The Power of the Cocktail Ring: A Statement of Style
What does your jewellery say about you? When it comes to a cocktail ring, it speaks volumes. Bold statement pieces, cocktail rings are made to be noticed. The ultimate dressing-up jewels, adding an attention-grabbing cocktail ring to your jewellery box will have you covered for every soirée and special occasion to come.
History of the Cocktail Ring: A Symbol of Rebellion
The cocktail ring was born during the Prohibition era that swept across the USA more than a century ago. With the drinking of alcohol banned in public, speakeasies flourished. Serving cocktails made from a mix of contraband liquors, these underground bars became popular places for men and women to gather, mingle and dance. An air of rebellion suffused these secret spaces, with women playing a significant role in their success. For the first time, they were able to exert their independence in a social setting previously reserved exclusively for men.
The decadence of the speakeasies inspired a new way of dressing, with a transition to moveable fabrics, dropped waistlines, looser fits and short hemlines that were all the better for dancing in. A new style of ring also became popular that drew attention to the wearer’s hand—and the cocktail in it. Set with a large, colourful centre stone and worn on the right hand, clearly distinguishing it from the left-handed wedding ring, cocktail rings embodied the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
In 1933, Prohibition was repealed across America and society immediately became more relaxed. This allowed the cocktail ring to flourish, with the wearing of one transitioning from a declaration of independence to a conspicuous status symbol. The perfect finishing touch to cocktail party attire in the 1950s—the era in which different styles of cocktail ring became all the rage—this bold, bejewelled jewel has weathered changing fashions and tastes to remain one of the most striking jewellery statements you can make.
Iconic Cocktail Ring Styles: from the Single Stone to the Bombe
The original Prohibition era cocktail rings featured large, colourful, often geometric gemstones, reflecting the Art Deco style that was prevalent at the time. Inspired by this influential design movement, the SB Aquamarine Cocktail Ring channels speakeasy chic with its 2.95 carat emerald cut centre stone.
The cluster cocktail ring is a variation on the classic single-stone cocktail ring. Featuring a central gem surrounded by a cluster of smaller diamonds, this dramatic design works particularly well with oval centre stones, like the gorgeous lilac spinel in the SB Spinel and Diamond Daisy Ring.
In the 1950s, a new style of cocktail ring quickly became the topic of conversation at parties: the bombé. French for “bomb-shaped”, these voluminous, domed rings featured large centre stones set in predominantly yellow gold settings—the mid-century metal of choice. Sophie loves this retro style of ring and often uses it for inspiration, interpreting it in designs like the Pink Tourmaline Bombe and the more extravagant Emerald and Diamond Bombe, its curves sparkling with diamonds.
As the years passed, the definition of cocktail ring expanded to encompass any style of oversized ring. Honouring another important period of jewellery design, the SB Etruscan-style Green Tourmaline and Diamond Cocktail Ring revisits the Etruscan revival jewellery style beloved by the Victorians. Inspired by the treasures unearthed in Etruscan tombs in the ruins of Pompeii in the late 16th century, Sophie’s design recreates the bold goldwork that is a signature of Etruscan revival jewellery and this ancient peoples’ love of coloured gemstones.
How to Style a Cocktail Ring
The rules have changed when it comes to styling your cocktail rings. While they remain the go-to accessory for adding a splash of colour to your evening wear, wearing one in the daytime is perfectly acceptable too, as are two or more cocktail rings worn together, on different fingers. And while it is traditional to wear a cocktail ring on your right hand, there are no hard-and-fast rules, so go ahead and wear it on your left hand, if that feels most comfortable.
Because they are so bold, we advise avoiding over-accessorising. Allow your cocktail ring to be the focal point of your outfit and opt for understated with the rest of your jewellery.
Your Signature Cocktail Ring Awaits
From the Etruscan-style Green Tourmaline and Diamond Cocktail Ring, which has a flatter profile, making it more suitable for everyday wear, to the Antique Old Cut Diamond Bombé, set with a gorgeous, golden antique diamond, there is no better way to express your style than with a knockout cocktail ring. If you can’t find your signature ring among our Ready-to-Wear designs, we can create a custom-made cocktail ring just for you. Please book an appointment to find out more about our bespoke service.
