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Large, striking jewellery is all the rage again. A flashback to the 1920s with striking cocktail rings, enormous earrings and other statement accessories.  We provide some tips on how to wear and combine these jewellery pieces.

What is a cocktail ring and what does it mean? A cocktail ring is a large, striking ring that is often set with a large precious stone. Their vibrant brilliance makes these rings ideal for, say, cocktail parties, hence its name.

Browse our cocktail ring collection

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Most viewed diamond jewels

 

The story behind the cocktail ring

Cocktail rings first came onto the scene during the 1920s in America, during Prohibition.  Cocktails were served at illegal parties, usually to keep the low quality of the strong bootleg drinkable.  Well-to-do ladies attended these parties and wished to show they were self-reliant.
A halo ring is an excellent example of a woman's cocktail ring - BAUNAT
So cocktail rings were big, perhaps blatant, but most certainly very striking.  Gold rings were set with a  large centre precious stone, in all colours, surrounded by smaller diamonds. A halo ring comes the closest therefore to an original cocktail ring.

Read more about halo rings

Cocktail rings now

A woman's cocktail ring - BAUNAT
It isn't the case that as of a particular size the term cocktail ring can be used.  So, what is a cocktail ring then? It undoubtedly has to be large and striking. Its effect varies, of course, on any other jewellery you might be wearing, and your overall style.  If all you wear with your cocktail ring are a few  thin, subtle rings, it will appear far bigger than it is.

Cocktail rings are often more valuable as well, as they are frequently set with a large diamond or several large precious stones. Themore extravagant they are, the costlier they are. Be aware though that the market is being flooded with extravagant, flamboyant cocktail rings of dubious quality.  But quality, stylish, timeless cocktail rings are to be found. Indeed, the BAUNAT collection includes a number of rings that can certainly be classified as cocktail rings.
Our white gold entourage ring with an oval sapphire and round diamonds is a prime example. The striking blue  sapphire  immediately draws the eye, which is the precise intention of a cocktail ring.  Or, there is always the emerald variant if you prefer. How about our 5.80 Carat yellow gold ring with marquise and round diamonds? This exclusive jewellery is guaranteed to draw all attention on you. What's the betting your ring soon becomes the evening's main topic of conversation?

Take a closer look at this beautiful sapphire entourage ring

How to wear a cocktail ring?

A cocktail ring is typically worn on the  right hand. This is to nip any confusion with an engagement or wedding ring in the bud.  Mostly, women wear the cocktail ring on its own so as not to detract from it. Would you though prefer to  combine it with other rings? If so, opt for simple, thin rings, like  stackable rings , for example.
Always wear a cocktail ring on your right hand

What are the best occasions for wearing a cocktail ring?

We advise you save it for appropriate occasions, like a gala event or a cocktail party.  They are less suitable for everyday wear, precisely because they are so striking and extraordinary.

Try too to always match the rest of your jewellery and clothing with your cocktail ring.  As it will most likely be the showpiece of your outfit.  A little black dress is ideal for a party and sets the stage perfectly for your striking coloured ring.

What jewellery is best combined with a cocktail ring? Browse BAUNAT's online collection. Which occasions best lend themselves to wearing my cocktail ring?  Consult the jewellery experts at BAUNAT for style tips.

Browse the BAUNAT diamond ring

What other designs are there?

There's no doubt that cocktail rings make you stand out from the crowd. A stylish accessory to complete your outfit with. What other styles of rings are a must in your jewellery box? Which styles are for everyday wear and can be combined? Find out here.

Frequently asked Questions

Ring sizer

A ring sizer is a device to measure your ring size. There are different ways to measure your ring size. A jeweler, for example, has a set of metallic or plastic rings, which are listed from small to big, in order to figure out the right size. If you already have a ring that fits well, you can use a ring stick where you slide the ring on and simply read the ring size. The plastic ring sizer, whom BAUNAT offers for free, works rather like a plastic little belt that you turn on your finger, after which you can easily read your personal ring size.

What ring size should I choose?

Standard measures are offered for earrings, bracelets and necklaces. If these standards do not suit you, please contact our diamond jewellery advisor on info@baunat.com or by phone (please dial +32 3 201 24 90).

