There’s no such thing as too much of a good ring
If you want to ring in 2022 with a look that makes a big...well...statement, a statement ring is your secret weapon. Statement rings, also called cocktail rings, first emerged in America in the 1920s, and, believe it or not, actually represent a huge turning point for women’s rights. To shed the gendered expectations of the past, women began by cutting things off. Literally. Women chopped the long locks prescribed by Victorian and Edwardian etiquette into short and chic Parisian bobs. Dress hems shortened along with the hairstyles, as the stiff and formal floor-length gowns, high collars, and tight corsetry of the 1800s was replaced by loose-fitting, androgynous, and—shock, horror!—short dresses and skirts. Women gained financial independence. They went out. They dated. They danced! They wore trousers! But Prohibition passed, criminalizing the consumption of alcohol, which really put a damper on the whole “independence” thing. Rebel girls of the Roaring 20s didn’t let this tiny little obstacle stop them though. They attended wild parties at mansions and speakeasies, drank alcohol, and danced the night away. If all of that wasn’t bold enough, these flappers, after defying society and the law, wanted everyone to know it. They began wearing gigantic, flashy rings to attract attention to their hands, and thus, to the very illegal alcohol those hands held. These spectacular rings became known as cocktail rings. Luckily today, you don’t have to sneak into a shady basement just to have a girls’ night, but thanks to these art deco dissenters who took their freedom into their own hands, we have a timeless piece of statement jewelry. And also voting rights. And safer working conditions. And, really, a lot of important stuff.
If you think about it, the cocktail ring is really the OG “one ring to rule them all.” It represents an important history of defiance and bravery. Even today, it invites women, who are still told to make themselves small for the comfort of others, to stand out and sparkle. And despite the name, it isn’t solely reserved for cocktails and fancy parties. The sheer versatility of statement rings means that you can have one for the office, one for weekend brunch, and, yes, one for Gatsby-style nights on the town. While it is true that one does not simply walk into Mordor, one can simply walk into Deutsch and browse our favorite statement rings for work events, casual events, and formal events. Become Queen of the Rings with our style guide.
Our top picks for statement rings for work events
When selecting jewelry for an office or business casual setting, you want to pick pieces that are beautiful, but functional. A key part of pairing work appropriate jewelry is balancing pieces carefully; instead of a big bracelet, necklace, ring, and earrings, opt for just diamond studs and a gold necklace, or dangly earrings and a stunning statement ring from John Apel Jewelry. Because the brand’s signature is airy, nature-inspired pieces, they provide a multitude of pretty and eye-catching cocktail rings that will complement, rather than overpower, your look. The John Apel Two Finger Diamond Ring is a unique piece in that it hooks onto two fingers rather than one like a traditional cocktail ring. By distributing the charming 18k rose gold and 1.82 ct diamond flowers of the ring over two fingers instead of one, the effect of this statement ring is made softer, and more subtle, which is perfect for the office. A more traditional design can be found in the John Apel Diamond Snake Ring, a sterling silver statement ring that slithers up the finger like a cobra. Inlaid with 1.08 carats of twinkling diamonds for added pizzazz, this snake ring is a simple, but sultry way of elevating your workplace look.
Our top picks for statement rings for casual events
When selecting jewelry for casual events, you want to pick pieces that are playful and full of personality. Heavy, ornate statement rings are to be avoided for occasions like this. Instead of these more formal pieces, try giving bohemian gemstone statement rings a whirl. Vivid gemstones bring color and elegance to your look, while quirky or raw-cut designs add a carefree, artistic flair. Breathe some life into your everyday jewelry with statement rings from the fabulous Lauren K Fine Jewelry! Designed in the brand’s trademark boho aesthetic, Lauren K pieces generally feature natural or raw-cut gemstones set into warm 18k yellow gold. The Lauren K Mischa Free-Form Boulder Ring is a perfect representation of the Lauren K look. Each cocktail ring showcases a one-of-a-kind boulder opal surrounded by .47 ct of diamonds, all set in 18k yellow gold. The irregular shape and eccentric coloring of the opal basically screams “free spirit” to us. Another “free spirit” piece, the Lauren K Diya Watermelon Tourmaline Ring, definitely has us on a watermelon sugar high. With its fetching pear-shaped watermelon tourmalines and .57 ct diamond accents, this 18k yellow gold statement ring will definitely have you ringing a different tune by the end of the day.
Our top picks for statement rings for formal events
When selecting jewelry for formal events, you want to bring your big guns, or, in this case, your big gems. Glamor, sophistication, and panache are your priorities for these events, and when it comes to statement rings, that means...more is more. No one knows luxe better than Jye’s International, a brand that specializes in diamond and precious gemstone jewelry. Jye’s International’s selection of cocktail rings ranges from delightfully three-dimensional diamond pieces set in buttery yellow gold to vividly vibrant sapphire, ruby, and emerald pieces set in platinum. Basically, there’s a statement ring for everyone here. Dazzle at the dance with the Jye’s Diamond Crossover Ring, a statement ring set in a dramatic harlequin pattern of finely textured 18k yellow gold and diamond-encrusted 18k white gold. Prance like a peacock in the striking Jye's Multi Color Sapphire Ring, a marvel of color and radiance set into 18k white gold. Blossom beautifully in the Jye's Diamond Flower Ring, a lustrous lily of luminescence displaying an impressive diamond flower composed of 3.93 ct baguette diamonds and a central .27 ct cluster of round diamonds. Long live the (statement) ring!