Cocktails, anyone? The story behind the “cocktail ring.”

Large, Dramatic, and Bold – the calling characteristics of the cocktail ring.

This jewel box essential coined its famous name during the prohibition era.  Women often wore these rings at illegal cocktail parties to flaunt their rule breaking and style making.

Cocktail rings, also referred to as statement rings, nowadays are worn for special and casual occasions. These statement pieces come in a variety of styles, metals, colors, shapes, and sizes, and they are typically adorned with man-made or imitation sparkling stones.

Cocktail rings came into fashion during the 1930s but grew in popularity during the 1940s, 50s and 60s as cocktail parties became a popular way to entertain.  Although cocktail parties subsequently became less common, now they are gaining in popularity again. 

While the old trend was to create rings with precious gemstones like diamonds and precious stones, now most cocktail rings are made with faux stones...but faux = fun.  These fab fun jewel box essentials are conversation starters.  Many are very high quality, and some are inspired reproductions of famous rings donned by celebrities, fashionista, and the elite.  So grab a glass and glam up your hand with maybe one, two, or even three if you dare.

My favorite cocktail recipes:

Manhattan (my mother’s favorite)

• 2 oz Whiskey
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Pour all ingredients over ice into a mixing glass. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.  Photo:Dave Robbins Photography viaStyle Me Pretty 

The French 75

• 1 ½ oz Gin
• ½ oz St. Germain
• ½ oz Lemon Juice
• ¼ oz Simple Syrup
• Champange or Sparkling Wine

Combine the Gin, St. Germain, lemon and syrup, shake with ice, pour into a chilled coctail glass or champagne coupe. Top with champagne - pour slowly over the back of a spoon to get a great layered effect. 

Photo and recipe:Oh So Beautiful Paper 

The Sidecar (my father’s favorite)

• 1 ½ oz Cognac
• ¾ oz Lemon Juice
• ¾ oz Cointreau 

Shake all the ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with lemon peel, and enjoy.