Divorce Rings Are A Trend In The West, Thanks To Emily Ratajkowski, But What Happens In India?

If weddings are a big turning point in life, divorce is even bigger. And if you put a ring on it to let the world know you are hitched, what do you put on to let people know you are un-hitched??

Well, model Emily Ratajkowski revealed on Instagram that she made a pair of "divorce rings" by separating the pear- and princess-cut diamonds from her toi et moi?(which means?you and me in French) engagement ring into two rings.?

Rajatkowski got divorced in 2023?

Ratajkowski collaborated with Alison Chemla, a New York-based jeweller and creative director at Alison Lou (also the creator of Ratajkowski's original engagement ring) who designed the two new pieces.?The post has subsequently earned more than a million likes.?

Ratajkowski collaborated with Alison Chemla, a New York-based jeweler | Image: Instagram

Ratajkowski, who divorced movie producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2023, intends to change people's perceptions of divorce.

"The rings represent my own personal evolution," the model explained to Vogue. "I don't think a woman should be stripped of her diamonds just because she's losing a man."

The pear-shaped diamond now lies on Ratajkowski's pinkie finger, while the princess cut has been flanked by more trapezoid stones, creating a new sparkler.

The pear-shaped diamond now lies on Ratajkowski's pinkie finger | Image: Instagram

What is the ground reality of divorce rings in India?

The fad, which is mostly embraced by women, is to breathe new life into one's wedding rings after a separation.?Sam Kaur, a jewellery Influencer based out of Chandigarh, finds the trend of divorce rings incredibly empowering. She says it’s a beautiful way for people to express their resilience and celebrate new beginnings after a challenging chapter in their lives.

“As a woman, I see divorce rings as a symbol of strength and self-love. They show that it’s okay to embrace change and find beauty in moving forward, even after difficult experiences,” she adds.

It may be an easy trend in the west but back home, it is known that weddings are a grand family affair.??

A Delhi-NCR-based woman, who recently divorced her husband of 2 years, spoke to us on the condition of anonymity.?

Usually in India, when a couple decides to get married, it is seldom a private affair, however exceptions are always there. Jewellery, clothes and monetary gifts are usually exchanged among boys and girls families.?

Rings are usually brought by each other's families in India | Image: Flickr/ Esat Photography

Rings are exchanged in various fashions. Some families host an elaborate ring ceremony, others present it on the wedding day itself. The ring placed on the girl’s hand is brought by the boy’s family and vice-versa.

In such a case, when marriage leads to a separation, the rings including any other jewellery or gift that may have been exchanged among families needs to be returned.?

However, legally, the jewellery inherited by the wife in a marriage is considered Streedhan and she may or may not want to return it as she is now considered the owner of the ring. Nonetheless, the reality is different.?

So, the question is, can it be a trend in India? “I believe divorce rings will likely continue to trend in the future. As society becomes more open about discussing personal experiences and emotional journeys, symbols like divorce rings gain significance as expressions of empowerment, resilience, and self-love,” believes Kaur.?

The trend may foster closure, but it needs more work

The trend, however, can be considered as a way to find closure. Shivani Misri Sadhoo, a Psychologist and Marriage Counsellor believes closure is a position of emotional resolution and acceptance post the end of a relationship or a significant event.

“It involves coming to reality with the gravity of the situation, allowing us to let go of any lingering emotional attachments or expectations, and finding internal peace and understanding,” she adds.?

Experts believe divorce rings may foster closure for many | Image: Instagram

Sadhoo feels Divorce rings are symbolic and might offer closure for certain individuals by marking the end of a significant chapter in their lives. She says, “Like wedding rings, they symbolize closure and transition, helping individuals mentally and emotionally acknowledge the end of their marriage.”? ?

However, according to Sadhoo, closure does not necessarily mean forgetting or erasing the memories of the relationship but rather integrating those experiences into one's growth journey. It lets individuals move forward with their lives, open themselves up to new experiences and relationships, and find happiness and fulfillment independently.

“Achieving closure is a highly personal and individual procedure that differs from person to person. It needs patience, self-awareness, and sometimes the support of friends, family, or a therapist to navigate the complexities of letting go and moving forward,” she says.?

While divorce rings might be meaningful for some, they are not a sure shot guarantee of closure and must be considered as just one potential tool in the journey toward emotional resolution. “Eventually, the importance of divorce rings depends on the individual and their unique emotional requirements,” Sadhoo ends.?

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