The cocktail ring: boldness and elegance
The term "cocktail ring" emerged during the Prohibition era in the 1920s in the United States , a time when speakeasies operated secretly underground. Every woman aspired to be part of this clandestine cocktail culture. To gain access, however, women had to follow two rules: constantly hold a glass of alcohol and make sure others noticed their access to forbidden drinks.
In response to these rules, to proclaim their equality with men, women began adorning their fingers with extravagant rings to attract everyone's attention . These cocktail rings typically feature a large center stone accented by smaller gems, mounted on raised supports to amplify their brilliance with a dramatic halo effect. This design results in a refined and distinctive piece of jewelry.
Worn on the right hand in deliberate contrast to the traditional ring finger, the cocktail ring became a symbol of female independence and a clear statement of personal purchase. Throughout the following decades of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, the cocktail ring became a must-have accessory for women attending cocktail parties, chic restaurants, or evenings at the opera.
