What Is a Dress Ring?

Whether it is a class ring from university or a wedding ring inherited for generations, people wear rings for many reasons. One type of ring known as a ‘dress ring’ has seen a resurgence as of late. Real sapphire rings, along with rings featuring other precious stones, are often a go-to choice for both men and women looking to make a statement. 

From Frumpy to Fabulous

The idea of dress rings became fashionable in the 1920s–this unforgettable era saw the liberation of women’s fashion. Head-to-toe women’s clothing was out and skirts and exposed shoulders were in. With this revolution in clothing came a revolution in the world of jewellery. Sometimes called a ‘cocktail ring,’ the dress ring became a central part of a woman’s outfit. 

These rings were often oversized and designed to make a statement. Featuring intricate metalwork settings used as the basis for eye-catching precious gems, dress rings made a splash in the nightlife-centric world of the roaring ‘20s. 

These rings could often be seen alongside bracelets, armbands, necklaces, and even bejewelled headwear that featured a multi-colour spectrum of brilliant stones. With the arrival of the great depression, wearing such opulent jewellery fell out of fashion in favour of more humble offerings.

The 1950s Resurgence

In the post-WWII era, the ladies of Hollywood could be seen on every magazine cover showing off modern jewelled creations on the red carpet. This was the dawn of celebrity culture, and millions of people purchased their first television sets and tuned in to see what celebrities were up to. 

Famous starlets such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn were role models to millions of young women around the world. The outfits and dress rings worn on the French Riviera ended up gracing the bodies and hands of everyday women as soon as the latest magazines hit the newsstands.  

Many rings worn during this era were bespoke pieces made by the great jewellers of the day. Other pieces were hand-me-downs from mothers and grandmothers who lived a life full of nighttime adventure some thirty years prior!

Modern Times, Bold Statements

While heirloom jewellery has never gone out of style, there are only so many pieces available. The supply of antique dress rings may be limited, but the images they conjure of a life without regret are not. Fashions of the 1920s have come around once again, and with them came the trend in bespoke dress rings. 

What Makes a Ring a Dress Ring?

Dress rings are not intended to be humble. They are made to catch the eye and draw attention. Usually featuring a prominent centre gem surrounded by several smaller stones, these rings are the opposite of subtle. 

The other feature of a dress ring is its size–the metalwork alone can use twice the amount of precious metal as other rings. Part of their weight comes from size alone, but dress rings also often feature complex patterns, boasting intertwining designs made of spirals, loops, and sculpted metal. 

Dress Rings for the Modern Era

When they first hit the scene more than one hundred years ago, dress rings were made to be worn for special occasions. Today, many women realise the utility of wearing rings for everyday use. Why spend money on a beautiful custom ring, only to wear it out just a few nights a year? 

This change in women’s jewellery has led to a change in men’s jewellery. Some women today have flipped the script and purchased men’s engagement rings for their husbands-to-be, and this has extended to dress rings. It’s not uncommon today to see a man sporting rings with precious stones. 

Closing Words

Any occasion is a fantastic time to make a statement about one’s character with a dress ring. They can be seen in the office, on the street, and as nightlife outfit accents. 

Modern dress rings come in as many colours and styles as there are personalities to wear them. These wearable works of art are a tribute to the women who first wore them over a century ago, and they continue to captivate all these years later!