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Finger Bling: Sporting the Cocktail Ring this Season

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A well-placed, oversized ring — aka the cocktail ring — might be just what I need to spice up my look this spring. Sure, the cocktail ring is less talked about today than in 2012 when Beyonce debuted her giant blue tanzanite finger candy, but fashion gals like to set trends more than follow them anyway.

The right-hand cocktail ring has long been a go-to style move for celebs. It’s been less popular with the mainstream, maybe because the big ring style can easily take your look from chic to shocking. There was a time when we here at Budget Fashionista said this about cocktail rings: It used to be the only people who wore cocktail rings were women named Marg, who lived in Miami with a husband who looks like Walter Matthau and a pet chihuahua named Baby. Marg kept her furniture covered with plastic and drove a 1989 pink Cadillac Seville that she got from selling Mary Kay. 

Although we made fun of Marg, she was, in fact, ahead of her time. Cocktail rings are an easy way to look glam without breaking out the entire jewelry box or breaking the bank. (Oh, you laugh…but I can spend insane amounts of time fussing with accessories to create a perfect style. But with the right cocktail ring, I have all I need to make my look pop. Problem solved).

How to Wear a Cocktail Ring

Typically, a cocktail ring features a large colored stone. If you have a large jewelry budget, that colored stone might be of the semi-precious variety — ruby, citrine, aquamarine or amethyst. The budget variety cocktail ring features a more affordable stone, such as cubic zirconia, crystal or blue topaz. Either option gives you a piece that easily adds spice to your accessory collection at a far cheaper price point than a diamond ring. Cocktail rings are particularly great for women with larger hands, as they can easily overpower a petite set of fingers.

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A simple cocktail ring featuring one stone and subtle setting can be worn for almost any non-sporting occasion. Pair a cocktail ring with a simple LBD for a date, or with jeans and a blazer for casual office days. Keep the rest of your finger jewelry to a minimum. If you have a different wedding or engagement ring, wear the cocktail ring on your right hand. You don’t want it to dwarf your relationship ring.

How to shop for a cocktail ring that doesn’t look cheap

Do choose rings with one focal stone. The most versatile designs have only one large focal stone. Too many stones in a large ring are harder to wear, since they’re more likely to appear tacky if paired with the wrong outfit.

Don’t choose cubic zirconia. Unless your goal is to fake it ’til you make it, then skip the CZ. This stone tends to make a cocktail ring look gaudy.

Do pick darker stones. Darker stones make for a more dramatic, expensive-looking ring.

Do pay attention to size. If you have smaller hands, make sure the stone doesn’t extend past the bottom of your knuckles.

Budget Cocktail Ring Picks

Grey stone cocktail ring by Swarovski
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Swarovski’s Lattitude cocktail ring features a gray crystal stone with a band that’s placed in rose gold. For $79, this stunning piece is a bargain. 

Blue stone cocktail ring by Kendra Scott

A polished brass setting gives this ring from Asa Kaftans ($97) a rich, Old World feel. 

The focal point in this ring by Kendra Scott ($95) is the blue howlite — which doubles down on variation for impact.

Cocktail ring from JCPenney

This pick violates our rule above about having one focal stone, but fashion rules are meant to be broken, right? The multi-stone design works here because the colors and sizes of the stones are complementary. Even though there are four stones, the overall design remains fairly simple. You can get this ring on sale right now for $45 at JCPenney.

Are you wearing cocktail rings this season? Leave a comment and let us know.

coco

Wednesday 8th of August 2007

best place to get these rings are at thrift stores.  i have three and they are so much fun, esp when you are at a bar or cocktail party!

Robin

Thursday 9th of August 2007

I love cocktail rings.. you can wear them all year round with any outfit! Short fingers, fat fingers, skinny or long, just gotta find the right one that flatters your finger. Then let the bling shine!

Isabel

Thursday 9th of August 2007

My husband bought me an awesome Swarovski cocktail ring last year for our anniversary and I love it.  It totally takes an outfit to the next level.

Alicia

Wednesday 8th of August 2007

I wear my 5ct amethyst everyday!  It is my signature piece of jewelry and it is also my birthstone.  Just remember, when you are wearing a ring of that size to have your nails looking decent.

manasvi

Wednesday 8th of August 2007

I love cocktail rings, even in summer. not the massive ones. In fact, I have a ruby one, that looks great with candy pink and lime green in summer and I will wear no matter whether the trend is in or out.

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