I now pronounce you NO longer husband and wife? The ring please…

The wearing of a ring on the left hand, whether it is a simple gold band or an ornate diamond, is a widely accepted custom in many cultures to indicate that one is legally married.  The absence of a ring has been generally accepted as indication that one is not married, or to go farther, available to pursue a romantic relationship.  Let’s not forget the engagement ring to announce that one intends to marry in the very near future, the promise ring to convey that one is commitment to a monogamous relationship, and there is even the recently popularized purity ring to signify a pledge to sexual abstinence until married.  Now, the latest trend… a divorce ring?  

The New York Times recently ran a piece revealing this unusual trend. The ring is usually designed to have a gap to signify a separation. You can buy yourself a brand new divorce ring from D –Jewelry Company or have your old wedding ring reconfigured into a divorce ring at your neighborhood jewelry store. I guess its better then the wedding ring coffin put out by Jist Enterprises, LLC, though not quite as amusing.  

I understand that divorce is a big deal, but do we really need a divorce ring? Can’t the absence of a ring be enough?  Do we have to announce everything in our lives?  What next a break up ring?  Personally, I think its just another clever marketing scam to sell consumers something they don’t really need.  

What do you think, is the divorce ring fashion or just another passing fad?

© 2010 Kiki Dahlke