What is a cocktail ring?<\/h2>\n
A cocktail ring \u2013 or \u2018dress\u2019 ring \u2013 is generally understood to be an exuberantly large, ostentatious ring, often set with a colourful precious stone in a complex design or surrounded by diamonds, but defining a cocktail ring exactly can be a bit tricky. \u2018It\u2019s a prominent feature ring, not for everyday wear, but for a glamorous evening out,\u2019 says Burlington Arcade antique jewellery dealer Susannah Lovis. \u2018It\u2019s a fabulous statement piece of jewellery, almost a conversation piece. And while it doesn\u2019t necessarily need to be expensive, it always has to have that \u2018wow\u2019 factor,\u2019 she adds.<\/p>\n
\u2018To me, a cocktail ring is a ring that you would wear out to enjoy yourself \u2013 a showstopper piece,\u2019 agrees dealer Jessica Buckle, of Buckle Bow Pearl, who first had her interest piqued by an antique<\/a> high-set cameo ring her grandmother gave her, which she now wears every day. \u2018Antique cocktail rings are simply the best \u2013 some of them are unbelievably beautiful and they really do make you gasp,\u2019 she enthuses.<\/p>\n \u2018Cocktail rings first appeared in America in the 1920s during Prohibition, when cocktails<\/a> disguised alcohol and made low-quality bootlegged concoctions drinkable,\u2019 explains Matt Reeves of Gatsby Jewellery. \u2018Anti-Prohibition parties were magnets for the upper-class. They were associated with socialising and illicit drinking.\u2019<\/p>\n The trend for luxurious cocktail rings spread throughout Europe, too. During this era, women gained many rights and freedoms. \u2018In several countries, women got the right to vote, and with these newfound rights came a new attitude,\u2019 says Matt. \u2018Hair got shorter, as did dresses, and women began to frequent cocktail parties, accompanied or alone. They could smoke, drink and have as good a time as any man could. Because of all of these factors, women wanted to show they were self-sufficient, and what better way to do so than to sport a huge, lavish ring?\u2019<\/p>\n According to Susannah Lovis, in the Victorian and Georgian eras, the fashion was for large necklaces and hairpieces rather than rings. \u2018Cocktail rings really became popular in the Art Deco period<\/a>. Diamonds had been discovered in South Africa and platinum was affordable. This combination ensured that large stones could be set in a sufficiently dense material to accommodate them,\u2019 she explains.<\/p>\n When it comes to cocktail rings, bigger is always better. \u2018The brighter the ring, the more interesting the wearer was perceived to be,\u2019 says Matt Reeves. \u2018Cocktail rings continued to grow in popularity and reached their peak in the 1950s. A great economy and more conspicuous consumerism meant that people were buying houses, cars and household appliances, and alongside these materials came the necessity to entertain. So, cocktail parties had a resurgence and so did the rings. If anything, the rings were more colourful and extravagant during this period, with larger stones.\u2019<\/p>\n Cocktail rings are still being made today and, according to the likes of Harper\u2019s Bazaar and Vogue, they\u2019re in fashion once again. The Goldsmiths\u2019 Centre (the UK\u2019s leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths) recently hosted a Zoom panel discussion entitled: \u2018Cocktail Rings \u2013 Go Big or Go Home!\u2019 to celebrate \u2018these glorious, glittering giants of the jewellery world.\u2019<\/p>\n As with so many collecting genres, it\u2019s the story behind each piece that appeals to Jessica Buckle, who sources rings from specialist dealers, auctions<\/a> and markets in the UK and Paris<\/a>. \u2018It\u2019s fun to wonder where a ring has been and who has worn it in the past before me,\u2019 she explains. \u2018That\u2019s why I love vintage<\/a> and antique<\/a> finds so much.\u2019<\/p>\n Some rings have hallmarks, which let you date them exactly, but a lot of the older pieces weren\u2019t stamped. \u2018Without the date stamp, it\u2019s hard to be exact and there\u2019s some guesswork, but you can look for clues,\u2019 reveals Jessica. \u2018Often, you can tell the age from the style \u2013 for example, Art Deco pieces are instantly recognisable \u2013 or you can test the gold or consult a gemologist if necessary.\u2019 Cocktail rings from the Art Deco era are Jessica\u2019s favourites. \u2018Lots of diamonds and pearls were used then. The designs are so striking with exquisite lines and angles \u2013 they\u2019re exceptional pieces of art.\u2019<\/p>\n A\u00a0 solid-gold smoky quartz or citrine vintage cocktail ring can start from around \u00a3175 in Jessica\u2019s online shop, while an Art Deco diamond ring can fetch up to \u00a35,000. \u2018Elsewhere, you can find cheaper vintage cocktail rings that are plated and, at the other end of the scale, you can spend thousands and thousands on antique Art Deco emerald and diamond cocktail rings in good condition.