Gemstone Cocktail Rings: Statement-Makers Since The 1920s
What is a cocktail ring and how did it get its name?
Cocktail rings have been around for centuries, but it was in the 1920s that they became a fashion staple. During the Prohibition era, cocktail parties were one of the few ways people could enjoy alcohol and socialize. The cocktail ring was an accessory that was often worn to these parties as a symbol of sophistication and glamor. During this time, many women started wearing large gemstone rings with intricate designs as a way to express themselves and stand out from the crowd. These rings were known as "cocktail rings" because they were often worn during evening parties or cocktail events. Although today, the gold cocktail rings, or any rings for that matter are completely gender-neutral, the cocktail rings were solely worn by the fashionable flapper girls, and not only for the fashion purposes stated above. Since the alcohol was banned, the booze sold in speakeasies from the black market wasn’t the best of quality, so the women had to mix it with sweeter drinks, hence creating the cocktail era. In order to signal to their bartender they fancied another sweet, cocktail drink - they would flaunt their blinging, glorious rings holding the glass. Ah, what a time to be alive. Soon after, the gold cocktail ring was at the forefront of this trend, and it quickly became a symbol of luxury, elegance and sophistication.
How to Wear a Gemstone Cocktail Ring?
Cocktail rings were popularized in the 1920s, and they're still going strong today. The glamor of that era lives on in these versatile pieces, which are stylishly worn alone or stacked with other luxury gold rings of similar styles and colors.
Before purchasing a cocktail ring, consider your lifestyle: Do you prefer classic elegance? Glitzy glamor? Or something edgy or understated? The answer will help determine which style of cocktail ring best suits you. If you love wearing statement pieces but can't decide between diamonds and gemstones, there's good news—you don't have to choose! For example, an oversized gemstone cocktail ring would make a striking stand-alone accessory for any occasion; meanwhile, it can also be worn as part of a layered ensemble when paired with other cocktail rings or luxury gold bracelets from your collection. If sparkling stones aren't really your thing (or if they're just too expensive), consider choosing a gold diamond cocktail ring instead—it'll still add color while keeping things more understated than its diamond counterpart would allow for!
Cocktail rings are best worn in groups of three or more. This is known as "ring stacking," which was popularized by celebrity chefs like Julia Childs and Martha Stewart (who loved cooking with her three-inch statement diamond cocktail ring). If you're having trouble deciding which cocktail rings should go together, try putting them all side by side on the floor and moving them around until they look like they belong together. Most times, this will result in something great! For example, try wearing a large center stone ring alongside another stackable ring such as Misahara's favorite Star Bright Ring, Petal Ring and Sun Ring. It makes an elegant look perfect for evening events or formal occasions like weddings!
- Keep it classic - Another way to wear a cocktail ring is by pairing it with other classic jewelry pieces like luxury gold necklaces or designer earrings. This technique helps draw attention away from your hands and onto what's around them, allowing you to use this accessory as an accent piece rather than the main focus of your look.
- Keep it simple - Another option for wearing a cocktail ring is by pairing it with simple styles of jewelry like stud earrings or a thin, chain bracelet. This allows you to wear other pieces of your outfit as the focal point while still incorporating some bling into your look! Don’t worry about wearing your cocktail ring only to formal soirees and events - nothing makes a denim-white-shirt outfit sing like a good bit of rock on the finger.
- Choose your cocktail ring wisely - One of the most important things to consider when wearing a cocktail ring is what metal and style you choose. For example, try wearing a gold diamond cocktail ring alongside another gold stackable band for an elegant look perfect for evening events or formal occasions like weddings!
What finger is a cocktail ring worn on?
Initially, the cocktail rings were worn on the 4th finger of the right hand - this was mainly because the left hand was reserved for engagement rings and wedding bands. Today, we’re a tad more casual when it comes to placing our rings, so feel comfortable wearing your cocktail ring however you like. If you do, in fact, have the engagement ring and/or a wedding band on your left hand, it might be a good idea to keep the tradition alive and reserve the right hand for your statement piece. If not, the sky’s the limit when choosing which finger to wear the cocktail ring on! (or actually, 10 fingers is the limit in this case.)
