The biggest fashion faux pas when accessorizing involves wearing the wrong accessory type. It might not sound like much of a big deal because it’s just an accessory, but in the grand scheme of all things fashion, accessorizing correctly is an invaluable thing.
Today, we’ll take a look at rings, and not any type of ring, but a dress ring, not a dinner ring, an engagement, cocktail, or a wedding ring.
This might be the first time you hear about it, but at the end of this piece, you’ll know all there is to know about dress rings.
So, let’s get started.
What is a dress ring?
A dress ring can be defined as any type of ring that isn’t a wedding or an engagement ring. Think of the dress ring as the ring you’d wear every day for accessorizing purposes or for special occasions other than nuptials or proposals.
So, if you are looking for a unique way to show off your personal style and your creativity, a bespoke cocktail ring ( a dress ring) would be a great option for you. The dress ring is also an excellent option for you if you are looking for a special gift for a loved one.
What is the meaning of a dress ring?
Dress rings date back to early in the 19th Century, and they represent rings worn because of their stylish or formal appearance rather than because of a life/ relationship event/ celebration.
These rings don’t really have any special meanings tied to them, but they are important to anyone who considers themselves fashion-forward because it allows you to express your individuality in the best way possible.
Dress rings are often available in the widest range and variety, from the simpler rings to the more extravagant rings with beautiful colored gemstones, as well as the most brilliant of diamonds.
Because of the extravagant and bold designs seen in most dress rings, these rings are also known as cocktail rings. And as the name suggests, the rings are perfect for when you are dressing up. But as mentioned above, dress rings aren’t always made of large and bold gemstones; sometimes, the dress rings are simple rings like stacked sets or simpler solitaire diamond rings ideal for everyday wear.
Can a dress ring be an engagement ring?
No. These two are different types of rings, and they each serve a different purpose. An engagement ring is for marriage proposals, while dress rings are ideal for everyday wear or special occasions, other than marriage vows exchange or proposals.
What is the difference between a dress ring and an engagement ring?
Although there aren’t huge differences between some of the dress rings and engagement rings, you cannot use a dress ring as an engagement ring. The main reason for this is that the engagement ring is meant to be given during a proposal or, in other cases, when the couple chooses to get married, meaning it has to be a ring created for a specific event in life. The dress ring, on the other hand, is ideally worn on any occasion, and as mentioned above, a dress ring could be the ring you wear to work every day because you like dressing your fingers.
Then there is the fact that traditionally, the engagement rings would be made with diamonds – as a design standard. The dress rings, on the other hand, tend to be made with more of the colored gemstones like sapphires and citrine, among others.
That said, things have changed over the years, and there are no hard or fast rules around the designs of engagement rings, with people choosing the rings based more on personal style and taste. Therefore, you could still find engagement rings that look like dress rings and vice versa.
Pros and cons of Dress ring
Pros
- The ring is made with elegant gemstones, including diamonds and sapphires.
- Some designs of dress rings can be worn every day.
- Wide range of colored gemstones and ring designs
- Good array of metals used for gemstone setting to choose from
Cons
- Custom designs can be expensive.
- Confused with other rings like engagement or cocktail rings
Modern dress ring designs Examples
Unsure about what dress rings look like, don’t be. This section takes a peek at some of the best modern dress ring designs.
1.Kendra Scott Elyse Ring for Women
If you are looking for an accessory that screams stylishly versatile in a cool way, then this dress ring by Kendra Scott is exactly what you need.
Its design is the perfect blend of bold but stylish, something that makes this ring stylish and ideal for you to wear each day, regardless of your schedule.
This ring will go everywhere with you, and the best part is that you could style it with most of your cocktail dresses or even a casual pair of jeans, and you won’t feel like you are under or over-accessorized.
This Elyse ring offers a surprising statement style that brings in that extra inch of drama while also making you look like the coolest, most stylish person on special occasions.
All these are made possible by the double ring design and larger iridescent drusy stone at the center of the ring. It boasts a sturdy design and is made of the best quality gold.
2.Silpada ‘Square Root’ Ring in Sterling Silver
If you are looking for an all-sterling silver ring that will stand out and also match your style effortlessly, you may want to try out this Silpada square root ring.
This ring sports a textured square-shaped sitting on top of the sterling silver band in that modern geo design. The ring’s geometric shape takes on a rather organic and more handcrafted look that is completed by the hammered detailing at the top.
The unique design of this ring allows it to give you that powerful, transformative look to your everyday ensemble, meaning the ring will give any outfit a nice feel of glamour.
It also stands out because of its high-strength design, its brightness, and shine, not to mention the hypoallergenic design that reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
3.Barzel Rose Gold White Fire Opal & Cubic Zirconia Accents Ring
This ring has glamor written all over it, and you may fall in love with this ring if you are looking for an air of flair to your accessories and overall look.
It has a rose gold finish (plating), but what really stands out is the large white fire opal that sits in the middle of two small cubic zirconia stones accenting the ring.
You may also like this ring because it’s affordable and also it comes with the guarantee of color retention.
4.YeGieonr Handmade Flower Signet Ring
This is a minimalist statement ring that makes the perfect everyday dress ring. It features a handmade floral engraving on the signet, and it’s made of 18k yellow gold.
This ring might be perfect for you if you are into classics and what others may perceive as understated designs.
It will also be a great option for you if you are into nature and flowers. Note, however, that this ring is gold-plated – it is made of sterling silver as the base metal, a design consideration that leaves you with a valuable ring.
This is a stunning ring that stands out with its oval brilliant-cut sapphire.
The ring is the definition of glamor, and it might be the perfect option for you if you are looking for a stunning ring to wear to special occasions, including cocktail parties, but also something that you could dress down in without looking off.
It further stands out because of the halo around the sapphire stone made of the best of Swarovski Zirconia accents.
It is a celebrity-inspired ring available in size 9. The ring band is platinum-plated sterling silver, and it offers a perfect fit. You may also like it because the ring is laser engraved for authenticity.
Conclusion
So, if you didn’t know what a dress ring is, we hope that this article answers all your questions and guides you when looking for a dress ring.
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Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.