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I have seen discussions on here referencing cocktail rings, and it made me curious as to whether we were being consistent or even accurate in our perceptions of what a cocktail ring really is. So I did a little research and came up with the following information regarding the history and definition as well as some links with examples of cocktail rings. The definition basically boils down to a large ring, often with a large center stone and pave diamond accents.
"The cocktail ring is meant to be a dramatic large ring, worn at cocktail parties. The cocktail ring was especially popular to wear during US prohibition at illegal cocktail parties. Such a ring flaunted not only the fact that one was drinking illegally, but also that one was doing it with style.
Popularity of the cocktail ring gained in the 1940s and 1950s, as cocktail parties continued to be popular events. Although cocktail parties are less common now, wearing a cocktail ring with huge diamonds or other large precious or semi-precious gems is still popular for formal dressy occasions, and especially for events like premieres of films, Broadway theater productions, or award shows like the Oscars or Emmys......
Even in the heyday of the cocktail ring, not all could afford to purchase huge diamonds. Other stones like amethysts, garnets, peridot, and blue topaz became popular substitutions since they were of far less expense. Today this trend continues, with many a cocktail ring having a large central stone of a less expensive gem. The larger the stone, the more easily one can spot flaws. It may be possible however to order a setting, and then purchase a loose stone of the quality and size one wants.
If one is purchasing a loose stone for a cocktail ring, one should consider a stone of at least three carats, and preferably five or more carats. The general rule is that the bigger the stone, the better. The cocktail ring is supposed to catch and dazzle the eye. It is also supposed to be opulent and overdone."
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-cocktail-ring.htm
"The cocktail ring is meant to be a dramatic large ring, worn at cocktail parties. The cocktail ring was especially popular to wear during US prohibition at illegal cocktail parties. Such a ring flaunted not only the fact that one was drinking illegally, but also that one was doing it with style.
Popularity of the cocktail ring gained in the 1940s and 1950s, as cocktail parties continued to be popular events. Although cocktail parties are less common now, wearing a cocktail ring with huge diamonds or other large precious or semi-precious gems is still popular for formal dressy occasions, and especially for events like premieres of films, Broadway theater productions, or award shows like the Oscars or Emmys......
Even in the heyday of the cocktail ring, not all could afford to purchase huge diamonds. Other stones like amethysts, garnets, peridot, and blue topaz became popular substitutions since they were of far less expense. Today this trend continues, with many a cocktail ring having a large central stone of a less expensive gem. The larger the stone, the more easily one can spot flaws. It may be possible however to order a setting, and then purchase a loose stone of the quality and size one wants.
If one is purchasing a loose stone for a cocktail ring, one should consider a stone of at least three carats, and preferably five or more carats. The general rule is that the bigger the stone, the better. The cocktail ring is supposed to catch and dazzle the eye. It is also supposed to be opulent and overdone."
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-cocktail-ring.htm
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