The story behind the cocktail ring

Diamond Cocktail Ring

The cocktail ring is the ultimate accessory.  It is styled to be a dramatic, large ring worn at cocktail parties. The cocktail ring design was especially popular to be worn during the US prohibition from 1920-1933 at illegal cocktail parties. Such a statement piece of jewellery flaunted not only the fact that one was drinking illegally, but also that one was doing it with style.

The cocktail ring has been around for centuries. But the unforgettable large size of the ring has always stayed the same. Styles, colours, stones, gold, white gold or platinum are all used to transform your favourite cocktail ring into a completely unique piece which can fit your particular lifestyle, price range and wardrobe.

History of the cocktail ring

The cocktail ring gained its popular status in the 1940s and 1950s, as cocktail soirees became hugely popular events. Although cocktail parties are less of an extravagant affair now, wearing a cocktail ring with huge diamonds or other large precious or semi-precious gems remains a popular choice for formal dressy occasions.  Diamond encrusted or solitaire diamond cocktail rings are especially paraded at glamorous events like premieres of films, Broadway or West End theatre productions, or award shows like the Oscars or Brits.

Even in the heyday of the cocktail ring, not all could afford to purchase huge diamonds. Other stones like amethysts, garnets, peridot, and blue topas became popular substitutions since they were far less expensive. Today this trend continues, with many a cocktail ring having a large central stone of a less expensive gem. The larger the stone, the more easily one can spot flaws. It may be possible however to order a setting, and then purchase a loose stone of the quality and size one wishes.

The cocktail ring is no ordinary piece of jewellery; it has the power to up the glamour ante of even the most everyday outfit.  This is why it is suitable ring style for anyone.

What qualifies as a cocktail ring?

It is difficult to define what constitutes a cocktail ring absolutely, but some of the following criteria must be met for it to qualify as a favourite.

Cocktail rings should be fairly big and attract attention.

It should be fairly big; definitely large enough to fiddle with whilst talking or to attract attention from across the bar.

If the price is right, one should consider a stone of at least 3 carats or preferably 5 carats or bigger if considering purchasing a loose stone for a cocktail ring.  The cocktail ring is designed specifically to catch and dazzle the eye; it is supposed to be overdone, bold and opulent so the general rule is that the bigger the stone, the better.

Feel free to wear the cocktail ring on any finger except the ring finger of the left hand, which represents that one is married or engaged. The right hand ring finger is often chosen, though the ring may also be worn well on the index finger.

Ideally, there should be no sentimental attachment involved: cocktail rings aren’t something you should feel naked without as you might with other items of jewellery - they are purely for frivolity.

When shopping for the perfect cocktail ring, one might try public auctions or estate sales since vintage jewellery is so in demand recently.  Right now anything from the art deco period (early twentieth century), even with rhinestones, is considered highly desirable. Online jewellers offer a great way to find the exact cocktail ring you want with their online auctions and wide variety of diamond and metal band choices.

Most importantly however, given its awarded and infamous name, a cocktail ring should look at its very best next to a champagne flute or a martini glass.