Get the Look: Emily Ratajkowski’s Divorce Rings

Ratajkowski's original engagement ring was a unique take on a toi et moi ring, featuring two stones: a pear cut diamond and a princess cut diamond. Instead of putting this important piece away forever, she chose a different path entirely.

Working with Alison Chemla, the person behind brand Alison Lou, Ratajkowski repurposed her original engagement ring into two separate pieces. The pear-shaped diamond was repositioned diagonally in an oversized pinky ring, while the princess cut diamond underwent a more dramatic transformation, set into a new three-stone ring with trapezoidal diamonds on each flank.

What makes this story particularly compelling isn't just the technical artistry involved, but the intention behind it. In an interview, Ratajkowski explained that her friend's essay "The Unravelers" inspired the project, and that this wasn't about erasing the past, it was about consciously choosing to create something new from what came before.

Ratajkowski's approach reflects a broader cultural shift toward viewing major life transitions as opportunities for empowerment rather than defeat. The concept of "divorce rings" or transformation jewelry, speaks to a generation that refuses to let setbacks define them.

"When someone brings us a piece that has complicated feelings attached to it, we see it as a chance to create something that shows their strength and growth," says Ken Leung, Founder of Ken & Dana Design. "Changing a ring into something new takes both skill and care. Each stone has to be carefully taken out, checked over, and given a new setting that honors both the beauty of the original and who the person is becoming. It's about finding the right balance between keeping what matters and making something fresh.”

This trend extends beyond divorce, encompassing any significant life change, such as career transitions, personal growth and achievements, or simply the desire to refresh meaningful pieces for a new phase of life.

If you're considering reimagining a significant piece of jewelry, here are some key considerations to ensure the process feels authentic and empowering:

Timing Matters
Give yourself space to process emotions before making permanent changes. The decision to transform a ring should come from a place of excitement about the future, not just pain from the past. There's no rush—your jewelry will wait until you're ready.

Honor the Original Story
Consider what aspects of the original piece you want to preserve. Sometimes it's the stones themselves, other times it's certain design elements or proportions. A skilled jeweler can help you identify what feels worth carrying forward.

Define Your New Chapter
Think about what this transformed piece should represent. Is it about independence, resilience, new beginnings, or something entirely different? Having a clear vision helps guide design decisions and ensures the final piece truly resonates with your journey.

Work with the Right Partner
Choose a jeweler who understands both the technical aspects of redesign and the emotional significance of the process. "The most successful transformations happen when we really listen to what the client wants this piece to say about who they are becoming," explains Ken Leung.

Consider Practical Elements
Think about your lifestyle and how you want to wear the transformed piece. Do you prefer statement rings or subtle elegance? Will this be an everyday piece or something special? These practical considerations help ensure your investment becomes a treasured part of your daily life.

Focus on Quality
Transformation often involves more than just resetting existing stones. You might choose to add new elements, change metals, or create multiple pieces. Invest in quality craftsmanship to ensure your reimagined jewelry stands the test of time.

Whether you're navigating a major life transition or simply ready to refresh a beloved piece, the process of transformation can be deeply meaningful. It's a chance to collaborate with skilled artisans, make conscious choices about aesthetics and symbolism, and ultimately create something that feels authentically yours.

Our Eden has a similar off-kilter orientation as Ratajkowski's pinky pear ring, with a boldly elegant design and a much wider 5mm band with striking hammered texture and pear cut diamond in a bezel setting. While the Aurora features a pear-cut diamond in a similar V-prong and thinner band, while also exuding an organic twist with its sculptural, wave-like band flowing gracefully around the center stone.

If you'd like to incorporate additional diamonds into a new setting, three stone rings are a beautiful way to acknowledge your past, present, and future.

Like Ratajkowski's ring, our Heatherette features a princess cut center stone (in this case, an aquamarine) in a three stone setting. Our Angela is a stunning example with a center Asscher cut diamond flanked by emerald cut side diamonds on a pavé band, while our Faye features a cushion cut center stone but features two brilliant trapezoid-shaped diamonds.

Your jewelry should tell the story you want to tell, not just about where you've been, but about where you're going. In the end, the most beautiful thing about transformation isn't the final product, it's the decision to actively participate in your own evolution. Like Emily Ratajkowski’s divorce rings prove, we all deserve jewelry that makes us feel powerful, beautiful, and authentically ourself.