Rings for women have been important accessories for thousands of years. The ring is, perhaps, the most symbolic jewelry. From engagement, wedding and anniversary rings that symbolize eternal love to noble rings which speak about social status and family tradition; rings have always been an important part of our lives. Although, when you buy rings online it may prove to be more difficult than you thought. There are many different ring styles you have to consider. Also, you need to pay attention to the ring’s size if you plan on offering it as a present.
To help you choose the perfect ring for your loved one or yourself, we have put together a definitive guide to rings. Read further to find out about:
- Different ring types
- How to style your rings
- How to clean & care for your rings
Rings for women buying guide
Jewelry designers have proven to be extremely creative when it comes to rings – even though the ring is a piece of jewelry that doesn’t offer as much creative freedom as other jewelry. With earrings and necklaces you can have any size and shape, but with rings, things are pretty straightforward. However, human creativity always surprises and enchants us. This is why you can find very different ring styles today. You have to choose carefully, though especially when buying rings for women.
- Bands
These are simple rings with the same width all around. People usually get bands as wedding rings, but this doesn’t mean you can’t wear a simple band ring as an everyday ring! In this category, you can also find eternity bands which set with a single line of precious gem stones, of identical size, the eternity ring was popularised by the De Beers diamond company in the 20th C. Eternity rings are typically given to wives or girlfriends on special anniversaries, such as the birth of a child or the couple’s wedding anniversary. Its history goes back to ancient times, in the Elizabethan period it was known as an alliance ring and was in the form of a snake biting its own tail.
- Solitaire rings
A solitaire brings a big diamond to mind; even when there are other smaller gemstones around the centrepiece, it is the central stone in focus. The gem is usually a diamond, but it can also be another type of stone, such as a sapphire or ruby. They are harder to match than multi-stone rings because you have one color option, but they tend to bring a delicate and stylish note to any outfit. Solitaire rings are a popular choice for engagement rings and other types of rings, such as anniversary rings or birthday rings.
- Cluster rings
Cluster rings or multi-stone rings use stones of different shapes, colors, and sizes. They are fairly easy to match but we don’t recommend wearing them every day. Usually, cluster rings are statement rings (unless the stones are very small and delicate) and look best on special occasions.
- Halo rings
A ring featuring a central diamond icondiamond or gemstone framed by many smaller diamonds or gemstones. The tiny gems surrounding the center stone make it appear larger and more radiant by bringing one's attention to it. In recent years, this style has become very popular for engagement rings. The purpose of the halo is to emphasize the central stone. You can wear halo rings to both formal and informal occasions, depending on the stone size and color.
- Cocktail rings
Cocktail rings so called because they were first worn at cocktail parties in the 1930’s. The cocktail ring often has a large centre stone and is high domed meaning it can’t be worn under a glove. These exuberant rings are worn for the joy of it, and to be noticed. They are perfect for a night out on the town, grand receptions, and special events.
- Anniversary bands
Anniversary bands are rings where the stones (usually diamonds) are set in a channel that covers 1/3 of the band. This is a special type of ring usually given on wedding anniversaries. Try out a classic white gold band or a rose gold band if you want that extra shine of color.
A sub-category of the anniversary bands are eternity rings (also known as infinity rings). They are stunningly brilliant due to their look of a shining band lined with gemstones. Eternity rings are usually comprised of diamonds and are the perfect symbol for love and desire.
- Birthstone rings
Birthstone rings feature a gemstone that represents the birth month of the wearer. Some months have only one birthstone, others can have as much as three different gemstones (for June you get pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite). It has become a popular tradition to offer a birthstone ring as a birthday present.
Here’s a list of the months and their birthstones:
- January: garnet
- February: amethyst
- March: aquamarine and bloodstone
- April: diamond
- May: emerald
- June: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone
- July: ruby
- August: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel
- September: sapphire
- October: opal and tourmaline
- November: topaz and citrine
- December: tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise
- Contemporary rings
A ring featuring a design that is up-to-date with current styles in the industry. What makes a ring contemporary can be its cut, its setting, its design, or even the choice of materials its crafted from. In terms of design, a contemporary ring may feature a clean, minimalist design over an ornate, flashy design characteristic of an earlier era. Some of them can have geometrical angles, others can be wavy or combine different materials. This is not a single category in itself, but rather a cluster of categories which defines modern ring styles.
