Cocktail rings add elegance and glamour to any ensemble. Celebs like Catherine Heigl and Jamie Lynn Sigler rock them on the red carpet (above), but you don’t need a formal event to show off your bling. Cocktail rings can make a simple outfit, like a sweater with jeans and heels, pop as well.

According to WiseGeek.com, cocktail rings became popular during US prohibition. At cocktail parties, they flaunted the fact that women were drinking illegally (but fashionably). Prohibition is no longer in effect (thank GOD), but big, bold cocktail rings are still in style. And we are grateful.

For most rings, the bigger the stone the better. You want to draw attention to it! However, to keep it from looking ridiculous if you have small hands, search for rings that don’t extend any farther than the bottom of your knuckle. And while most people wear cocktail rings on their right ring finger, they look chic when worn on your index finger, too. Read More »

Accessories are a great way to complete an outfit and add a little zest to your look. This year we see many old trends re-emerging, a few newbies and a few twists on those oldies but goodies.

Big jewelry continues to be a major trend, so one key tip is that if you’re gonna go big on the accessories, you need to go minimally on the clothes so you don’t end up looking like a walking Vegas Strip.

Nature is a main theme throughout jewelry pieces for the summer; you’ll see flowers, leaves and moons & stars in everything from pendants to rings and especially in drop earrings, so go ahead and get in touch with nature.

One of the “must have” pieces of the season is the not-so-subtle medallion. Medallions and pendants are back, as designers turn to the seventies and eighties for inspiration. A sub-division of this trend is another one; zodiac pendants. Say good-bye to wearing your name or initials on your neck, showing off your star sign in silver, gold or even diamonds is the way to go. Read More »

Cocktail rings: equal parts ridiculous, amazing, and WASP. I remember my Great Aunt Mimi’s honking rings nearly gouging my eyes out when she tried to pinch my cheeks at the Thanksgiving dinners of my youth.

I should have been more receptive to her affection — I could have inherited a few of her ruby stunners. I want them now because cocktail rings are decidedly back in style.

While these rings aren’t necessarily the most sensible of accoutrement, nothing says party like a huge, obtrusive rock on your finger.

Because of their glittery largesse, cocktail rings aren’t too hard to find — but New York Magazine already did some work for you here, and if you’re looking to spend a little less, head to that reliable old favorite Claire’s. Read More »

Cocktail rings are a daytime or nighttime spring staple. So make sure your gobstopper-size finger accessory is bold, bright, and not too matchy-matchy to your outfit.

According to Harper’s Bazaar magazine, “this season it’s not just about the big single stone. More intricate designs with a boho bend are exactly the thing to give our flirty dresses a down-to-earth feel.” You definitely don’t need to pay Harper’s Bazaar prices; I’ve found some great steals from Forever21 and Urban Outfitters that will give you the high-fashion look at a low price.

$4.80, forever21.com $4.80, forever21.com $16.00, urbanoutfitters.com