Aug 24 2009
A Look Back At Fashion Rings
There are many different kinds of jewelry items that have a particular history, however the story behind two very unique and different fashion rings, cocktail rings and ring hand rings, is not commonly known. Both of these fashion rings continue to be very popular both with real gems and with faux gems, just as they were when they first came into vogue.
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 first use of the cocktail ring, or at least by that name, goes back to the yearly years of prohibition in the United States. In these times, which dated between 1920 and 1933, any type of liquor was prohibited by law; however that didn't stop the speakeasy clubs from finding ways to supply alcohol, bringing in the era of the nightclub. Women attending these secret nightclubs wore large fashion rings, which soon came be known as cocktail 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.
Right hand ring fashion rings came into style when women took significant steps into the workplace and wanted to be able to display their independence and their own unique personalities. They are called right hand rings both because of the hand they are worn on and because they are often purchased by a woman herself, rather than like an engagement or wedding ring that is purchased for her.
This trend certainly continues to today, however right hand rings are also purchased by husbands and boyfriends for gifts and special occasions. Fashion rings that include right hand rings are the second biggest selling style of diamond rings, next, of course, to wedding rings.
Right hand rings can be more like the larger, flashy cocktail rings or they can be more simplistic and elegant styles of fashion rings. Most will be gemmed, either with diamonds or diamonds combined with other gemstones of various colors. Clusters and groupings of stones are very popular on both these styles of fashion rings.
Fashion rings are ideal for almost any type of occasion; however cocktail rings are typically worn for evening and formal events while right hand rings are worn more often as a daily wear ring. Regardless of the fashion rings name, they are sure to stay in style and be a popular addition to any jewelry collection for years to come.