Ring Shopping Guide by Style
RING STACKS to STATEMENT RINGS, what to know about choosing your STYLE ESSENTIALS
Each of us has a variety of styles in our closets, from glamorous cocktail dresses to office casual to white t-shirts and blue jeans. When it comes to our jewelry wardrobes, we have similar needs! Rings are particularly special pieces because not only do others see them when worn, but we also get to look down and reflect on their beauty - and what they mean to us.
Here is what to know about investing in rings that address your style needs with purpose:
Wearing your values. Beyond wanting to wear rings that reflect a discerning style that is uniquely yours with a deep personal connection, you can also intentionally invest in jewelry designed by women! With the curation of rings below, not only are you supporting talented, independent artisans, but this can meaningfully extend to men and women who mined the gemstones and precious metals! Learn more about responsible sourcing and how it supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals here.
The Mohs Scale. When it comes to rings, there are a few points to consider when choosing rings. As we use our hands to navigate our world day to day, what we wear on our fingers will come into contact with hard surfaces as well as be exposed to chemicals from lotions to cleaners. For this reason, certain gemstones (and the way they are set) are better suited for different kinds of wear. Generally speaking, gemstones at a 7 on the Mohs scale are suitable for everyday wear, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, spinel, garnet, and tourmaline. There are exceptions such as emerald, that are brittle (due to their natural inclusions) and require special wear and care considerations. Learn more here.
Sizing a ring for a particular finger. The most accurate way to discern a ring size for a particular finger is with a metal finger ring gauge (or a non-flexible plastic version). You can also consult with your local jeweler. Regardless if you are a jewelry collector, ring gauges are not expensive to purchase for your long-term use. Especially as they allow you to measure your size during warm and cold months to learn how much a particular finger expands or shrinks. What you need to look for to ensure a secure fit is knuckle resistance. A ring should have a comfortable amount of tugging to pull it off your finger.
Generally speaking, the fingers of the hand you write with are slightly larger than your non-dominant hand. If a ring feels loose on one finger, you by want to consider temporarily wearing it on a slightly larger finger before permanently resizing it. Discover short-term and longer-term resize solutions here.
Your menstrual cycle, what you eat and drink, as well as pregnancy (and postpartum), impact your ring size. Keep in mind that moisturizing your hands can act as a lubricant, resulting in rings falling off on their own. Pulling gloves off hands is a known culprit of ring loss during cold months. Find tips here to enjoy and (literally) keep your fine jewelry sparkling this winter!
Wear the rings you want, when you want, however you want. While I share the tips above and below to help guide you about investing in rings, choose rings and gemstones that speak to you! Some suggest purchasing fine jewelry of the same precious metal (be it platinum or white, yellow, or rose gold) can make it easier to coordinate your pieces, but I respectfully disagree. A diversity of metal hues brings more dynamism to a personal style, so give yourself permission to wear what you love! Along these lines, below is my shopping guide of…
3 RING STYLES FOR YOUR JEWELRY WARDROBE
SHOP MINIMALIST RINGS
Worn solo or as ring stacks, the simplicity of delicate jewelry expresses fluidity and carefree ease. There is something wonderful about this “less is more” look, when paired with effortless essentials from strappy summer dresses to casual white t-shirts and blue jeans. Never underestimate the mighty beauty of minimalist rings!
GOLD SIGNET RING
SHOP ENGAGEMENT RINGS + ETERNITY BANDS
First, a caveat: you don’t have to get engaged or be married to wear a diamond ring of any size or an eternity band.
There is a reason diamonds are great as everyday and engagement rings - not because a marketing slogan from 1948, says they are “forever”. It is because diamonds are the hardest gemstone - a 10 on the Mohs scale. Two other alluring and durable options drip with color: sapphire (9 on the Mohs scale) and spinel (8 on the Mohs scale).
Whatever gem is uniquely beautiful to you, I’ve curated discerning engagement rings and eternity bands that are exquisite today, tomorrow, and beyond as future heirlooms.
COLORED GEMSTONE ENGAGEMENT RING
Interested in a bespoke diamond ring? Email me with your questions about responsibly sourced diamonds - or just to say hi!
SHOP COCKTAIL RINGS
You may not realize it, but cocktail rings are symbols of women’s liberation! In the roaring 20s, women were not only celebrating the 19th Amendment, but they were also enjoying newfound social liberties. This includes the libations of prohibition. It was very in vogue to wear statement rings that would draw attention to what one was sipping with a significant, sparkling ring. The bigger, the bolder, the better. Cheers to this glamorous wardrobe staple to empower us in the boardroom and remind us of what we are made of.
SPIKE RING
THE BRILLIANT CONCIERGE SERVICE
Discerning jewelry that addresses your wardrobe needs and aligns with your values!
The Brilliant Concierge is a fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry for purchase you will love. The concierge service includes:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe to rediscover treasures you already have and prioritizing needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.
One-on-one virtual jewelry wardrobe edits!
One of the world’s first art forms is jewelry - and one of the earliest examples of a circular economy! Jewelry was always a reflection of what was of meaning and value to our ancient ancestors and I believe this can be true today.
Responsibly sourced jewelry, thoughtfully designed by women. This means striving for:
• transparency in origin
• conflict-free
• supporting and protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.