In the realm of fashion accessories, few items evoke the same sense of glamour and style as cocktail rings. These bold, eye-catching pieces have a rich history, symbolizing elegance, celebration, and self-expression. From their origins in the roaring 1920s to their modern-day resurgence, cocktail rings have remained a beloved favourite in jewellery collections around the world. I thought we could have a look into the captivating history of cocktail rings, their contemporary appeal, and then look at our wonderful new collection which Cavendish French has launched this year.
A Glimpse into History: The Rise of Cocktail Rings
The term "cocktail ring" originated during the Prohibition era in the United States, a time marked by clandestine speakeasies and lavish soirées. As women embraced newfound freedoms and social independence, they sought accessories that reflected their bold spirits. Thus, the cocktail ring emerged as a statement piece designed to capture attention and spark conversation.
During the 1920s and 1930s, cocktail rings became synonymous with the glamorous lifestyle of flappers and socialites. These oversized baubles featured an array of dazzling gemstones, often set in intricate designs that showcased the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. Adorned with vibrant colours and bold shapes, cocktail rings exuded an air of opulence and extravagance, perfectly complementing the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age.
The popularity of cocktail rings continued to soar throughout the mid-20th century, with Hollywood starlets and royalty alike adorning themselves with these stunning accessories. From Marilyn Monroe's iconic diamond cocktail ring to Princess Margaret's ornate gemstone creations, cocktail rings became synonymous with luxury and sophistication.
Who Wears Cocktail Rings?
One of the enduring charms of cocktail rings lies in their universal appeal. From fashion icons to everyday enthusiasts, these striking accessories transcend age, gender, and social or cultural boundaries. Today, cocktail rings are cherished by those who appreciate the fusion of style and substance, keen to make a statement with their accessories.
Cocktail rings are favoured by those who exude confidence and individuality, adding a touch of flair to both casual and formal outfits. Whether attending a glamorous night out or a casual brunch with friends, wearing a cocktail ring instantly lifts any look and adds a touch of unique personal style.
The Perfect Occasions and Outfits for Cocktail Rings
When it comes to selecting the perfect occasion for showcasing a cocktail ring, the possibilities are endless. This fabulous jewellery is ideal for a myriad of events, ranging from cocktail parties and weddings to red carpet events romantic nights out. Why not wear several across the hand to really attract attention, cocktail rings effortlessly capture the spotlight wherever they go.
In terms of outfit pairing, cocktail rings really can be worn with just about anything and are bound to give you an air of confidence. For formal events, consider going all out and pair a statement ring with a full length evening dress or maybe a sleek trouser suit for an elegant and modern look. For more casual events, such as lunch dates or weekend outings, opt for a chic cocktail ring paired with a tailored blazer and jeans or a flowy maxi dress for a touch of effortless glamour.
Cocktails by Cavendish French: A Testament to Timeless Elegance
We specialise in silver and cubic zirconia jewellery and have had a small selection of bold cocktail style rings in our collection for the last few years. They have been so popular with our customers that we decided to launch a special range of cocktail ring designs for 2024.
All our rings are handmade in 925 sterling silver which is triple plated in silver, rhodium and palladium to ensure they keep their wonderful luxurious finish. The stones are all the best quality AAA* cubic zirconia in a range of colours to replicate the brilliance of fine gems such as rubies, emeralds, and citrines as well of course as diamonds.
So beautifully crafted and set, our array of designs pay homage to the elegance of bygone eras and are almost indistinguishable for genuine vintage cocktail rings. From ornate filigree settings to intricate Art Deco motifs, each cocktail ring evokes a sense of timeless style and refinement. These rings really are wearable works of art which we are sure you will enjoy wearing time and time again.
I have picked a few of our new rings to highlight. Rings that have fast become best sellers and epitomise everything I have said about cocktail rings. If these aren’t quite what you are looking for have a look at our full collection.
Firstly, our silver ring with its intricate Art Deco motif – it has a beautifully cut aquamarine blue central stone, clean geometric lines and sparkling clear stones.
Secondly, we have several rings with amazing single stones in wonderful colours from yellow fire opal to aquamarine and diamond clear stones. Our ‘Wow’ ring has small clear stones either side, but the green tourmaline cubic zirconia solitaire is definitely the star, sparkling and catching the light as you move, just like a fine gem ring. Its bold design ensures that it stands out from the crowd, making a statement of individuality and confidence.
A classic and timeless cocktail ring design is a bold coloured central stone with clear stones set on either side – we have several with this style, but my particular favourite is our Maharaja ring set with a radiant ruby cubic zirconia, making a bold statement fit for royalty and celebrities alike. It is also available with a tanzanite blue stone too.
Finally, our Dazzle ring not only has a majestic central solitaire, but also little stones set into the band as well for added detail and sparkle. Available with either a sapphire blue or a tourmaline green stone.
As you can see, cocktail rings are much more than just accessories; they are symbols of style, sophistication, and self-expression. From their origins in the Jazz Age to their modern-day revival, cocktail rings continue to captivate the hearts of fashion lovers around the world. With an array of colours to complement any outfit, Cavendish French have a collection of rings which have all the look and style of vintage pieces but at an affordable price.