Statement and cocktail rings

A ring made to be seen

The cocktail ring was born in the 1920s, when women wore a large ring at parties to show a bit of independence. The idea has not changed. A statement ring is worn alone, on the index or middle finger, with nothing else competing for attention. It suits an evening dress and a plain white shirt equally well, which is why many people wear theirs far more than they expected.

Colored stones in a double halo

Several of our cocktail rings put an oval stone inside one or two rows of smaller stones. A ruby-red or deep blue cubic zirconia at the center, then a crown of white and colored accents around it, is the classic double halo look of the Art Deco years. Yellow sapphire and green peridot take the same idea in a lozenge shape, longer and slimmer on the finger.

Shapes with a story

Not every statement ring needs a big stone. A star covered in small moissanite, two panther heads meeting on the finger, a jasper stone that opens like a locket, a knot of pavé bands twisted over each other. These rings are remembered for their design first. Choose the one that matches your character rather than your outfit, since you will keep it longer than any dress.

Wearing a large ring

A big ring feels heavier at first and turns on the finger if the size is too loose. Pick a size that slides over the knuckle with a little resistance. Keep the rest of your jewelry quiet, with small studs and no other ring on the same hand. Large stones collect soap and cream, so rinse the ring in warm water now and then and dry it with a soft cloth to keep the sparkle.