On January 7, 2025, actress Ricki Lake and her husband, Ross Burningham, experienced a heartbreaking loss as their Malibu home succumbed to the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles. The property, which Lake had fondly described as her “dream home,” was not only a testament to her life and career but also a place rich with personal memories and significance.
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In the aftermath of this tragedy, Lake took a unique and poignant approach to memorialise her lost home. Collaborating with the diamond company Eterneva, she transformed ashes collected from the remnants of the property into a striking green diamond necklace. This piece of jewellery not only serves as a reminder of what was lost but also embodies the resilience and growth Lake has experienced since the disaster.
In a heartfelt video posted to Instagram on March 13, Lake shared her emotional journey with her followers as she unveiled the bespoke necklace. The ashes used in the piece were sourced from various locations within her home that held profound meaning. Among these were the main gate, the master bedroom—described by Lake as a “power point” for herself, her late ex-husband Christian Evans, and her current spouse—and a special area in the backyard known as the “ceremonial circle,” where Evans’ ashes are interred.
During the emotional unboxing, Lake articulated the significance of the necklace, which features a phoenix etched on the back alongside the date of her home’s destruction. “I will wear this with so much honour and pride and joy,” she remarked. “Yes, we’ve lost so much, but we’ve gained a lot too.” Her words encapsulate the bittersweet nature of her experience and the strength she has found in adversity.
In her Instagram post, Lake described the necklace as “poetic” and “sentimental.” Highlighting the intricate process involved, she noted, “Everything from where the ashes came from, the science behind it, and the finishing touches are so symbolic to my experience.” She poignantly stated, “Home is LITERALLY where the heart is,” echoing the deep emotional ties we often associate with places of significance.
Following the loss of her home, Lake candidly shared her struggles in contemplating the prospect of rebuilding. The actress had previously referred to her Malibu residence as a “sacred property” and depicted it as a dream space where she and Burningham had envisioned growing old together. Lake acquired the house nearly six years ago and had often expressed how it felt like “heaven on earth.”
The fires that devastated Lake’s home were part of a broader tragedy that affected numerous other celebrities, including Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Joshua Jackson, and Spencer Pratt, all of whom also found their homes lost to the flames. Lake’s journey of recovery and renewal reflects the broader challenges faced by many in the wake of the wildfires.
However, Lake’s journey has involved more than just the loss of her property. She has been open about her personal transformation, including recent cosmetic enhancements following her significant weight loss. After shedding 40 pounds, Lake was candid about her feelings towards her body, stating, “I did not like the extra skin that hung from below my chin. It was never going to tighten up on its own.” Her honesty regarding her self-image resonates with many, as she has crafted a narrative of empowerment and self-acceptance.
As Ricki Lake continues to navigate this difficult chapter of her life, her story serves as a testament to resilience and the ability to find beauty in the aftermath of loss. By creating a memorial from the ashes of her past, she not only commemorates her home but also embraces the journey ahead—one filled with hope, reflection, and the promise of renewal.