Discovering the history behind jewelry pieces can be very interesting, plus it often gives an insight into the design of the pieces. Fashion rings are no different, and there are two distinct styles, cocktail rings and right hand rings, that have their own unique history. Although often only considered with real gemstones, both types of fashion rings are currently and historically often found with faux gems, but of course real is always much appreciated.
Cocktail rings are actually older than the other major type of fashion ring known as a right hand ring. Cocktail fashion rings as well as right hand rings are terms used to describe the larger, ornate rings that have really become fashion forward in the last 100 years or so.
The prohibition years are the origin of the cocktail rings we know and love today. During this time period which ran between 1920 and 1933, women and men would gather in secret clubs known as a speakeasy. Since alcohol was prohibited, these clubs became very popular and not to underground entertainments spots. Women wore extremely beautiful dresses to these social gatherings, topped of with gorgeous and elaborate rings.
The larger and the more spectacular the ring, the more it was in vogue at the time. After prohibition ended and styles changed, cocktail rings continued on to be very much in demand as fashion rings, plus they set the stage for the latest in gemstone jewelry.
Later, but not much longer after the cocktail rings, can other fashion rings known as right hand rings. These were specifically marketed for women that wanted a diamond ring but didn’t want to have to wait for a man to give it to her. Women that were in the workforce started declaring their independence and financial ability by purchasing beautiful diamond right hand rings for themselves.
However, that didn’t stop a lot of husbands and boyfriends from buying right hand rings as gifts. They are an ideal choice for fashion rings along, of course, with the classic cocktail rings. In reality right hand rings are some of the highest selling styles of rings and most include diamonds, although not all do.
Like cocktail rings, ring hand rings are designed to be larger, eye catching and often more designed that a typical band or simple gemmed ring. Like other types of fashion rings the right hand ring can be of any metal, however the typical features will include diamonds and other precious or semi-precious stones, often in clusters or elaborate designs.
In most situations the cocktail ring is still traditional worn for special events, evenings out and social gatherings. Right hand rings, as fashion rings, are worn all the time with any type of wardrobe. Finding several fashion rings, include cocktail and right hand rings, will give you a wide choice of fashion rings for every occasion and event.
