The jewellery we choose reflects who we are and what we like. Colourful gem set Cocktail Rings and Diamond Dress Rings are a fantastic way to showcase your own personal style. With more and more women taking control of the one luxury occupation usually reserved for men - buying a diamond ring, today’s modern woman isn’t waiting for a fairytale ending to get some sparkle on her fingers. Designed to make a statement, Cocktail Rings or ‘Right-Hand Rings’ are chosen by you, for you. Whether as a self-reward for gaining a promotion, to mark a milestone or just because: don’t play it safe. Go big, go bold, and most of all, go with what you love.

How did Cocktail Rings get their Name?

Cocktail Rings have always symbolised female empowerment. Back in the 1920’s U.S. Prohibition era, women used cocktail rings as a secret signal to waiters to serve them an illegal drink. At a time when women were gaining more autonomy and rights, dazzling cocktail rings were also a symbol of rebellion and insubordination. Young flappers, unfazed by previous social conventions, embraced consumerism and personal choice. A striking Cocktail Ring incorporating bold, colourful gemstones, drew attention to the fact that these women were living life to the full and having a great time.

Evolution of Elegant Cocktail Rings: From Art Deco to Contemporary Chic

During the 1930’s, the Art Deco movement influenced Cocktail Ring designs, with geometric shapes and bold colours the order of the day. Fast forward to the 1950’s and the era of Hollywood glamour saw leading ladies such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn wearing opulent rings with large gemstones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

Fast forward to the early 2000’s and the Diamond Trading Company, the trading arm of the De Beers diamond group, launched a right-hand ring marketing campaign. Aimed at women wanting to celebrate their freedom, strategically placed advertisements in glossy magazines featured the tag line "Your left hand says 'we.' Your right hand says 'me.' Women of the world raise your right hand."

Today, the rings we choose to invest in, and wear are all about variety, colour, meaning and self-expression. Whether it’s a single statement piece or a ring on every finger, the beauty of this style is that that there are no rules.

Cocktail Rings: Choosing Your Signature Style

Whether you’re drawn to sparkling diamonds, lustrous pearls or the kaleidoscopic hues of gemstones, there's a cocktail ring to match every personality and preference. Join us as we discover some of the latest styles in-store and online at James Porter & Son this season.

Geometric Shapes: Rectangular Cut Gemstone Cocktail Rings

Gemstones cut in geometric shapes deliver maximum impact. Our 9ct White Gold Amethyst & Diamond Ring showcases a dazzling rectangular cut amethyst. Rub-over set, and offset with an illusion set brilliant cut diamond. The vivid purple tones contrast beautifully with the white gold and diamond to create a beautiful cocktail ring.

For an even bigger wow-factor, this stunning 9ct White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring has a beautiful pear cut aquamarine centre, and a stunning diamond set surround, there’s a beautiful sense of harmony between the serene aquamarine and the cool diamonds.

Whiter than White: Freshwater Pearl & Opal Rings

Freshwater pearls lend an irresistible allure as the centrepiece of a Cocktail Ring, offering a blend of casual chic with a nostalgic touch. Their luminescent creamy-white hue possesses a versatile quality that effortlessly complements any look.

In 9ct White Gold, our Pearl and Diamond Dress Ring exudes sophistication with a timeless appeal. A central bouton freshwater pearl steals the spotlight, flanked by two round brilliant cut diamonds nestled in a marquise-shaped setting. This timeless piece exudes refinement and enduring charm.

Alternatively, our Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Ring in yellow gold, gold boasts a captivating crossover design that blends classic charm with contemporary flair. The lustrous freshwater bouton pearl commands attention, surrounded by a plain yellow gold circle detail. This creates a harmonious contrast.  A single brilliant cut diamond adds a touch of sparkle, enhancing its charm.

For a wider spectrum of colour, white opals offer an exquisite alternative. Set with brilliant and baguette diamonds, our Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring exudes vintage charm. In warm 9ct yellow gold, the oval opal gleams with its unique array of pink and green undertones.

9ct Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Cluster Dress Ring 0.33ct

However, for maximum drama, this Opal & Diamond Triple Cluster Ring showcases three beautiful opal gemstones. Each oval opal is claw-set and surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds, highlighting, and framing the beauty of each one.   

9ct Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Triple Cluster Ring 0.21ct

Orchid Tones: Morganite Cocktail Rings

Soft pink and orange hues come alive in dress and cocktail rings featuring mesmerising Morganite. Capturing hearts with its pastel shades, it spans from delicate blush to radiant orchid tones. Over the past decade, this gem has surged in popularity, especially when paired with rose gold.