- Promise rings for women
Promise rings, as defined, are symbols of implicit promise and loyalty. A couple not yet ready to be married but want to show their commitment to each other will present promise rings to each other. It is also a symbol of dedication, usually given during courtship, and seen as a pre-engagement ring. Promise rings may contain diamonds or other gemstones. Sometimes, they are worn by friends or family members who want to show their support for the relationship. Promise rings can be made of any material and are often inscribed with a message of love or friendship. Originally meant for romantic relationships, promise rings have become a popular gift amongst friends as well.
- Stack rings
Stack rings have two or more bands that should be worn on the same finger for the full effect. Stackable rings are worn together or separately. Stackable rings are a popular choice for women who want to mix and match different rings to create their unique style. You can start with the Linear Stackable Diamond Ring and add other rings as you go along.
How to style rings for women
When it comes to styling rings for women, there are a couple of things you need to consider:
- Your outfit & the ocassion
- Other jewelry pieces you are wearing
- Your ring size & the desired effect
Usually, statement or cocktail rings go great with either formal outfits or party clothes. However, they are not appropriate for work situations. Solitaire rings or simple bands are perfect for work and casual outgoings, but for a formal occasion you need a little bit of sparkle. Cluster and halo rings can work perfectly with formal clothes or even outfits for a business meeting. But, of course, it also depends on the gemstones. Semi precious gems are more versatile than rubies, sapphires, emeralds and even diamonds.
When matching your rings with other jewelry, consider the 50/50 rule. Unless you are an experienced fashion icon, don’t wear more than two statement pieces at once if you are wearing four different jewelry types. This means that a cocktail or statement ring will not look great with a statement necklace and statement earrings. You can wear a big ring with a statement necklace and delicate earrings. You can also wear a statement ring with statement earrings and a thin necklace, but never combine it with a statement cuff.
Your ring size is also important. If you want your fingers to appear slender, but have a big ring size, avoid chunky pieces and very thin rings. Go for medium-width solitaire ones and avoid the bezel setting. If you have very thin and bony fingers, you can wear a bezel ring, but avoid wearing a cluster one.
How to clean rings for women
When you decide to clean your ring, pay attention to the materials and the gemstone. There are a couple of rules depending on the metals and gemstones of your ring:
- Give your ring a weekly scrub
We recommend cleaning your ring once a week to maintain the shine. The better you keep an at home cadence, the less often you’ll have to get a professional cleaning. Try mixing warm water with a few drops of dish soap and gently brushing your ring with a soft bristle toothbrush. Pat the excess water away with a cloth. Make sure you cover any drains!
- Remove your ring when working out
Working out with your jewelry can cause some major damage to your pieces. Some metals can hold up better than others in sweat but we recommend protecting your precious metals in any way you can. Most metals will corrode when in contact with the metal from weights or other equipment. Better not risk it!
- Tuck your jewelry in for bed
What can go wrong in the soft, cozy sheets and pillows on your bed? The truth is that your ring can get caught in your hair and sheets causing the setting to loosen over time. You also risk bending your metal out of shape over time. So trust us, remove your jewelry before bed.
- Keep jewelry out of submerged water
We’re talking pools, jacuzzis, and the ocean. The salts and chemicals (such as chlorine) can do even more harm to your jewelry than sweat. While showering with your fine jewelry should pose no damage, we highly urge you to tuck that engagement ring into a safe place before diving in. You’ll also avoid the risk of losing it completely!
- Avoid direct contact with perfumes and lotions
The oils, ethyl alcohol, and color enhancers in perfumes don’t necessarily have a direct reaction with precious metals, but can corrode the metal alloys over time. Too much exposure to these chemicals can cause discoloration of your precious metals or dull the look of the metal. Just remember where you stored your rings while applying lotion.
Discover our unique collection of rings for women and get the perfect gift for yourself or your beloved. Each piece of jewelry from our collections are limited edition. This means that you can get unique jewelry at affordable prices. Visit Lulu Only online shop and discover our Fashion & Fine Rings collection.
For more jewelry information and styling advice, check out our other articles and make sure to share this page with your friends!
