How do I wear a cocktail ring?

Cocktail rings were designed for evening wear, intended to make a dramatic visual statement on the hand. They often feature oversized coloured gemstones like aquamarines or sapphires surrounded by diamonds. Due to their substantial size and projecting mounts, they are best worn as a single standalone piece to let the design work without competition from other jewellery.

Are these rings suitable for daily wear?

Many mid-century rings are robustly constructed in platinum or 18ct gold, making them durable enough for everyday use. However, pieces with softer gemstones like turquoise or opals require greater care to avoid impact damage. Checking the security of the prongs with a jeweller periodically ensures that larger stones remain firmly anchored in their original settings.

How can I tell a 1940s ring from a 1960s ring?

Rings from the 1940s often reflect retro military-inspired or scrollwork motifs, frequently utilising rose and yellow gold with old cut diamonds. By contrast, the 1960s embraced starker modernist lines, asymmetrical lattices, and white gold or platinum. Hallmarks and date letters stamped inside the band provide the most precise confirmation of the manufacturing year.