In our collection, the Morganite & Diamond Cluster Ring stands as a testament to timeless allure, boasting an antique-inspired design. Crafted with warm 18ct rose gold, it serves as the perfect backdrop for the resplendent 3.08ct Morganite. Encircled by 0.26 carats of diamonds in an intricate pointed cluster setting, this ring evokes sophistication and elegance.

18ct Rose Gold Morganite & Diamond Cluster Dress Ring 0.26ct

If you’re after a ring with a more contemporary feel, this Morganite & Diamond Dress Ring presents a striking option. Featuring a pear-shaped morganite in a sleek rub-over setting, it exudes modern sophistication. The addition of brilliant cut diamonds adorning the shoulders provides a captivating contrast.

9ct Rose Gold Morganite & Diamond Dress Ring 0.08ct

Serene Green: Peridot and Emerald Rings

Green gemstones, such as Peridot and Emerald, serve as timeless symbols of connection to nature and life, infusing cocktail and dress rings with a sense of calm and renewal. Associated with optimism and positive energy, they make an ideal choice for those seeking to channel inner harmony and vitality.

Take, for instance, our 9ct Yellow Gold Peridot & Diamond Dress Ring a captivating blend of elegance and simplicity. Featuring a pear-shaped peridot complemented by a brilliant cut diamond, this ring channels understated beauty. Set in a rub-over setting, the gemstone takes centre stage, radiating its natural brilliance.

In emerald, our Emerald & Diamond Dress Ring features four marquise shaped emeralds surrounding a single brilliant cut diamond. Though not grand in scale, the vibrancy of the gemstones and the intricate beauty of the design make this ring a true standout piece, evoking a sense of timeless sophistication and grace.

Blowing Bubbles: Diamond Bubble Rings

Bubble style dress rings offer a playful twist on classic elegance. Featuring brilliant cut diamonds of different sizes, they are dispersed around the ring in a seemingly random pattern. In a rubover setting, each diamond resembles a bubble. Contemporary and stylish, Bubble Rings are a modern form of cocktail ring or right-hand ring that are sure to turn heads.

This 9ct Yellow Gold Brilliant Cut Diamond Bubble Ring is a work of art. With multiple strands of gold, 0.75 carats of diamonds dance across it, adding a scintillating sparkle to the already captivating design.

For a design with straight rings instead of twisting strands, this 18ct White Gold Brilliant Cut Diamond Bubble Ring offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

For lovers of symmetry, our 9ct White Gold 2 Row Bubble Style Ring features a double row of illusion set round brilliant cut diamonds. Graduating in size towards the centre, the design offers a sense of harmony and balance.

Multi Strand Dress Rings

Multi-Strand Rings give the effect of a stack of rings, creating a dynamic and textured aesthetic. With many of the strands intertwining, they offer a complex, layered look.

Take, for instance, our exquisite 9ct Multi Strand Ring, a harmonious blend of yellow and white gold. Each strand boasts its own unique charm, with four strands of yellow gold adorned with carefully spaced diamonds, while two white gold strands shimmer with pavé-set diamonds, creating a striking contrast.

For a similarly stunning effect in 18ct gold, consider our Brilliant Cut Diamond Multi Strand Ring. Featuring a carat of sparkling diamonds, this ring exudes opulence. Three lustrous white gold bands, each set with diamonds are complemented by an additional four brilliant cuts dispersed throughout the ring.

Showstoppers: Diamond Dress Rings

Elevate your look with a showstopping diamond dress ring that commands attention and sparks conversation.

In our collection, this exquisite Brilliant Cut Diamond Fancy Ring from Maple Leaf Diamonds is simply breath-taking. Set in a refined 18ct white gold band, the 1.77 carats of brilliant cut diamonds come alive. The epitome of modern elegance, this ring promises to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any outfit.

One of our all-time favourite designs are these double row bar-set rings. Available in both platinum or yellow gold, and starting from 0.50ct upwards, this style makes an incredible right-hand ring. Each row has small diamonds set behind the main diamonds to ensure maximum sparkle through the gaps.

Alternatively, embrace a unique style with a stunning Toi Et Moi diamond ring. Crafted in platinum, our two stone cross over designs feature a mix of diamond cut in elegant designs. The open cross over design enhances the allure of the different diamond cuts, while adding a touch of glamour.

Dress and Cocktail Rings at James Porter & Son

At James Porter & Son, our curated collection of Dress and Cocktail Rings transcends ordinary elegance.

Whether you’re drawn to towards the timeless allure of diamonds or the vibrant hues of coloured gemstones, each ring in our collection is a testament to individuality and sophistication. So, dare to be bold, embrace the extraordinary, and let your ring tell the story of who you are - one dazzling detail at a time.