A cocktail ring is a large, flashy ring worn as a statement piece. They first became popular in the 1920s during the time of Prohibition.

During Prohibition, the wealthy elite attended illegal parties where they would drink, smoke, listen to music, dance, and even gamble. This was also a time when women were becoming more liberated; they cut their hair, raised their hemlines, and attended parties without a date.

In order to prove they were modern and independent, women often bought themselves large cocktail rings. They did this to show they had the financial means to take care of themselves. When they attended parties, they would show off their extravagant rings as they sipped cocktails.

Cocktail rings are meant to be noticed. They were traditionally worn as statement pieces, and on one hand. But they were also paired with other gemstone accessories like long necklaces, rings, and earrings to complement elegant eveningwear.

And while people today still wear cocktail rings for a special occasion, they also wear them for a bold, regular night out look. If you have a special ring you want to wear for dinner out with friends, do it. Create fun looks and styles by coordinating your outfit with your cocktail ring.

You can also add variety to your looks by pairing your ring with other pieces in your jewelry collection. Mix and match a diamond cocktail ring with jewelry that features a different gemstone or color of metal.

Accent your cocktail ring with a necklace or pendant that features smaller stones (bigger gemstones could take attention away from it). And if your ring is yellow gold, pair it with sterling silver bracelets. There are so many ways you can wear your cocktail ring. Experiment with looks until you find one that works for you.

Yes, a cocktail ring can be an engagement ring. One great upside to having a cocktail ring for an engagement ring is this type of ring can come in a variety of style options.

If a white diamond cocktail ring is not what you have in mind, you have many other options. Maybe you love the color blue. In that case, alexandrite will sparkle just as beautifully, as will tanzanite and aquamarine. Turquoise is also a nice choice if you want something blue but not so sparkly. If you love purple, a purple diamond, amethyst, or tourmaline would be lovely too.

Style and design aside, it's important to remember that choosing a cocktail ring for an engagement ring is a big commitment. If you are thinking about choosing a cocktail ring for this purpose, there are some points to consider.

Cocktail rings are meant to be bold, colorful, and loud. No matter how you wear one, it will always stand out. If this is a ring you plan to wear daily, you will want to be sure it matches your overall style.

If you choose a cocktail ring that matches your style and the colors you wear regularly, it shouldn't clash too much with your day-to-day wardrobe.

Wear your cocktail ring on your index, middle, or ring finger. If you try to wear your ring on your thumb or pinky you may find it is too heavy. Additionally, most people wear their cocktail rings on their right hands. This is especially true if they are wearing an engagement ring or wedding band on their left hand.

If you don't have a wedding or engagement ring to wear, then consider wearing your cocktail ring on your dominant hand. If you do, your ring will get much more attention.

Yes, cocktail rings are in style. There was a brief time, during the 1960s and 1970s, when they fell out of style. But thanks to the extravagant 1980s, cocktail rings came back in full swing and never really left.

Cocktail ring styles have evolved since their inception in the 1920s. Back then a traditional ring would have featured a large center gemstone like a diamond, ruby, or sapphire. That large gemstone would have been surrounded by smaller gemstones (usually a halo) and set in a band featuring beautiful filigree work or engraving.

Modern cocktail rings feature anything from traditional center stones and halos to intricate designs and unusual gemstones. You can also find them with gemstone encrusted bands, mixed metal designs, and in a variety of settings.