Are you wondering how to wear a statement ring? Cocktail rings are a feminist symbol from illicit 1920s speakeasy drinks parties. Our complete guide explains how to rock these big statement rings in 2021.
What is a statement ring?
A symbol of feminism
How to choose a gemstone
What ring suits your hand shape
Styling the ring with your outfit
Tips, inspiration and ideas for rings
What are statement rings?
You have seen them – bold, eye-catching and unique!
Statement rings, also known as cocktail rings, are larger than normal fashion rings. They usually showcase an oversized gem, diamond or metal motif.
Statement rings help you express your style and personality.
A 1920’s symbol of feminism
The cocktail ring fashion started in the USA in the 1920s. It was a booming decade that gave birth to feminism and the Prohibition Law that made alcohol illegal.
The rebellious flapper girls of the time would turn up at illicit parties wearing showy dresses and jewellery. At the bar, they’d raise their right hand to flash the bartender a large ring – a secret signal for ordering forbidden alcoholic drinks.
Hence the name, cocktail ring, and why statement rings are traditionally worn on the right hand.
How to wear statement rings today
Today, there are no rules. Therefore, you can wear your cocktail rings on any hand or any finger, one or many at a time.
There’s a statement ring for every occasion
For the office, choose something minimalistic so it’s not “too much”
Formal events are perfect for your biggest, most glamorous rings
Casual occasions with friends are great for quirky, playful rings
Wearing one ring
If you want your statement ring to attract attention, then let it play a starring role.
Do this by keeping the rest of your jewellery understated.
Can I wear multiple rings?
Yes! You shouldn’t be afraid to wear more than one statement ring. A great way to do this is to match colours while playing with different textures so the rings complement each other.
Best gemstones
The most popular gems used in statement rings are:
1. You could simply pick a gem that suits an outfit, or…
2. Wear a gem with personal significance like your birthstone, or…
3. Pick one based on how drawn you are to a gem colour.
The best metal for the setting
When it comes to jewellery for daily wear like engagement rings, you should invest in a durable (but more expensive) metal like platinum or 18K gold.
However, if you’re buying a fashion ring for occasional wear only, you’re safe to choose a more affordable metal like 9K gold, silver or gold vermeil.
Your skin tone and gem colour
Warm skin tones – If the veins on your inner wrist are greenish, you have a warm skin tone. Jewellery set in yellow gold with red or golden gems looks great on you.
Cool skin tones – If the veins on the inside of your wrist look blue, your skin tone is cool. Silver and white gold, with pastel blue, violet and pink gems flatter you.
All skin tones – Whatever your skin tone, you cannot go wrong with diamonds, pearls, quartz and other whitegems.
What ring suits your hand shape?
Petite hands – a slim band and a simple design will look best
Long fingers – you can carry off a really big, striking design
Wide fingers – pick a ring that covers as much of the width of your finger as possible
Short fingers – choose an elongated design to make your fingers look longer
A ring shouldn’t clash with your outfit, so pick your clothes first
A solid-coloured ring will look best with patterned clothing
Multi-coloured gems look great with plain clothes
A bright-coloured gem pops against black, grey and white clothing
Finally, match your ring to your nail polish and accessories to pull your look together
Vintage-style rings
Antique rings are beautiful, but they can can be expensive and tricky to combine with modern clothing.
New rings that pay homage to vintage eras are a great alternative. You can flaunt touches of retro style – yet your ring will be affordable and easy to match with today’s fashion.
Caring for your ring
Giving a little love and care to your fabulous ring means you can enjoy it for many years to come:
Put your ring on after your clothes, to prevent snagging
Check the claws surrounding the stones regularly
Clean it in a bowl with an old toothbrush, warm water and soap
Don’t wear rings while cleaning, in the shower, swimming, on the beach or in the gym
Cocktail rings draw attention to your hands, so don’t forget to get a manicure. Finally, confidence is key. The purpose of a statement ring is to catch the eye, so flaunt it and enjoy the attention!
Are you wondering how to wear a statement ring? Cocktail rings are a feminist symbol from illicit 1920s speakeasy drinks parties. Our complete guide explains how to rock these big statement rings in 2021.
What are statement rings?
You have seen them – bold, eye-catching and unique!
Statement rings, also known as cocktail rings, are larger than normal fashion rings. They usually showcase an oversized gem, diamond or metal motif.
Statement rings help you express your style and personality.
A 1920’s symbol of feminism
The cocktail ring fashion started in the USA in the 1920s. It was a booming decade that gave birth to feminism and the Prohibition Law that made alcohol illegal.
The rebellious flapper girls of the time would turn up at illicit parties wearing showy dresses and jewellery. At the bar, they’d raise their right hand to flash the bartender a large ring – a secret signal for ordering forbidden alcoholic drinks.
Hence the name, cocktail ring, and why statement rings are traditionally worn on the right hand.
How to wear statement rings today
Today, there are no rules. Therefore, you can wear your cocktail rings on any hand or any finger, one or many at a time.
There’s a statement ring for every occasion
Wearing one ring
If you want your statement ring to attract attention, then let it play a starring role.
Do this by keeping the rest of your jewellery understated.
Can I wear multiple rings?
Yes! You shouldn’t be afraid to wear more than one statement ring. A great way to do this is to match colours while playing with different textures so the rings complement each other.
Best gemstones
The most popular gems used in statement rings are:
3 Tips to choose a gem
1. You could simply pick a gem that suits an outfit, or…
2. Wear a gem with personal significance like your birthstone, or…
3. Pick one based on how drawn you are to a gem colour.
The best metal for the setting
When it comes to jewellery for daily wear like engagement rings, you should invest in a durable (but more expensive) metal like platinum or 18K gold.
However, if you’re buying a fashion ring for occasional wear only, you’re safe to choose a more affordable metal like 9K gold, silver or gold vermeil.
Your skin tone and gem colour
Warm skin tones – If the veins on your inner wrist are greenish, you have a warm skin tone. Jewellery set in yellow gold with red or golden gems looks great on you.
Cool skin tones – If the veins on the inside of your wrist look blue, your skin tone is cool. Silver and white gold, with pastel blue, violet and pink gems flatter you.
All skin tones – Whatever your skin tone, you cannot go wrong with diamonds, pearls, quartz and other white gems.
What ring suits your hand shape?
Read more about how to choose a ring to suit your handshape.
5 Tips to style a ring with an outfit
Vintage-style rings
Antique rings are beautiful, but they can can be expensive and tricky to combine with modern clothing.
New rings that pay homage to vintage eras are a great alternative. You can flaunt touches of retro style – yet your ring will be affordable and easy to match with today’s fashion.
Caring for your ring
Giving a little love and care to your fabulous ring means you can enjoy it for many years to come:
Some final tips
Cocktail rings draw attention to your hands, so don’t forget to get a manicure. Finally, confidence is key. The purpose of a statement ring is to catch the eye, so flaunt it and enjoy the attention!
Ready to shop some amazing cocktail rings?