Cover Photo Courtesy of Piaget
Just like every piece in the world of jewelry, cocktail rings as we know them today come from a history of evolution. Dating back to the 1920s, these marvels saw the light in an era when women were fighting for their freedom, right to vote and equality. Bold and dramatic by nature, a cocktail ring was defined as a richly ornamented piece with diamond accents and a large gemstone at their center, unlike today where every statement ring is considered one.
In the 1920s – the era of American Prohibition, cocktail parties were illegal, while great social changes were occurring as women were fighting for their freedom and rights. Their independence was embodied with short hair and shorter skirts, let alone the glamorous Art Deco jewelry they used to wear in line with their bold fashion choices. During these parties, one of the most noticeable elements was this oversized gemstone ring that adorned their finger, which used to highlight their independence and free-spirited behavior.
Usually worn on the right hand as their left one was reserved for the engagement or wedding ring, these rings were a sign that the woman had bought the ring with her own money. Named after the parties to which they were worn, these rings started as bold creations made of gold or platinum, set with a large diamond or another precious stone such as emerald, rubies and sapphires, and surrounded by smaller diamonds for an intensified sparkle – to indicate the social status and wealth of their wearer.
Later on, in the 1940s, these pieces became a standard accessory for women who attend cocktail parties and operas, before going out of fashion for a short period of time in the 1970s. The 1980s witnessed a strong comeback for cocktail rings, which became ever since a staple in every woman’s jewelry collection – available in a variety of designs created thanks to innovative goldsmithing techniques, and in versions set with semi-precious gems such as aquamarine, topaz and opal – to name a few.
Article Written by Mirella Haddad
