Emily Ratajowski signals a new beginning with her “divorce rings”. In Manila, jeweler Janina Dizon explains how she does it.
Nobody dreams of it. Fairytale endings seldom include chapters of heartache, promises broken, and dreams deferred. It’s a camera roll not worth scrolling, each image a painful reminder of what once was, now faded and blurred through pixelated qualities from updated operating systems. It’s a gradual erosion of memories over time, perhaps exacerbated by advancements, set out by new experiences. We often don’t want to be reminded of that, but when we do, we want to feel empowered by it—a transformation suggesting a new beginning. What good does a worthless engagement ring do when it can be repurposed for something greater: a union with yourself through liberation? Ask jeweler and gemologist Janina Dizon.
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A Newfound Sense of Freedom
Within the wreckage of shattered expectations, there exists a transformation—where traditional engagement rings find themselves made into symbols of liberation. Dizon breathes new life into the remnants of a shattered union. Each engagement ring, once a symbol of hope and commitment, carries with it the throes of a love abruptly halted.
The jewelry designer says, “A ‘divorce’ ring is actually more common than you think. There have been instances where a failed engagement or marriage has ended and we redesign the ring.” Rather than consigning these relics to the shadows of memory, Dizon sees potential. She sees the opportunity to rewrite the narrative, repurpose the pain, and redesign each piece with the essence of renewal.
“An engagement ring is usually designed in such a way that everything is connected with an odd number of stones usually,” Dizon explains. With that, she transforms the traditional engagement ring into symbols of independence that are both thoughtful and strategic. “When redesigning an independence ring, I usually try to make it less traditional looking or go for bold modern designs. One that characterizes the wearer fully.”
“Through active participation in the redesigning of said ring, it gives the wearer a psychological feeling of strength and desire to move on and live life forward.”
– Janina Dizon on her process of redesigning engagement rings
As she carefully dissects the conventional design, she considers not only the physical elements but also the emotional terms of the wearer. By opting for bold and modern designs, she seeks to break away from the constraints of tradition. Whether it’s through the use of unconventional shapes, contemporary settings, or avant-garde materials, she aims to allow the ring to reflect the wearer’s newfound sense of freedom.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
“We redesign the ring so the wearer doesn’t have to be reminded of such a painful time in their life. Most though, try to resell it in the market.” Dizon echoes a poignant truth—that through fragments, there exists an opportunity for change, a chance to transmute sorrow into something beautiful—or something sellable. “As they say, out of sight, out of mind. What makes them happier is what I aim to do.” There’s an empathy that glitters. She intuitively understands the tender vulnerability of individuals who seek solace in the promise of a redesigned ring.
Moreover, by involving the wearer in the design process, Dizon fosters a sense of ownership and agency, empowering them to play an active role in shaping their independence. Through collaborative discussions and creative exploration, Dizon and her clients co-create a piece of jewelry that reflects their personal style and symbolizes their journey
Style Update
“Healing comes in many forms,” Dizon muses. “Most usually, a painful reminder of what once was doesn’t need to be kept in the same style. By having an active participation in the redesigning of said ring, it gives the wearer a psychological feeling of strength and desire to move on and live life forward.”
With each redesigned ring, shredded from its former identity, new beginnings can awaken from the ashes of heartache. In Janine Dizon’s hands, a simple piece of jewelry is much more than just metal and gemstones. It becomes a tangible fact of self-love. Like an operating system in need of an update, so, too, shall we be updated. Our camera rolls would now be filled with new pictures that circulate new stories. With this update, scrolling with our fingers that blind us with that pretty diamond, we look ahead and see clearly in high definition.
Photos: JANINA DIZON
Featured Image and Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES
