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Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond and Amethyst Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous Van Cleef and Arpels cocktail ring featuring a vivid amethyst encased by 4 of the finest
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond and Amethyst Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A fabulous Van Cleef and Arpels cocktail ring featuring a vivid amethyst encased by 4 of the finest
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Van Cleef & Arpels Gold and Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18k Gold. The ring has 42
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and special 18k gold cocktail ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring vibrant blue
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Ring, centrally set with an oval Lapis Lazuli. Signed
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Setting White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
Immerse yourself in the splendor of luxury with this exquisite "Mystery Setting" ring from Van
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl And Diamond Ring, Crafted In 18k Yellow Gold. The center of this statement
Category

Late 20th Century French Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 'Cosmos' Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Cosmos' ring (small model) of 18k yellow gold and diamonds containing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Blue Sapphire And Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Cocktail Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bombé Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century Van Cleef & Arpels bombé ring is a striking and sensuous period design is set with
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Cabochon Ring with emerald appx. 3 carats and diamonds appx. 0.68
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Ruby and Diamond Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The center ruby
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Gold Cocktail Bow Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels France Lapis and Diamond Gold Bow Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cultured Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vancleave and Arpels, cultured pearl and diamond ring set with a round pearl measuring
Category

2010s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Philippine Diamond ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Yellow Gold 18k all Diamond VCA Philippine Ring Size 4 can be resized up a little. Hallmarked VCA
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Diamond Ring A platinum ring set with a center 4.00 carat old European
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurette Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A timeless authentic Van Cleef and Arpels Fleurette ring set with 16 of the finest Van Cleef
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond, Yellow Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Diamond, Yellow Sapphire Ring An 18k yellow gold ring, set with diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Red Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold Circa 1980"s Beautiful, Cabochon Red Ruby
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels "Angel's Skin" Coral and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Angel Skin Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring. 1 Cabochon angel skin coral with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Geometric Design Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A chic Van Cleef Arpels ring of geometric design, set with circular-cut diamonds in 14 karat gold
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef and Arpels Coral and Lapis Ring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Each ring set set with one carved fluted coral or carved fluted lapis lazuli set with a diamond set
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli

Van Cleef & Arpels "Socrate" Collection Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the "Socrate" collection features a floral bouquet crafted white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower and Onyx Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower and Onyx Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. French marks. The total
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Certified Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Certified Sapphire & Diamond Ring An 18 karat gold ring set with a oval
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra Lapis Lazuli Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring features Lapis Lazuli lucky clover Motif. 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

White and Yellow Gold Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat white and yellow gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. The center of the ring is white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis and Diamond Ring, 18k. The total weight is 12.50 grams. The ring
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli

Van Cleef & Arpels - " Phlippine " Ring in Chrysophrase and Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
. Maker’s mark for Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimated total diamond weight 0.55ct. French assay marks. Ring
Category

Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Gold Design Ring, 18K
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A bold and elegant Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Gold Design Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow Gold Coral and Diamonds Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels ring in gardooned yellow gold, set with an important carved pink coral
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. Centrally set with five rectangular tallow cut natural
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Navette Shape Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat YG
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Van Cleef and Arpels navette shaped diamond cocktail ring in 18 karat yellow gold features 32 round
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 0.85ct Diamond Flower Lace Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
dimensions measure 20mm x 20mm.Offered in estate condition, this Van Cleef & Arpels 18K White Gold 0.85ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Wood Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold And Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Bombe cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A vintage modernist ring, created in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring contains 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.25
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Double Ring With Heart And Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Paris, FR
Condition : very good, small scratches (see on pictures) Material : gold: 750/°°° 18 carats, two diamonds Color : gold Size : 46
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Paris Scalloped Cocktail Ring 18kt Gold with Carvings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. A bombe scalloped piece, created in Paris, France by
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
pearl jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1980s, this cocktail ring features a noteworthy South Sea
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Ring. There are pear, marquise and round shape diamonds in a
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Onyx Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
. Diamond totally approx. 2.54ct. Diamond: 2.54ct Weight: 8.5 grams Measurement: 5.75 Stamp: "Van Cleef
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1960's Diamond Emerald and Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold ring with diamonds and emeralds by Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Ring with Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels, from their Alhambra Collection Size 53 (US 6 1/2) Comes with its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Diamond Sultana Ring, circa 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise and diamond Sultana ring. Set with eighteen round cabochon natural
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond White Gold Socrate Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This dazzling Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the impressive Socrate collection features a delicate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Dress Ring, circa 1950
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels vintage diamond dress ring. Set with one hundred and ninety six round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 1970 Textured Bombe Cocktail Ring in Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Bombe cocktail Ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. An estatement bold piece, created by the house
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Golden Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 3.46 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Very rare vintage cocktail ring, created in Paris
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold 1.56Cttw Size 50
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Van Cleef & Arpels diamond floral ring is very rare and is now collectible item
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold cocktail ring made by Van Cleef and Arpels; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Yellow + White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow and White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring in Platinum
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Behold the beauty of this Van Cleef and Arpels sapphire and diamond bypass ring, where
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Rare Van Cleef Arpels Rose Quartz And Diamond Ring With Reciept
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Arpels Rose Quartz And Diamond Ring With Reciept. Excellent Condition
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Diamond Stacking Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Stacking Band Green Emerald Cabochon & Diamonds Stacking Ring, this variation
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Beryl, Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Onyx and Diamond 'Philippine' Ring, French, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels onyx and diamond 'Philippine' ring. Set with eighteen round single cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Large Amethyst Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Large Amethyst Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 4 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cushion Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Captivating elegance meets timeless beauty in this Van Cleef & Arpels sapphire and diamond halo
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Socrate Ring VCARB14500
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
An exquisite 18k white gold diamond between the finger ring by Van Cleef & Arpels from the Socrate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ring 18k Gold size 6.25
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
remains in vogue. Wearing this ring is like owning a piece of history and an emblem of Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Trefle Clover Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Trefle Clover Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 17 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

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Van Cleef And Arpels Cocktail Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact van cleef and arpels cocktail ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 97 vintage or 19 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect van cleef and arpels cocktail ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. While most can agree that any van cleef and arpels cocktail ring from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 67 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes square cut and cabochon alternatives. Most of our van cleef and arpels cocktail ring for sale are for women, but there are 23 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Van Cleef And Arpels Cocktail Ring?

On average, a van cleef and arpels cocktail ring at 1stDibs sells for $10,400, while they’re typically $1,977 on the low end and $102,999 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Van Cleef & Arpels for sale on 1stDibs

One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.

The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpel. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)

Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.

But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.

Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.

Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right cocktail-rings for You

A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.

Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.

Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.

Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.

During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.

So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic

Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.

These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.

Questions About Van Cleef & Arpels
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Van Cleef & Arpels is so expensive because it is a well-known company that has a fantastic reputation. Van Cleef & Arpels are universally renowned for high quality jewelry with a focus on detail. High-profile fans of the French jewelry house over the years have included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Find an extraordinary range of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.