I’m newly divorced, and these 9 divorce rings are on my shortlist

Best for: the luxury pick

If I’m honest, this is the one. The Signature 5-Stone lifts each stone on its own prongs above the band, so you get five distinct points of light that still read as a single line. It’s elegant without trying too hard.

Each ring is made to order, so you choose the metal, stone shape and colour yourself. I’m leaning towards rose gold with lab-grown sapphires, as I love a coloured stone.

Lab-grown stones are what make this feel attainable. You get D to F colour diamonds for considerably less than comparable mined stones, plus a lifetime manufacturing warranty, a free first resize and fully insured shipping. For a ring I plan to wear for decades, that reassurance matters.

Metal: 18k rose gold, also in 9k, 14k, 18k yellow and white gold, and platinum

Stones: Lab-grown white diamonds (D to F colour) or lab-grown sapphire, emerald or ruby

Key features:

• Made to order, dispatched in two to four weeks
• Lifetime manufacturing warranty
• First resize free within 60 days
• Complimentary insured shipping and an IGI Jeweller’s Report

Best for: an easy everyday stacker

Not every ring needs to be a milestone purchase, and Saint Valentine’s Crescendo is a simple band of stones that graduate in size around the finger, pretty on its own and easy to stack.

At $185, it’s a low-pressure way to get used to wearing something on my right hand every day, and it will sit nicely beside whatever comes later.

The vermeil is a noticeably thicker layer of 18k gold than standard plating, so it holds its colour well with daily wear. There’s a free ring sizer if you’re unsure of your size, and 30-day free returns if it isn’t quite right.

Metal: Gold vermeil (2 microns of 18k gold over 925 sterling silver), also in silver

Stones: Hand-set zirconia

Key features:

• Nickel- and lead-free, hypoallergenic
• Free ring sizer available
• 30-day free returns

Best for: replacing the wedding band

For the finger where my wedding band used to be, the Teya feels right. It’s a classic three-quarter pavé band, the kind of ring that looks as though it’s always been there.

It’s handcrafted in Sydney and scales easily with budget, from $1,900 for a fine 1.9mm band in 9k to $3,800 for a 3mm band in 18k with 1.20ct of diamonds.

The lab-grown diamonds are D to F colour and VS1 clarity, the top tier for brightness. It’s beautiful worn alone, but it’s also the kind of band that sits comfortably beside anything I add later. Every piece is covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Metal: 9k or 18k solid yellow or white gold

Stones: Round brilliant lab-grown diamonds, D to F colour, VS1 clarity, 0.60ct to 1.20ct total

Key features:

• Three band widths: 1.9mm, 2.4mm or 3mm
• Made to order in four to six weeks, with complimentary express shipping
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

Best for: a minimal everyday ring

The Place Ring pairs a baguette and a pear-cut white topaz on a softly curved band. It’s minimal and a little architectural, the kind of design that looks considered rather than trend-led.

At $159, it’s the most accessible ring on my list, and one I’d happily wear every day on my right hand while I settle on something more permanent. It’s lovely on its own, and there are other pieces in the Place collection if you’d like to build a stack.

The vermeil uses a palladium barrier layer beneath a heavy 18k gold plating, which helps it wear well over time. Orders placed before 1pm AEDT are dispatched the same day, and engraving is available.

Metal: 18k gold vermeil on sterling silver, also in sterling silver

Stones: White topaz in baguette and pear cuts

Key features:

• 4mm curved band
• US sizes 6 to 9
• 14-day returns for a refund (21 days for exchanges) and a six-month warranty

Best for: a conversation starter

The Sand Peridot Ring is inspired by sand under a microscope, a tiny cluster of peridot cabochons and white diamonds on a fine wire band. It’s soft, textural and quietly unusual.

Peridot’s fresh green feels right for a new chapter without making a point of it. It’s lovely on its own on the right hand, or tucked into a stack.

The diamonds are natural, the finish is high polish, and it’s ready to ship rather than made to order. If you prefer gold, it also comes in yellow gold, and every order arrives in the brand’s signature box with complimentary gift wrap.

Metal: List sizes it’s made in. Don’t worry about current stock/availability.

Stones: List colours it’s made in. Don’t worry about current stock/availability.

Key features:

• Fine 1.2mm band
• Sizes 48 to 58 (approx. AU I½ to Q)
• Ready to ship, with complimentary gift wrap

Best for: a first solid gold piece

The Stardust ring is a loose cluster of lab-grown diamonds on a polished 14k band. It’s delicate and a little celestial, and it catches the light without making a fuss.

Solid gold and diamonds for under $1,000 is hard to argue with. It also moves easily from day to night, fine enough for the office and pretty enough to take out on weekends. There are matching Stardust hoops and a necklace if you’d like a set, and the ring is marked as leaving soon, so I wouldn’t wait too long.

Metal: 14k solid gold

Stones: GH-SI1 lab-grown diamonds, 0.158ct total

Key features:

• Recycled materials, made by a Responsible Jewellery Council certified manufacturer
• US sizes 5 to 9
• 24-month warranty on solid gold

Best for: the colourful characters

My wedding ring was a little bit left of centre, and so is the Toronto Mosaic Dôme. Six gemstones in six different cuts sit together on a domed top, a soft mix of pinks, greens and blues.

It’s the most playful ring on my list, and probably the one I’d reach for on a night out.

For all its colour, it’s easy to live with. The solid gold is waterproof and hypoallergenic, and free shipping, returns and exchanges take the pressure off ordering a statement ring online.

Metal: 14k solid gold, 90% recycled

Stones: Rhodolite, green tourmaline, white topaz, orange citrine, pink tourmaline and Swiss blue topaz

Key features:

• Waterproof and hypoallergenic
• 6.5mm wide dome top
• Free shipping, returns and exchanges, plus a two-year warranty

Best for: a quietly personal piece

This mini signet holds up to three birthstones in its face. Mine would carry my birthstone along with my two closest friends who have been my biggest supporters.

It’s handmade using the lost wax technique in a small studio in the foothills of the Australian Alps, and its softened, molten edges make the classic signet feel less formal.

Since each signet is made to order, you can request a particular stone layout or setting style, and engraving is available too. It’s a meaningful alternative to a diamond ring, and in solid recycled gold, it’s made for everyday wear.

Metal: Recycled 9k solid yellow gold

Stones: Up to three birthstones (one 3mm, two 2mm)

Key features:

• Signet face approx. 9mm x 11mm
• Made to order, allow up to five weeks
• Engraving available

Best for: a lifetime piece

The Rumi Ring is a fine band traced with 68 natural diamonds in a gentle, flowing line. Understated from a distance, quietly brilliant up close.

You can also add a hidden birthstone inside the band for $130. Nobody else sees it, which is rather the appeal.

Each piece is handmade to order, predominantly in the brand’s own Sydney studio, using mostly recycled Australian gold. At 1.5mm, the band is fine enough to stack, though I suspect I would wear it on its own.

Metal: 14ct ($5,000) or 18ct ($5,700) rose gold, also yellow and white gold

Stones: 68 natural diamonds, DEF colour, VS to SI1 clarity, approx. 0.298ct total

Key features:

• Handmade to order in Sydney, four to six weeks
• Up to two hidden birthstones inside the band
• Free express worldwide shipping on orders over $1,000