Cocktail Ring
Iconic of the roaring 1920s, the cocktail ring remains a timeless piece of jewelry that stands out thanks to its characteristic aesthetic and its colorful stones. After flattering the hands of the biggest Hollywood stars of the 1950s, this ring is back in the spotlight.
Castafiore invites you to discover the cocktail ring through a selection of vintage, old or second-hand jewelry. It's your turn, shine brightly by wearing a ring in the style of the women of festive and rebellious America.
The cocktail ring: a vintage jewel with a timeless design
The cocktail ring goes through several periods of development, it is influenced by different societal, but also artistic, developments. In particular, the aesthetic of jewelry will be lastingly marked by the Art Deco movement.
The Roaring Years of Prohibition and the Birth of the Cocktail Ring
The cocktail ring is a whole story and a whole symbol . Historically, this jewel was worn by women occasionally, that is to say from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., sacred cocktail hours. To better understand this tradition, let's start by tracing the origins of the cocktail. During the 1920s, the United States was in the middle of a period of Prohibition: the sale of alcohol was completely prohibited. This measure, however, had the effect of generalizing the development of clandestine distilleries and secret bars, then called “speakeasies” (because to order your drink, you had to whisper). The alcohol produced in this context is of low quality: so, to hide the taste, we get into the habit of adding other ingredients, the cocktail is then born.
It is mainly men who frequent speakeasies. As for the fairer sex, we mainly come across independent and emancipated women who, to avoid any misunderstanding about their marital status, wear rings whose aesthetic has nothing to do with that of traditional engagement jewelry. The cocktail ring is there to catch the eye, particularly on the hand that wears the glass then banned by society. From then on, we can see icons like Zelda Fitzgerald wearing the cocktail ring as a sign of rebellion and daring. The cocktail ring thus embodies the emulation and taste for the forbidden characteristic of the Roaring Twenties, it is the jewel par excellence of the “Flapper girl” or “boy”.
The cocktail ring or the icon of Hollywood glamor
When Prohibition ended in 1933, the cocktail ring became more discreet. However, she returned to the forefront thanks to Hollywood cinema which gave birth to glamorous female icons. Thanks to its aesthetic, the cocktail ring brings a final touch of sparkle to the most elegant outfits . We see icons like Audrey Hepburn or Elizabeth Taylor with sublime rings set with voluminous precious stones.
Of course, the cocktail ring will gradually evolve: in the 1960s, diamonds, sapphires and rubies will rub shoulders with onyx and even turquoise thanks to a counter-culture movement which advocates less conventional materials.
The cocktail ring is still present today for its timeless appearance, but also for its history. It always symbolizes self-expression, daring and avant-garde . Traditionally, it continues to be worn on the right hand , as opposed to the engagement ring. Vintage or second hand, it can stand on its own or be accompanied by more discreet and finer rings.
The characteristics of the cocktail ring
The cocktail ring is above all an imposing ring , because its objective is to attract the eye. As a ceremonial ring, it is set with voluminous and colorful stones. Most often, the jewel is composed of a large central stone, accompanied on each side by smaller gems. Made of white gold or yellow gold, the cocktail ring can also be accompanied by delicate pearls. The volume structure of the ring is certainly what makes the characteristic mark of this ancient jewel. Boldness is the term that could sum up the design of all cocktail rings whatever their period of manufacture. This audacity is reflected in the combinations of materials and in a design that attracts the eye and the light. Note that the Art Deco movement with its graphic and geometric shapes will have a strong influence on the design of cocktail rings. This design will also be perfectly appreciated during the 1980s, an essential period of ostentation which highlights oversize and splendor.
Choose your vintage, old or second-hand cocktail ring from Castafiore
Castafiore aims to restore old, vintage and second-hand jewelry to its former glory. Thanks to our selection of cocktail rings, we are aimed at all those who appreciate the very particular shapes of this iconic jewel.
You will find the most iconic shapes of this ring as well as colored stones of all kinds like aquamarine, emerald, pink sapphire, citrine, tourmaline, turquoise or more amethyst and even coral. Certainly, the designs of the cocktail rings that we have chosen to offer you are very diverse: you will discover the classic shapes of the ring (a central stone flanked by two gems), but also more ostentatious designs, made of curves or assertive geometric shapes. Among our selection, you will also find exceptional creations, designed by renowned houses such as Boucheron, Marchak, Cartier, Pomellato and Chopard.
How to take care of your cocktail ring?
The cocktail ring is a traditionally bulky ring , so we recommend that you remove it when you want to engage in activities that could damage it. Also be sure to take care of the precious stones that adorn it: for example, some stones are sensitive to heat, others can be severely weakened in the event of strong impact. Fine stones also deserve your attention: regularly check the setting in particular. Some old cocktail rings can be decorated with pearls : be aware that pearls appreciate contact with the skin, but can be damaged by the alcohol found in perfumes.
