Cocktail Ring "Symbol of Female Rebellion"
There is a jewel that was not born in an elegant shop window, but in the shadows of clandestine bars: the Cocktail Ring. Prepare your martini (legal!) and join us as we reveal the fascinating and rebellious history of this ring, from a symbol of defiance during Prohibition to an icon of glamour on today's red carpets.
Born in the Shadows, Became a Symbol of Rebellion and Glamour
We are in the United States, in the 1920s , the period known as the " Roaring Twenties " (Roaring Twenties). It was a disruptive decade of great social and economic ferment. For the first time, many women had jobs and their own income, which allowed them to throw off their corsets, cut their hair into daring bobs and embrace a new lifestyle, often defying convention.
These were the legendary Flappers, modern girls who began frequenting clubs... illegally, due to Prohibition (in force from 1920 to 1933) which banned the sale and consumption of alcohol.
From Secret Bars to the Stylistic Revolution
Where did this "sweet" rebellion take place? In the Speakeasies, the famous speakeasy bars that were often accessed by password. In these establishments, the distilled alcohol was often produced illegally, resulting in poor quality and unpleasant flavor (like the infamous bathtub gin).
It was precisely to mask this taste that Cocktails were born: ingenious mixes with the addition of fruit juices, syrups, and other mixers. And the perfect jewel for the occasion? The Exaggerated Ring, soon called the "Cocktail Ring"!
These rings, featuring a bold setting and a large, colorful center stone, weren't just a fashion accessory. They were a visible sign of independence and defiance in an era of rigid rules. Flappers, illicitly sipping their cocktails (a true declaration of independence), held their glasses in their hands, proudly displaying the jewel.
This attracted attention and signaled to other patrons their status as "lovers of luxury and risk." It is even said that, for purists, the cocktail ring should be worn only on the right ring finger, leaving the left ring finger free of any sentimental associations and consecrating the ring as a personal "declaration of independence" or girl power.
Evolution: From Independence to Opulence
The trend didn't disappear with the end of Prohibition. In fact, it really exploded with the arrival of the Golden Age and the post-World War II era. Austerity ended, and the cocktail ring became the symbol of a new luxury, social freedom, and unbridled glamour.
- 1940s (Retro Period) :
These years were marked by the use of rose and yellow gold. Due to the war, the use of platinum was almost completely halted, being reserved for armaments. This pushed designers to create more sculptural pieces, often three-dimensional and voluminous, using rose gold settings and synthetic rubies or sapphires, an echo of the bold lines of the Tank bracelets. Cocktail rings during this period were often flashy and chunky.
- 1950s :
Enter true Hollywood glamour. Rings take center stage, with eye-catching gemstones and brilliant cuts, perfectly in keeping with the opulent looks of divas like Elizabeth Taylor.
- 70s (Bohemian and Color) :
With the rise of bohemian fashion and more eclectic designs, the cocktail ring is adapting. Unconventional materials such as turquoise, coral, onyx, or aquamarine in yellow gold settings are becoming popular, reflecting the search for a more natural and less rigid style than in the past.
- The 80s (The Bold Excess) :
The decade marked a return to unbridled opulence. Jewelry needed to be oversized to stand out. Cocktail rings embraced imposing settings, often with large-carat topazes, amethysts, and citrines (exceeding 70 carats), exuding luxury and boldness.
Conclusion
Today, the Cocktail Ring is a timeless classic, beloved by celebrities for its ability to express personality on the red carpet. Blending vintage and contemporary elements, this ring remains a powerful symbol of style that stands out.
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Let yourself be seduced by the timeless charm of our Cocktail Rings, true wearable sculptures, designed to capture every gaze and celebrate the most important moments. We invite you to take a fascinating journey through the history of jewelry...
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