Cocktail Rings are one of the most desirable types of jewelry for genuine jewelry aficionados. They’re stylish, at times dramatic, great conversation starters, and packed with historical context. The question – of course – is what is a cocktail ring?
Benjamin Khordipour is the Lead Gemologist for Estate Diamond Jewelry and one of the leading online voices on diamonds and vintage jewelry.
- What is a Cocktail Ring?
- History of Cocktail Rings
- How to Wear a Cocktail Ring?
- Different Types of Cocktail Rings
- Before Buying a Cocktail Ring
- Shop Cocktail Rings
- Final Thought
What is a Cocktail Ring?
A cocktail ring is a gemstone ring traditionally worn to dinner parties, usually featuring a prominent gemstone in the center. Unlike an engagement ring, the lady will usually ensure that the cocktail ring will match the rest of the clothes worn that evening.
The cocktail ring is also known as a dinner ring and a right-handed ring.
Although cocktail rings have always contained diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and more, the desire for less expensive cocktail rings has always been present for those not lucky enough to be able to spend thousands of dollars on a single, occasional ring. Because of this, cocktail rings using colored glass or other cheaper materials have been around for decades.
That said, fine cocktail rings are a sight to behold. Designers will exercise a lot more freedom in the materials and styles they employ, which makes for exciting combinations of colors and shapes. The lack of formal requirements means subtlety and understatement are best left to other occasions.
History of Cocktail Rings
Cocktail rings are a little misplaced within the world of jewelry. They were, in effect, the original bling. They emerged during the prohibition era at the many secret (and illegal) parties that were held in towns and cities across the nation.
Women were starting to see changes in their roles in the household and in society, and so the cocktail ring became a sort of statement of “arrival” for many.
Generally speaking, people who attended anti-prohibition parties were well-connected and wealthier than most. This meant cocktail rings were big, bold, and brassy, with a huge stone at the center and other smaller stones comprising a halo. There were no rules on construction, design, or the array of colors used. In short, each was left to do as they pleased.
The popularity of cocktail rings hit its zenith in the 1940s and 50s (see our vintage cocktail rings) but saw a sharp decline as attitudes and fashions changed dramatically in the 1960s.
The 1980s, with all its spandex, big hair, and gender-neutral motifs, saw cocktail rings come back in a big way, and they have remained extremely popular ever since. Vintage cocktail rings became all the rage starting in 2010. See below.
Which Hand to Wear a Cocktail Ring?
Cocktail rings are predominantly worn on the right hand. The obvious reason is to provide a distinct separation between engagement and wedding rings. They are intended for wearing during specific occasions, where the elaborate and excessive become normal for the evening and are by no means an everyday ring.
Another consideration when wearing a cocktail ring is what clothes accompany it. Some people try to pair their cocktail rings with the earrings or clothing that they are wearing.
A trend that is growing in popularity is to wear the cocktail ring on the index finger of the right hand.
Important Note: Some jewelry collectors never wear their cocktail rings and instead keep them in showcases to display them. As we said above, there are no real rules to cocktail rings.
Different Types of Cocktail Rings
As mentioned above, there aren’t any real rules regarding cocktail rings. There are different types of cocktails, though. Here’s our list of the most common types of cocktail rings.
- Classic Solitaire Cocktail Ring: This style features a single large stone, usually a diamond or a semi-precious gem, like sapphire, emerald, or ruby. Aquamarines are also growing in popularity.
- Vintage Cocktail Ring: These rings are characterized by age and feature intricate designs and details from a specific historical era. In addition to higher-quality craftsmanship, vintage cocktail rings are incredible conversation starters.
- Minimalistic Cocktail Ring: This style showcases contemporary designs, often with geometric shapes and minimalistic settings. These cocktail rings usually don’t feature gemstones.
- Halo Cocktail Ring: This ring features a central stone surrounded by a “halo” of smaller stones, enhancing its sparkle and size.
- Cluster Cocktail Ring: Comprises multiple small stones clustered together to form a design or mimic a larger stone.
- Animal-Themed Cocktail Ring: Designed in the shape of animals or with animal motifs, often using colorful gemstones.
- Floral Cocktail Ring: Features flower designs, often with colorful gemstones to represent different parts of the flower.
- Statement Cocktail Ring: Defined by its size and boldness, intended to be a standout piece of jewelry.
Tips for Buying a Cocktail Ring
Buying a cocktail ring can be a big decision. Here are a few tips to be aware of before buying a cocktail ring.
- Ensure that you are only buying from a reputable seller. There are many costume rings with synthetic or artificial stones that look very similar to their very expensive counterparts. Make sure that you only purchase a cocktail ring from someone who is honest and also an expert who will know the difference between the two.
- Many gold cocktail rings have a very low percentage of gold and a high percentage of nickel and other alloys. Ensure that you aren’t allergic to nickel before purchasing the low gold ring. You don’t have to worry about this if the ring is made from platinum.
- Plan out an appropriate occasion. Though, as mentioned before, there are no rules to cocktail rings, we advise thinking of an event for which you could picture yourself wearing each particular cocktail ring.
- Ensure that all the stones are secure. Cocktail rings typically have lots of stones. Make sure that you shake the ring next to your ear and listen for stones that are loose. Bumping is very common with cocktail rings because they are much larger and bulkier than engagement rings. If the stones aren’t secure, they will fall out.
- If you are buying a vintage cocktail ring, make sure that your seller is an expert in vintage jewelry.
Cocktail Ring vs. Engagement Ring
Although technically, a cocktail ring can be used to propose, it is not the same thing as an engagement ring. Here are the five basic differences between the two types of rings.
- Purpose and Meaning: Engagement rings are traditionally given during a marriage proposal and symbolize a commitment to a future marriage. Cocktail rings are fashion statements, often worn to accessorize and enhance an outfit for social occasions.
- Design and Style: Engagement rings typically feature a more classic and timeless design, often with a single featured diamond. Cocktail rings, on the other hand, tend to be larger, bolder, and more ornate, designed to attract attention and express individuality.
- Size and Scale: Cocktail rings are generally larger and more elaborate than engagement rings. They are meant to be eye-catching and are often worn as statement pieces, whereas engagement rings are usually worn daily and tend to be more understated and comfortable for everyday wear.
- Gemstones and Materials: While both types of rings can feature a variety of gemstones, engagement rings traditionally feature diamonds as the central stone. Cocktail rings, however, may incorporate a wider range of gemstones, often with vibrant colors and unique settings, and they might not always use precious metals.
Shop Cocktail Rings
Here are some of the stunning cocktail rings from our collection. To view the entire collection, click here.
Final Thought
An unusual aspect of cocktail rings is that there is no restriction to wearing just one. If your wallet and your hand can take it, you could even wear one on every finger.
Collecting vintage cocktail rings is a fantastic idea, but only for serious collectors, and for those who can care for them properly.
Mixing and matching colors, styles, and sizes is a lot of fun. Make sure to push the edges of your usual limits a little, and indulge yourself in these beauties of the jewelry world.
Contact Us
Are you looking for a cocktail ring? Feel free to send us a message, and one of our jewelry experts will respond to you as soon as possible.
