The Glamorous History of the Cocktail Ring: From Georgian Elegance to Art Deco Dazzle
Few pieces of jewellery carry as much visual drama and cultural prestige as the cocktail ring. Bold, eye-catching, and unapologetically luxurious, the cocktail ring is more than a fashion accessory - it's a statement. Though the term “cocktail ring” came into popular use during the Prohibition era of the 1920s, its roots stretch back through earlier historical periods, each leaving a distinct aesthetic and symbolic mark on the evolution of this iconic piece. Let’s take a look at how Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco styles contributed to the legacy of the cocktail ring.
Georgian Era (1714–1837): The Age of Intricacy and Romance
The Georgian era, named after the reigns of the four King Georges of England, was characterised by intricate craftsmanship and romantic symbolism in jewellery. Cocktail rings as we know them didn’t yet exist, but the large, ornamental rings worn by the elite set the stage for their evolution.
Georgian cocktail rings were often handmade, featuring closed-back settings and foiled gemstones like garnets, topaz, or paste (a type of leaded glass). Designs were floral or scroll-like, reflecting the Rococo style, and many rings served sentimental or symbolic purposes - such as mourning rings, which commemorated a departed loved on.
While not yet labelled "cocktail rings," these ornate and often sizeable pieces signalled wealth and status, a tradition that would carry forward through the centuries.
View our collection of antique georgian rings for sale.
Victorian Era (1837–1901): Sentimentality Meets Opulence
The Victorian period saw a shift toward deeply personal jewellery, driven by Queen Victoria’s tastes and a growing middle class with disposable income. Rings during this time were rich in symbolism, often incorporating motifs like snakes (eternity), hearts (love), and flowers (devotion). Gemstones such as amethyst, turquoise, and garnet were popular, and diamonds became increasingly accessible thanks to new discoveries in South Africa.
Cocktail-style rings began to emerge in larger, more decorative forms, particularly in the Grand Period (1860–1885) of Victorian jewellery. These rings often featured bold centre stones surrounded by halos of smaller gems, a look that would become central to the cocktail ring design of the 20th century.
Although still more sentimental than showy, the Victorian era’s experimentation with size, form, and storytelling laid important groundwork for the glamorous cocktail rings to come.
View some of our Victorian amethyst rings in our onsite collection.
Edwardian Era (1901–1915): Lightness and Lacework
In the short yet artistically rich Edwardian period, jewellery took on an air of ethereal elegance. Advances in metalwork allowed for delicate platinum settings, which created a light, lace-like appearance in rings and other adornments. Edwardian rings often featured diamonds and pearls in intricate filigree patterns, designed to highlight the shimmer and sparkle of the stones.
Though more refined than flamboyant, Edwardian cocktail rings pushed the boundaries of scale and technical sophistication. The large, luminous settings - particularly when worn for formal events - could be considered precursors to the full-fledged cocktail rings of later decades. This era emphasised grace and refinement, making it a high point for antique ring collectors who value artistry over extravagance.
View some of our Edwardian amethyst rings in our onsite collection.
Art Deco Era (1920s–1930s): The Birth of the Modern Cocktail Ring
It was during the Art Deco era that the cocktail ring truly came into its own. The name itself derives from the underground cocktail parties of America’s Prohibition era. Women, newly empowered by the suffragette movement and changing social norms, used fashion - including jewellery - as a form of self-expression and rebellion. The cocktail ring became a centrepiece of this transformation.
Art Deco cocktail rings embraced symmetry, geometry, and bold colour contrasts. Materials like onyx, coral, jade, and lapis lazuli were paired with diamonds and platinum in striking combinations. These rings were big, bright, and impossible to ignore - the perfect complement to flapper dresses and jazz-filled speakeasies.
The cocktail ring’s flamboyance matched the era’s spirit of liberation and indulgence. It wasn’t just about wealth - it was about making a statement, claiming space, and commanding attention.
View some of our Art Deco amethyst rings in our onsite collection.
Legacy and Collectability
Today, antique cocktail rings from these historic periods are highly prized by collectors and fashion lovers alike. Georgian and Victorian rings are admired for their emotional depth and hand-crafted beauty. Edwardian rings are celebrated for their delicacy and design. And Art Deco rings remain icons of glamour, representing the true birth of the modern cocktail ring.
Whether worn to a formal event or styled with everyday fashion, these rings continue to embody the personality, history, and artistry of their time. In every facet, they whisper stories of past eras - of love, rebellion, elegance, and daring.
The cocktail ring isn’t just jewellery. It’s wearable history.
At Laurelle Antique Jewellery we have decades of experience in finding the most beautiful cocktail rings from the Georgian Period through to the Art Deco era. Why not take a look at our collection to find the piece that's right for you?
Looking for something specific? Feel free to get in touch on England: 0333 700 4500 or via email at enquiries@antiquejewellerygroup.com. Our friendly team are always happy to help.