\u2019<\/p>\n Age can affect value, but quality and quantity of the gemstones and precious metals is what really impacts the price \u2013 plus fashion. Susannah Lovis has sold plenty of \u2018pear-shaped whoppers\u2019 in the past, but says she has noticed a recent trend for 1980s cocktail rings. She has a fabulous vintage 1980s Piaget ruby and diamond cluster ring in stock currently, for \u00a312,950.<\/p>\n When buying a vintage cocktail ring, always buy from a reputable dealer and ask if pieces are solid (as opposed to plated) and if they\u2019re genuinely vintage. \u2018There are a lot of replicas around,\u2019 warns Jessica. \u2018When you search online, lots of new jewellery is listed as \u2018vintage\u2019 and some cocktail rings may look old, but they\u2019re sometimes \u2018vintage inspired\u2019 rather than the real deal.\u2019 And it\u2019s always worth asking for the best price a dealer can do \u2013 sometimes they will have a bit of leeway and you might be able to haggle.<\/p>\n Collector and dealer Sharon Tauber, of Franziska Vintage Jewels on Etsy, says that caring for cocktail rings is similar to looking after any fine jewellery, although there are some differences to be aware of. \u2018You may need to check prongs more frequently with a large cocktail ring, as they may get knocked around a bit when worn,\u2019 she points out.<\/p>\n \u2018Some gemstones should not be immersed in water or cleaning fluids, or exposed to heat or ultrasonic cleaning. Antique pieces often need to be treated extra gently. If you aren\u2019t sure about how fragile your rings are, a soft, dry cloth is the way to go.\u2019\u00a0 If a ring is sturdy with diamonds, sapphires or rubies, Sharon uses a gentle toothbrush and warm water with a mild soap and a dash of vinegar for degreasing, followed by a good rinse (being careful not to potentially lose any loose stones down the sink!) then she either air-dries it or uses a hairdryer.<\/p>\n \u2018Storage of cocktail rings should be protective, so they aren\u2019t coming into direct contact with other jewellery,\u2019 she adds. \u2018Fragile and softer stones can be easily damaged when jumbled up with other pieces. Ideally, vintage cocktail rings should not be exposed to extreme heat or moisture and they should be kept out of direct sunlight, as some stones will actually change colour when exposed to prolonged sunlight.\u2019<\/p>\n Sizeable, sparkly and attention-grabbing \u2013 what\u2019s the most important feature to look for when choosing a cocktail ring? \u2018You must choose a ring that reflects your style,\u2019 advocates Sharon. As Elizabeth Taylor said: \u2018Jewellery has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.\u2019 Vintage bling can certainly make you feel special. \u2018I\u2019ve no hesitation wearing one during the day. If it makes me happy, then why not?\u2019<\/p>\n Buckle Bow Pearl is a shop that sells vintage, antique and small boutique designer jewellery, but specialise particularly in rings. And if you\u2019re searching for something from the Art Deco era, you\u2019ve come to the right place!<\/p>\n Visit Buckle Bow Pearl<\/a><\/p>\n Franziska\u2019s Etsy store Franziska Vintage Jewels offers a special interest in beautiful rings from the Victorian, Georgian and Art Deco periods. Prices of pieces in her store range from \u00a3150 to over \u00a35,000, so there\u2019s something for every budget and collector.<\/p>\n Visit Franziska Vintage Jewels<\/a><\/p>\n As the name suggests, Gatsby Jewellery sells vintage and antique jewellery from the Art Deco period, as well as Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian pieces.<\/p>\n Visit Gatsby Jewellery<\/a><\/p>\n Susannah Lovis stocks a vast range of beautiful Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco jewellery, and when it comes to cocktail rings, there\u2019s a wonderful selection of\u00a0Art Deco and 1950\u2019s rings in a variety of stones.<\/p>\n Visit Susannah Lovis<\/a><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re searching for an authentic vintage cocktail rings or a a future family heirloom, Victor Barbon\u00e9 has glamorous pieces new and old.<\/p>\n![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/19\/2022\/12\/Buckle-Bow-Pearl-cocktail-ring-49ef015.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C620"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>When did cocktail rings become fashionable?<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Are cocktail rings fashionable now?<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>How much do vintage cocktail rings cost?<\/h2>\n
How to care for vintage cocktail rings<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>How to clean vintage cocktail rings<\/h2>\n
Where to keep vintage cocktail rings<\/h2>\n
How to choose a vintage cocktail ring<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Where to buy vintage cocktail rings<\/h2>\n
Buckle Bow Pearl<\/h3>\n
Franziska Vintage Jewels<\/h3>\n
Gatsby Jewellery<\/h3>\n
Susannah Lovis<\/h3>\n
Victor Barbon\u00e9<\/h3>\n