Statement Rings and Cocktail Rings: How to Choose and Wear One Bold Ring

The short answer: a statement ring is one large, decorative ring that carries the whole look, so wear it alone, on the index and middle finger, with plain clothes and a bare hand. A cocktail ring is the classic statement ring: big, bold and made to be seen. Choose metal, scale and colour to suit your hand and your wardrobe. Our pick this season is the Dries Van Noten Layered brass ring in Old Brass, handmade in brass and resin with layered floral elements. Browse our rings and jewellery edits and the full Dries Van Noten collection.

The cocktail ring took its name in the 1920s, when women wore large rings to parties during American Prohibition. It has stayed because one strong piece is the easiest way to change an outfit. Searches for “cocktail ring” run at about 27,000 a month worldwide, and “statement rings” at about 15,000.

Which finger to wear a statement ring on

How to choose a statement ring

• Scale to the hand. A ring wider than the finger looks deliberate on a long hand; on a small hand, choose height over width.
• Pick one metal story. Gold tones and brass suit warm skin and printed clothes; silver suits cool tones and black.
• Check the sizing. Statement rings come in letter sizes, S, M and L, and open adjustable bands. A heavy top spins on a loose band, so size snug.
• Know the material. Many fashion statement rings are brass, gold-plated brass and resin. Read is brass jewellery good before you buy.

How to wear a statement ring

Alone

Wear one ring and leave the bracelets on the other wrist, so nothing competes with it.

With plain clothes

A black knit, a white shirt and a camisole. A wrap top with a V neck frames the hands; see wrap tops for women.

With print

A gold-toned floral ring against a printed silk skirt, in the Dries Van Noten way. See silk skirts.

For evening

A cocktail ring with a long silk skirt and bare arms. More in how to wear a maxi skirt.

Our picks

1. Dries Van Noten Layered brass ring in Old Brass

Brass and resin with layered floral elements, handmade, in S, M and L.

2. Schiaparelli Eye Ring in Brass

The surrealist eye of the house, in brass, and the most recognisable ring in this edit.

3. Jimmy Choo Maxi Corsage Ring

An oversized corsage, the evening cocktail ring.

4. Versace Circe Ring in Gold and Green

Gold with green, in the Versace tradition of bold colour.

5. Versace Greca Crystal Ring in Gold Brass

The Greca key set with crystals, on a gold-toned brass band.

6. Zimmermann Bloom Toi et Moi Ring

A toi et moi ring with two blooms, softer and romantic.

7. Max Mara Durata Metal Ring in Bronze

A sculptural band in bronze tones, for daily wear.

8. Isabel Marant Lauren Wide Ring in Silver

A wide silver band, the cool-toned option.

Frequently asked questions

What is a statement ring?

A statement ring is a single large, decorative ring designed to be the focal point of an outfit, through its size, shape, stones and colour.

What is the difference between a cocktail ring and a statement ring?

A cocktail ring is a type of statement ring, traditionally set with a large central stone and worn on the right hand. Statement ring is the wider term and includes sculptural metal and floral designs.

Which finger do you wear a statement ring on?

The index and middle fingers are the most popular because the ring is most visible there. The right ring finger is the classic cocktail ring placement.

Can you wear a statement ring every day?

Yes, with plain clothes. Choose a flatter top that will not catch on knits, and take it off for washing up and the gym.

How should a statement ring fit?

Snug. A large top is heavy and will spin on a loose band. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller one.