The cocktail ring is definitely back as one of the latest jewelry trends for this winter. We know, your Great Aunt thought they never went out of fashion style, but now is the time to wear those large gemstone rings that your Grandmother left you. Your cocktail ring should be in a bold color and can even be of an ethnic flavor.

The most important thing to remember when wearing a cocktail ring is to keep the count at one. Wear the ring on your right hand leaving the left hand free for any wedding and engagement rings. Cocktail rings are designed to be jaw dropping knock-outs and should not have to compete with any other fancy rings. (A notable exception to this fashion rule is Mary-Kate Olsen, but not everyone can replicate her style successfully.)

Cocktail rings are meant to have big stones, usually more than 3 carats. Generally this means that they are made from less precious stones than diamonds to keep the costs down. Colorful semi-precious gems such as amethysts, citrines, aquamarines, garnets, onyx, opals, pearls, and tourmalines are all popular selections for cocktail ring stones. Right now the fashion rule for the stones are the deeper and brighter the better.

Cocktail ring settings can range from extremely plain to heavily carved. When selecting heavily carved, bear in mind that right now it is all about ethnic. Other popular settings include the gorgeously geometric art deco cocktail ring, and ornate settings using multiple tiny gems such as seed pearls or turquoise (usually seen in vintage cocktail rings).

Your cocktail ring should only have one larger stone in the center, any other stones should be considerably smaller and considered as part of the setting.

Antique cocktail rings can be purchased from jewelers who sell vintage or estate jewelry. Alternatively, many jewelers are now selling new cocktail rings that have been designed with this particular jewelry trend in mind.

Cocktail rings are also ideal for those women with larger hands and fingers who are without the large bank accounts needed to purchase over sized diamonds. The larger the ring, the smaller your fingers will appear. Having said that, those women with tiny fingers may want to try and contain their cocktail ring up to their first finger joint.

Cocktail rings are enjoying another surge in jewelry fashion. Look out for the bolder and darker colors to take you through winter. Women who prefer ornate rings may prefer the heavily carved and more ethnic styles that are currently available.

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“Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.”
“Marriage is a three ring circus: engagement rings, wedding rings and sufferings.”