How Big Are Cocktail Rings?

photo credit)

Fashion trends come and go, but classic things never go out of fashion. Some timeless and elegant pieces have developed over the years, and people still talk about and wear them. A timeless piece like an eye-catching cocktail ring can make a statement and add some elegance.

What is a cocktail ring?

A cocktail ring is a large, three-dimensional ring that is generally set with a large center stone surrounded by smaller stones. These cocktail rings are dramatic and colorful to make them ideal for a cocktail party.

Put a decorative cocktail ring on your finger, and it’s sure to draw attention while showcasing your style and personality.

(photo credit)

In the 1920s, alcohol was banned in America. Cocktails were only served at illegal parties, so going to these parties for alcohol was an extravagant affair. Cocktail rings first became popular during prohibition. Women would dress up and pair their cocktail drinks with cocktail rings to make a lavish statement.

Back in that time, cocktail rings were made of expensive metals and precious gems, so the bigger they were, the more extravagant and expensive they were. 

Today, women wearing cocktail rings to flaunt their style while elevating any outfit. So cocktail rings are made of affordable metals and gemstones were created to make the style more accessible to anyone.

How to wear cocktail rings?

Because cocktail rings are bold and dramatic, we generally just wear one cocktail ring at once, and it is usually worn on the right hand against the confusion with an engagement or wedding ring

If you favor a more modern look, you can layer and stack rings on your hand with a few simple and dainty rings for a hip and edgy vide.

How big are cocktail rings? 

You might be wondering how big are cocktail rings? The answer is never too big! When choosing a cocktail ring, many wearers tend to think that massive looking cocktail rings will appear tacky. If cocktail rings are not big and oversized, then they don’t look as dramatic as they are supposed to be. So go ahead and choose your favorite cocktail ring. Be bold and be brilliant!

What are cocktail rings and how did they become so popular?

You may have seen movie stars wear exaggerated rings with huge gems walking down the red carpet at the Oscars. Or maybe at a fancy party where immaculately dressed women show off their big colorful rings while holding a glass of red wine.

Appropriately enough, these rings which pair so well with formal drinking occasions are actually called “cocktail rings”.

The United States in the 1920s was a time of social change for women. During that time, women were able to progress and achieve newfound freedoms that they did not have before. Women started to attain the freedom of vote, the freedom to work and even the basic freedom of enjoying fashion. At the same time that new freedoms were being obtained, others were being lost. This was also the time of prohibition and alcoholic beverages were banned. However, this law did not cause the desired outcome of a full renunciation of alcohol. Instead, prohibition forced drinking underground with alcohol still flowing at illegal drinking parties and speakeasies. This illegal alcohol was often expensive and these parties could be glamorous affairs. Attendees would dress to the nines. Many women would wear huge gems on their fingers to draw attention to themselves while drinking their forbidden cocktails. This is how cocktail rings got the name.


Cocktail rings soon became a symbol of a woman’s capabilities and competence from the freedoms attained from the 1920s. Cocktail rings came to represent women’s independence in the economy and in society. While the left-hand ring finger is most commonly associated with wedding rings, the right-hand ring finger has become a signal of independence and competence.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is tk2503.jpg
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is tk2804.jpg

As time passed, cocktails rings evolved to become a way for women to show their unique personality and identity. At the same time, the designs of cocktail rings started to become more diverse. From flower motifs to chunky-blend elements, these unique designs reflect a woman’s self-confidence, respect, love, and beauty. Now you can pick your favorite cocktail ring to show off your personality and distinguish yourself from the crowd.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is tk1729.jpg
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is tk2974.jpg
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is tk2123.jpg

To show “YOU”, you can choose a cocktail ring that reflects your personality. The color and style of the unique statement pieces are the full deep meaning of you.

Minimalist, make way for Maximalist

After dominating for the past few seasons, minimalist dainty rings may be on their way out. The classic cocktail ring has been taken to new extremes on the runway in the Autumn/Winter 2019/2020 season. Check out these audacious and ostentatious cocktail rings from Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga and Oscar de la Renta.

The move away from minimalist, dainty jewelry is evident on the street as well. At this year’s South by Southwest, big and exaggerated was the name of the game for rings and accessories. A heavy emphasis on crystal and turquoise displays the trend toward oversized shapes that suggests a mystical and bohemian look.

SXSW 2019


Looking for similar styles to fill out your collection?

Check out our wide selection of cocktail and statement rings, turquoise jewelry and animal inspired accessories.

Extra-Large Champagne Statement Ring
Adjustable Swallow Ring
Antique Copper Style Elephant Statement Ring
Stainless Steel Celtic Inspired Turquiose Ring