Valerie Bertinelli joined Drew Barrymore and Ross Mathews on the January 27, 2026 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show to talk about the growing trend of turning a wedding ring into celebratory jewelry after a divorce.
At a Glance
- Celebrity chef Valerie Bertinelli weighs in on divorce rings.
- She shares her personal experience with the trend and her past divorces.
- Barrymore and Bertinelli discuss how the trend can lift spirits.
- Why it matters: The conversation highlights how people are redefining symbols of commitment after ending marriages.
The episode aired on January 27, 2026 and attracted viewers interested in celebrity relationships and personal growth.
The Trend of Divorce Rings
The idea of repurposing a wedding ring into a new piece of jewelry has become a popular way for people to celebrate the end of a marriage. The trend is often marketed as a way to:
- Acknowledge the past while moving forward.
- Create a new identity that reflects personal growth.
- Reduce the stigma associated with divorce.
Many designers now offer custom pieces that incorporate the original metal or design elements, turning a symbol of commitment into a celebration of independence.
Valerie’s Perspective
During the interview, Bertinelli explained why she feels the trend is meaningful:
> “It’s like the celebratory part of it, because there’s a celebration of not being in that pain any longer, but there was love at one point.”
She added that she had experienced two divorces, each with different emotions. In her most recent divorce, she went back to the jeweler and sold her ring, receiving an evil-eye bracelet as a new piece of jewelry.
Key Points from Bertinelli
- Two divorces: Each had distinct emotional contexts.
- Ring sold: She returned the original wedding band.
- New jewelry: Received a bracelet that she described as “celebratory.”
Drew Barrymore’s Take
Barrymore, who has been married three times, offered a broader view on how divorce can affect self-image:
> “Divorce can be a source of shame,” she said, “and the trend could be a way to lift someone’s spirits when they feel like they have failed.”
She described the trend as a form of empowerment and rebellion, noting that it gives people a way to reclaim their narrative.
Personal History
Bertinelli’s own marital history informs her comments:
| Marriage | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Van Halen | 1981-2007 | Van Halen died of cancer in October 2020 at age 65 |
| Tom Vitale | 2011-2022 | Filed for divorce in May 2022 after separating in November 2021 |
She also shared that she had once sold the shoes she wore to her wedding with Vitale.
Instagram Post
In September 2022, Bertinelli posted a series of photos on Instagram titled “@therealreal.” The images showed:
- A pair of Jimmy Choo heels with diamond studs.
- Two wedding bands held in front of a Tiffany & Co. box.
She captioned the post:
> “A couple of Tiffany rings that have some bad memories attached and a pair of shoes I wore to a wedding in January 2011 😉. They should be up in a couple of weeks! ✨💖.”
This post highlighted her ongoing process of letting go of items tied to past relationships.
Reflections on Life Without Van Halen
Last August, Bertinelli reflected on her life after Eddie Van Halen’s death, sharing:
> “Some days I really do miss you. There will always be a loud absence in these gratifying sideline years.”
She also mentioned her son, Wolfgang, whom she shares with the late guitarist.
Show Details
The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays on CBS. The program often features celebrity guests who discuss personal stories and current trends.
Key Takeaways
- Divorce rings are becoming a cultural way to celebrate ending marriages.
- Valerie Bertinelli uses her own experiences to illustrate how the trend can be empowering.
- Drew Barrymore frames the trend as a means to lift spirits and challenge shame.
- Both celebrities emphasize the importance of personal narrative after divorce.
These conversations reflect a broader societal shift toward redefining commitment symbols and embracing personal growth.