When purchasing cocktail rings, don’t forget your ring size - nothing gets quite annoying (and very risky) as having a huge, chunky ring sliding off your fingers, or not being able to fit all the way down. Find your perfect size on our Misahara ring size guide for free.
7 Gemstone Cocktail Rings to Add to Your Jewelry Box
1. Aquamarine Cocktail Ring
The aquamarine cocktail ring is a classic choice for those who want to add a touch of feminine style and elegance to their look. A beautiful stone with an ocean blue hue, this gemstone has been around since the ancient Greeks who believed it had healing properties. It's still one of the most popular choices for today's jewelry lovers, especially because it looks great in any setting from casual to formal.
2. Rose Quartz Cocktail Ring
If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching piece of jewelry, the rose quartz cocktail ring is the perfect choice. This beautiful ring features a stunning rose quartz stone set in a modern and stylish design. The soft pink hue of the rose quartz adds a touch of elegance to any outfit, making it an ideal accessory for special occasions or everyday wear. Want to make a rose quartz cocktail ring extra special? Try adding some pink sapphires! Pink sapphires are associated with love and healing energy, so when paired with rose quartz—the stone known for bringing peace in relationships—the combination is sure to bring tranquility into your life. Misahara’s Koko rose quartz and pink sapphires cocktail ring features 7ct pink sapphires set in 18k rose gold band and makes for a perfect, girly & roaring cocktail ring!
3. Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Amethyst cocktail rings have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique properties and stylish look. These rings are made from amethyst, a semi-precious gemstone known for its calming and healing properties. Amethyst cocktail rings come in a variety of styles, making them the perfect accessory for any outfit.
The unique amethyst Koko Ring, a signature Misahara design, features an oversized emerald cut center stone set classically in a prong set mounting, encrusted with or without assorted color sapphires.
4. Green Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Green amethysts represent rebirth and new beginnings—perfect if you're starting something new but also good if you'd like some extra energy boost at work! This green gemstone was cut into three pieces before being soldered together into one piece using 24k yellow gold solder wire that gives off mesmerizing hues depending on how light hits its facets.
5. Citrine Cocktail Ring
The citrine cocktail ring was one of the most popular rings of the 1920s. It was a semi-precious stone that had a fiery orange color and a large size, making it similar to an ice cube in appearance. It is the birthstone of November and lucky enough to be a gemstone that looks great in yellow gold, with its warm and inviting tones. This cocktail ring features an oval-shaped citrine stone surrounded by diamond on either side.
6. Ametrine Gold Cocktail Ring
Ametrine cocktail rings are a versatile and stylish piece of jewelry that can be worn for any occasion. They are popular because they combine the beauty of two gemstones, amethyst and citrine, which create an eye-catching color combination. They have a beautiful purple-pink color that is often seen as a favorite among women. However, this popular color goes well with any complexion or hair color, which makes it an ideal piece of jewelry for all occasions. Additionally, they also have a beautiful yellow-gold sparkle that complements the other colors perfectly when styling jewelry.
7. Smoky Quartz Cocktail Ring
The smoky quartz cocktail ring is a great option for those who want to make a statement with their jewelry. It's available in sizes from 6 to 9 and can be ordered in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. This elegant piece features an oval-shaped smoky quartz stone surrounded by diamonds on both sides of the band. The stones are set into 14k white gold or 14k yellow gold bands that measure 0.5mm thick for comfort and durability. Another showstopper featuring smoky quartz stones is Misahara's Pasala ring with a touch of modern gothic style, mounted in 18k yellow gold. With these large gemstone cocktail rings, you will never fail to make a dazzling statement.
Misahara’s Designer Lepa on Gemstone Cocktail Rings:
“What is there not to like about a big and beautiful gemstone sitting perched on your finger? I absolutely love cocktail rings! They are eye-catching without trying too hard. In a room full of people, I always notice the ladies with bold pieces and think, she knows jewelry and expresses herself in a posh way. I'm excited for a new cocktail ring design that is coming soon to Misahara's Collections!"