For rings, it is important that you choose the right size, but it can be difficult to know what ring size to buy. If you do not know your ring size, here are a few ways of finding it out:

  1. Order a free ring sizer
     
  2. Use our comparative table if you know your ring size in another standard that the one BAUNAT uses.
     
  3. Measure a ring that properly fits the right finger
     
  4. Send us a ring that fits the right finger perfectly
     
  5. Download a paper ring sizer
     
  6. Ask family or friends
     
  7. Visit our showroom
     
  8. Finally some tips in order to determine the right ring size

What different styles of diamongemd engaent ring settings does BAUNAT offer?

For engagement rings, different types of settings are possible. You can find BAUNAT’s most used ones below:
 
    1. The solitaire prong setting has one single diamond held in place by prongs, so it catches the most light.
    2. The pavé setting positions many diamonds in a row so closely that hardly any metal is visible, resulting in a brilliant shine.
    3. Channel setting is a method where diamonds are suspended between two rails of metal, called channels.
    4. The bezel setting is a traditional, labour-intensive technique where the metal surrounds the diamond and forms a frame around the stone.

    1. The Prong setting

    The solitaire prong setting has one single diamond that acts as the centrepiece of the ring. Claws position the centre diamond so it catches the most light. BAUNAT diamond engagement rings either have four or six claws. A setting with four claws makes the diamond appear more square-like while one with six claws makes it appear more round.

    The name ‘prong setting’ refers to the so-called ‘claws’. The prong setting is most commonly used for engagement rings worldwide. This setting is also suitable for almost all shapes of diamonds.

    The claws can be very thin or wider and can be finished in a round, square, or pointed shape. This depends on the design of the jewel and the style of each goldsmith.

    Order this white gold prong setting engagement ring today.

    The advantages of the prong setting:

    - The diamond catches the most light
    - The prongs are small, therefore a larger part of the diamond is visible
    - The diamond in the ring is easy to clean
    - Claws in white gold or platinum are barely visible on the white diamond 

     

    2. The pavé setting

    The term 'pavé setting' comes from the French language and translates as ‘paved’. The individual small diamonds in a pavé diamond ring resemble tiny paving stones, hence the name. In an engagement ring with a pavé setting, small diamonds are placed next to each other and fixed with small prongs that look like beads. These claws are worked out directly from the gathering point of the metal. This way, hardly any metal is visible.

    The advantages of pavé setting:

    - The many small prongs make the diamonds sparkle, although only small diamonds are used
    - The price of a ring with many smaller stones is considerably lower than a ring set with one big diamond

     

    3. The Channel setting

    Channel setting is a method where diamonds are suspended between two rails of metal, called channels. The diamond is put in place, and the metal on top is pushed down, tightening the diamond.

    This way, we create a continuous line of diamonds.

    Channel settings, together with pave settings, are commonly used for diamond alliance rings and wedding bands. At BAUNAT, most of our designs with channel settings have princess-cut diamonds, but we can also use round or baguette diamonds (tailor-made).

    Discover this channel set round diamond engagement ring.

    The advantages of the channel setting

    - Because the diamonds are placed next to each other, it gives the impression of continuous brilliance
    - The surface is very smooth
    - These rings can be combined with other ring designs easily

     

    4. The Bezel setting

    The bezel setting is a traditional, very labour-intensive goldsmith technique. The metal surrounds the diamond and forms a frame around the stone. There is another precious metal strip (frame), which supports the diamond in the socket. The bezel engagement ring setting is particularly well suited for round cut (brilliant) or oval diamonds.

    The advantages of the bezel setting

    - Because of the border of the precious metal, the diamond is protected against damage
    - The bezel is open at the bottom, creating a higher radiance and more fire
    - Because of the metal surrounding the diamond, it will appear larger than it actually is
    - Because of the fact that there are no prongs, this setting will not get stuck behind any clothing

    Choose your favorite setting with your BAUNAT ring.

    These are the most common setting methods. Of course, BAUNAT can also offer other types of settings in her tailor-made jewellery. Please contact info@baunat.com in case you are interested in a tailor-made jewel with a different diamond setting.

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    Fabienne Rauw