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Home / Lifestyle

Fashion: Cocktail hour

Dan Ahwa
By Dan Ahwa
Creative and fashion director for Viva and Lifestyle·NZ Herald·
18 Jul, 2014 09:00 PM2 mins to read

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'Cher Dior' Fascinante emerald ring.

'Cher Dior' Fascinante emerald ring.

No need for opening acts with rock stars like these.

The purpose of a good cocktail ring is to attract attention. Oversized cluster rings, or dinner rings, as they can also be called, are perfect for the after-five function where the dress code requires a little more effort. The advantage of a coloured cocktail ring is that everything else around it needn't be overworked. A classic black dress and pumps, for example, enhance the beauty of a peridot-coloured ring, the cool multifaceted blues of an aquamarine stone, or the warm amber glow from a citrine quartz.

Several designers are also rethinking the classic cocktail ring by way of new materials and daring designs such as Dior's "EverDior" ring of white crystals around a faceted exotic wood.

Local bespoke jeweller James McCarty is one such designer, focused on less conventional styles of ring shapes and working closely with clients to match the perfect cocktail ring style to the wearer's personality.

"What I love about designing made-to-order cocktail rings is the opportunity to represent and celebrate each unique client," explains McCarty. "Through colour, shape, form and detail my designs mirror each wearer's personality. My focus is listening and presenting colour combinations joined in precious metals that ignite through design and detail with a beautiful outcome to be enjoyed day and night."

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Despite the new interpretations, more traditional cocktail ring shapes still continue to inspire. For those bold enough to do so, wearing an over-the-top cocktail ring with a pair of jeans, a white blouse and a cashmere sweater is a modern approach to enjoying fine jewellery - all day, every day.

Gallery: Take a look at the rings we love

'Cher Dior' Fascinante emerald ring and bracelet (POA).
Walker & Hall Vintage 18ct yellow gold citrine and diamond cocktail ring, $2500.
Walker & Hall Vintage 18ct yellow gold topaz and diamond ring, $6270.
Stewart Dawsons 9ct gold London blue topaz and diamond cocktail ring, $595.
18ct gold cocktail ring with citrine, $7950, from Partridge Jewellers.
Meadowlark sterling silver and blue topaz "Metropolis" cocktail ring, $475.
18ct white gold with green tourmaline and diamond cocktail ring, $5800, from Partridge Jewellers.
Louis Vuitton 'Over the rainbow' double cocktail ring, $945.
Louis Vuitton 'Cry me a river' cocktail ring, $640.
18ct white gold oval aquamarine cocktail ring, $12,900 from Partridge Jewellers.
Meadowlark 9ct gold rose quartz 'Protea' cocktail ring, $1705.
James McCarty 'Rockstar' cocktail ring handmade 18ct yellow & rose gold set with 3ct spessatite garnet, 1.4ct round brilliant-cut diamond, red pinel, green garnet, blue & yellow sapphires, $13,500.
Christian Dior 'EverDior' cocktail ring in metal with gold finish, white crystals and faceted exotic wood, $1150.
Bijoux Heart gold-plated, Swarovski crystal and glass opal cocktail ring, $548, form Net-a-porter.
James McCarty 'Peridot' cocktail ring handmade in 18ct yellow gold set with 5ct round peridot, $7500.
Karen Walker "Rock Garden" gold and peridot cocktail ring, $2449.
Rose gold amethyst claw cocktail ring, $799, from Pascoes.
14ct yellow gold amethyst and diamond cocktail ring, $228, from Walker & Hall Vintage.
Zoe & Morgan 'Sitara' 18 ct yellow gold set with 1ct rose-cut diamond cocktail ring, $11,000.

Image 1 of 19: 'Cher Dior' Fascinante emerald ring and bracelet (POA).

Stockists
• Christian Dior (09) 356 6920
• James McCarty
• Louis Vuitton (09) 358 0422
• Meadowlark
• Net-a-Porter
• Partridge Jewellers (09) 309 8925
• Pascoes
• Stewart Dawsons
• Walker & Hall Vintage walkerandhall.co.nz
• Zoe & Morgan

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