strong-willed woman who sees marriage as a distraction, not a commitment. They do not care what people think, since the divorce sends the message that she is an empowered woman who does what she wants.
A Tragic Symbol
Thus, the divorce ring is a tragic symbol of these days. It celebrates the destruction of the highest commitment. For most people, the most important thing in life is gratification, not dedication.
Thus, the divorce ring is a perfect expression of modern selfishness. A personal whim or a temperamental clash is enough to turn that which expresses unity into a celebration of disunity.
This selfishness banalizes relationships, treating them as something to be used until they wear out and discarded at will. It creates a throwaway society where people can run from their problems and start all over again, hoping that things will turn out better.
Above all, the divorce rings speak of a disregard for God, who often unites couples in matrimony with vows. His witness and loving plan for the couple are irrelevant. Everything is about the individual and divorced from God and reality.
The divorce ring is wrong.
Photo Credit: © Daniel Jędzura – stock.adobe.com
First published on TFP.org.