In the 1920s, cocktail rings were popular in the flapper era, symbolizing social freedom. Within a couple of decades, this appeal transitioned to the statement-making elegance of dinner rings. Today, we group these styles under the “fashion jewelry” umbrella.
Although “dinner ring” is a somewhat dated term, “cocktail ring” remains part of our modern language and is often synonymous with large statement styles. To diversify your jewelry collection, keep the following in mind.
What Is a Cocktail Ring?
Cocktail rings took off in the Roaring Twenties, often worn by wealthy flapper girls showing off their jewelry and experimental sense of fashion at parties.
At the time, a large ring with a single diamond at the center signaled that guests were there to drink alcohol during the Prohibition Era. Women sported these rings on their right hands while attending more covert, yet still extravagant affairs.
The cocktail ring evolved with the era’s fashion trends, becoming bigger and bolder to reflect wealth and social status. Eventually, they started to incorporate a range of precious gemstones, including rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The combination later transitioned into an accessible piece of fashion jewelry using glass instead of stones.
While the Prohibition Era has long since passed, the moniker has stuck around. Yet, what constitutes a cocktail ring today has moved far from its origins. These days, you’ll spot clustered stones instead of a single large gemstone, as well as unique, more elaborate shapes that extend along the finger.
What Is a Dinner Ring?
The cocktail ring reached peak popularity in the 1950s before fading out in the 1960s. It reemerged in the 1980s as a result of more oversized, flashy jewelry styles and has remained a fashion staple ever since.
The creation of dinner rings built off the rise and fall of cocktails. The end of Prohibition meant that dinner parties with alcohol became the place to socialize. Rings, often featuring a diamond with multiple gemstones like aquamarine and garnet, signaled wealth. Later, this arrangement became an engagement ring style and was rebranded as “cluster”.
What Is a Statement Ring?
“Statement” is a modern-day name for all less-subtle rings. Most nod to the original cocktail ring with a large body and single or multiple stones. At the same time, the scope covers fine jewelry, including larger engagement rings and fashion-only pieces.
Wearing Cocktail and Other Statement Rings
You can take a traditional approach by wearing your cocktail ring on your right hand. However, rules surrounding fashion jewelry tend to be looser. As such, there are no hard or fast expectations regarding the hand and finger on which you choose to wear a statement ring.
It’s recommended to space out a statement ring from any wedding or engagement ring you wear, so both pieces are easily distinguished. Beyond this:
- Although cocktail rings started as a flashy evening style, today’s versatility means you can wear them at any time of day and with a broader spectrum of outfits.
- Multiple stones cover the surface of a cocktail ring and the original large-stone combination can come off as gaudy.
- Think about your ring in relation to the rest of your jewelry. Avoid combining it with other large, stone-heavy pieces. At the same time, match all metals across your outfit.
Are you searching for a ring that reflects your personal style? Explore the possibilities at Hannoush Jewelers of Connecticut.
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