Cocktail ring, 1959, or jaune, emeralds, blue sapphires, one yellow sapphire of 17,19 carats, diamonds. Collection Van Cleef & Arpels.

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. Collection Les Audacieuses, Van Cleef & Arpels.

Céliane ring, white gold, rose gold, one cabochon-cut black opal of 22,24 carats (Australia), mauve sapphires, onyx, turquoise, diamonds, Les Audacieuses collection

Ring, 1969, yellow gold, platinum, one green tourmaline of 21,89 carats, turquoises, diamands. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Cocktail ring, 1969, yellow gold, platinum, one green tourmaline of 21,89 carats, turquoises, diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels Archives

Ring, 1963, yellow gold, platinum, one aquamarine of 25,45 carats, sapphires, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels collection.

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.