The colorful elegance of “cocktail rings”
Cocktail rings are distinctive for their impressive size and their large, often vibrantly colored center stone, underscored by a voluminous structure. These pieces, which originally appeared in the 1920s, take their name from cocktail parties and gala dinners, where they sparkled on the fingers of high-society women. Eye-catching and designed to reflect light, they transformed the act of holding a glass into a demonstration of elegance.
Pauline ring, rose gold, one oval-cut rubellite of 12.90 carats, spessartite garnets, black spinels, lapis lazuli, diamonds, Les Audacieuses collection
Moana ring, white gold, one oval-cut aquamarine of 14.10 carats, onyx, diamonds, Les Audacieuses collection
Résille ring, 1961, platinum, yellow gold, one topaz of 7,05 carats, diamonds
Céliane ring, white gold, rose gold, one cabochon-cut black opal of 22,24 carats (Australia), mauve sapphires, onyx, turquoise, diamonds, Les Audacieuses collection
Cocktail ring, 1969, yellow gold, platinum, one green tourmaline of 21,89 carats, turquoises, diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
Cocktail ring, 1963, yellow gold, platinum, one aquamarine of 25,45 carats, sapphires, diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
During the 1960s, the cocktail ring became an indispensable accessory for stylish attendees at prestigious social events. With their interplay of materials and their bold designs, these rings exemplified the aesthetic spirit of the age.
Drawing featuring a Cocktail ring, circa 1969
