Let’s admit it; no single jewellery piece carries more meaning and weight than a ring. Besides the obvious wedding band or engagement ring, there are different kinds, including family heirloom rings, signet rings and long forgotten right-hand rings.
Right-hand rings, also referred to as cocktail rings, are worn by women to mark a major life milestone or symbolise independence. Over the recent years, they have gained popularity as more women celebrate special achievements by adorning their right-hand fingers.
Maybe you got that promotion you have been waiting for, completed your master’s programme, or bought your first car. Whatever the reason, a right-hand ring is simply a celebration of you!
What are right hand rings?
As the name implies, they are rings worn on the right hand. They look a lot like engagement rings, but they are jewellery pieces that women buy for themselves to mark something important. This can include a professional achievement, celebrating single life, or as a declaration of independence. Usually, they are big statement pieces that are set with colourful and bold gemstones.
The good thing about these rings is that they come with no rules. For example, you can choose to buy silver jewellery, a diamond solitaire or a jewel set depending on your taste, colour or preference.
History of the right-hand ring
The history of right-hand rings dates back to the 1920s when women joined the workforce in large numbers and experienced economic independence. The ring symbolised their earning power and the ability to afford fashionable jewellery.
Initially, they were called ‘cocktail’ or ‘dress’ rings because the women that wore them were the first era of women to enjoy cocktails alongside men after work during the Prohibition period. For the first time in history, women were free to join the workforce and wear dresses.
Most of these rings were beautiful and oversized with brightly coloured gemstones to draw as much attention as possible. This helped to differentiate them from engagement rings and symbolised significant jewellery pieces that women bought for themselves with their own money.
What do right-hand rings mean?
The rise in fashion jewellery changed the perception and meaning of right-hand rings. This is as more women began wearing oversized and brightly coloured jewellery that wasn’t made from real or high-quality diamonds as was the custom hitherto.
In 2003, the diamond company De Beers, launched a campaign, ‘Your left hand is your heart, your right hand is your choice’. The goal was to encourage women to buy colourful and expensive gemstones as a way of expressing their identity and not to announce an engagement.
The campaign emanated from the significant drop in the sale of engagement rings and the increasing rate of divorce. Women were more concerned about their careers instead of early marriages which also meant that they had more disposable income. They could afford to buy an expensive and fashionable piece of jewellery that was meaningful and could be worn every day.
Vintage cocktail rings
The vintage cocktail ring bought by our grandmothers and mothers in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s have become a crucial part of lineages and legacies. Mothers gave them to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms when they hit different milestones.
These pieces of jewellery became a symbol of passing on the torch of female success. Most women cherish and wear their mother’s vintage rings given to them on special occasions.
Single womanhood
The right-hand ring helps represent single womanhood and individuality. The meaning of the ring may change depending on the person who bought it. For instance, a husband may buy a right-hand ring for his wife to symbolise their anniversary or the renewal of their wedding vows. The cocktail ring can also be worn as a promise ring by partners taking chastity vows.
Right-hand rings for weddings?
Yes, right-hand rings can sometimes be worn as wedding bands. The tradition of wearing wedding bands and other forms of rings on the left hand is not global. There are different variations in different countries.
For instance, it is customary in some countries such as Denmark, Austria, Germany, Norway, Spain, Russia and Colombia to wear right hand wedding bands. Married women in China wear them on the right hand, also referred to as the ‘working hand’ to show that they are in charge of the household.
Conclusion
Right-hand rings are worn usually to mark a key life milestone or as a declaration of independence. They serve as a reminder to the people around you and yourself that you’ve achieved something impressive.
And of course, if rights aren’t your thing, why not consider a custom-made gold bracelet from a boutique designer? There are a lot of options, be adventurous and live life like it’s meant to be lived.
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