Cocktail rings are one of those transformative fashion accessories that can really finish an outfit. Like the statement necklace or a pair of attention-getting shoes, sometimes a cocktail ring is all the punch your look needs. Changing up your accessories is an easy way to add edge to a potentially boring outfit, or to transition your look from day to night. Just slip on a ring and you’re ready to go.
Like other “big” jewelry, cocktail rings should be worn in moderation. Don’t run the risk of looking gaudy by wearing too much jewelry at once. If you’re wearing a cocktail ring, don’t pair it with 7 strands of pearls unless it’s Halloween and you’re dressed as a 1920s flapper. Whenever you wear one really loud, conversation-starting accessory, balance it out by wearing little to no jewelry elsewhere.
Though rings with large stones or ornate craftsmanship have come in and out of fashion for centuries, the cocktail ring didn’t emerge until the days of old Hollywood. Formerly reserved just for evening wear, the cocktail ring also evolved into an acceptable daytime accessory by the end of the last century. Thanks to the plastics age, these rings are also available in a wide variety of materials. From traditional jewelry metals to resin, Lucite and wire, there’s a cocktail ring for every sense of style.
The cocktail rings in this guide show just how versatile this little piece of jewelry can be, even on a budget. Each ring costs just $50 or less, bringing you big style at a low price.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Faceted Bling Ring – Ann Taylor, $38
Elegant and sparkly, this goldtone ring would look adorable with a low-end LBD. This cocktail ring could also make it through the work day, since its eye-catching stones aren’t too big. The one drawback is that the stones appear noticeably faux in the picture description, so this wouldn’t be a ring to wear with your best evening wear. Not to worry though, this fun and fancy cocktail ring will still work with plenty of other outfits.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Luxe Gem Cocktail Ring – Forever 21, $3.80
This is a BIG ring. Situated in a 4-prong setting is a more than 1.5″ faceted stone. This cocktail ring comes in a few different styles. I love the gray variation, featuring a charcoal-colored stone with a shiny pewter-toned band. At less than $4 each, you could buy them all and still wind up under $50. Forever 21 always has lots of fashionable accessories at very reasonable prices – cheap enough to hop on whatever’s in fashion that month without making a huge cash investment.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Star Confetti Ring – Etsy, $8.00
This adorable ring has the sort of goofy, childish charm that reminds me of the fake “dress-up’ jewelry sold at toy stores. Featuring multicolored foil stars set in a bubble of resin, this cocktail ring even gives off a little bit of a cereal box prize/secret decoder ring vibe. Handmade, adjustable and very reasonable at just 8 bucks – what’s not to like? If you’re a fan of bright colors or a kid that never grew up (like me), this ring will make you smile every time you look at it.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Betsey Johnson School Girl Polka Dot Ring – 6pm, $18.40
Spunky designer Betsey Johnson is known for her colorful and whimsical style. Somehow straddling the line between optimistic sweetheart and maneater, her designs are cute and sexy without being too much of one or the other. This ring shows that off beautifully, with a gold-edged heart made of red and black polka dot resin. The gold bamboo edging threatens to make the ring too tough, but it’s quickly sweetened up by the whimsical polka dots and a black and gold ribbon design in the center.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Beyond Rings “Rocker” Pyramid Studded Ring – Amazon, $48.00
Show off your inner rock star with this studded ring. This would obviously wear well with a leather jacket and motorcycle boots, but why not switch it up? Try it with floaty fabrics to toughen up an otherwise too-girly getup, or redefine “strict” by wearing this with your most severe work ensemble. This is almost too much metal for one hand. (m/)
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Multi Ball Cocktail Ring – New York & Company, $19.95
Another cocktail ring that’s still wearable for work, this time cast in silvertone. The balls topping the ring are in different tones and textures, adding interest to an already unusual shape. The shiny silver band set this ring up for wear with understated silver jewelry – think a pair of small polished hoops and a slim dress watch.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Fan Fancy Ring – Forever 21, $5.80
Art deco, anyone? This cute fan-shaped ring gives a nod to old school elegance. This would look great with a Grecian gown or an over-the-top faux fur coat as a throwback to Hollywood’s Golden Age. It may be cheap at under $6, but this cocktail ring has panache way beyond its price.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Sprinkle Solitaire Rainbow Cube Ring – Etsy, $10.00
Another cute version of a cocktail ring, this time by Etsy shop HighStrungBead. This rectangular ring features rainbow sprinkles set in resin on an adjustable band. The round sprinkles give the appearance of the inside of a gumball machine, making this another happy nod back to childhood. Like many items on Etsy, this item is handmade and one-of-a-kind – how often can you get an original anything for $10?
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Emperor Beetle Ring – Forever 21, $5.80
Another cheap, chic offering from Forever 21. This ring features an oversized beetle, its size more suited for a brooch than a ring. The wings and top of the beetle are dotted with iridescent stones in the antiqued style choice, while the carapace is a large white pearlescent bead. Choose the gold to switch the rhinestones to standard rhinestones, and to turn the carapace to a shiny onyx-colored bead.
Cocktail Rings Under $50
Metallic Rose Cocktail Ring – 1928, $20.00
Get vintage charm with this delicately formed silver rose ring. Utterly girlie, this would be very cute with a party dress or a blouse-and-jeans first date outfit. This ring could pair easily with casual and dressy looks alike, ensuring you get the most for its $20 price tag. 1928 specializes in vintage-inspired jewelry, so a pair of their delicate earrings would sync well with this cocktail ring. The silver-toned petals also give a tough enough edge for this to “girl up” an otherwise androgynous outfit without sticking out too much.
