In the world of online auctions, statement necklaces and other large, dominant pieces of jewelry are often referred to as runway jewelry, whether or not they have actually been displayed during a fashion runway event. By virtue of their size, rings—a pleasing final touch to just about every ensemble—rarely get as much attention as more prominent necklaces, bracelets, brooches and even earrings. But runway rings are having their day.
Multi-finger designs and those that extend over the knuckle are much less visible in the press this season than stunning styles that have plenty of size but are more traditional in taking up space on one finger at a time. They can be, and are often, worn in multiples, but each design stands on its own. Many of today’s runway rings are not the expected cocktail rings, making this trend even more intriguing. Here are recent fashion editorials in which runway rings play a starring role.
Actress Halle Berry wears a pair of diamond rings by Tiffany & Co. and Harry Winston, along with Cartier earrings only partially visible in this photo from the November 2012 issue of InStyle. The jacket is by Joseph.
Singer-actress-mogul Jennifer Lopez appears in the September 2012 issue of InStyle wearing an eye-catching 18k gold ring from Ana Khouri with a Wolford bodysuit and Salvatore Ferragamo leather skirt. She wears H.Stern diamond and 18k gold earrings. The other ring and bracelet are her own.
In the November 2012 issue of Vogue, model Kate Upton wears a black-and-white striped sweater from Jason Wu with an L.L. Bean bucket hat, the ensemble accented with a pair of runway rings: a Jennifer Fisher band and an ATAT square ring.
Also in November’s Vogue, a party dress and chunky heel shoes by Marc Jacobs are accompanied by a coordinating runway ring from Munnu/The Gem Palace.
In the November 2012 issue of Allure, the ornate embellishment of a dress and underpinnings by Dolce & Gabbana is echoed in an runway ring by Miriam Haskell and a huge gold cuff by Alexis Bittar.
The vibrancy of a bright red coat of alpaca with leather and suede detail from Tom Ford meets it match with a collection of runway rings in this fashion shot from the November 2012 issue of Elle: The amethyst and green amethyst ring with pearls and the cabochon jade ring with tourmaline are by Tony Duquette; the white enamel ring with diamonds and the coral and diamond ring are both from David Webb; and the blue enamel ring is from Solange Azagury-Partridge. The model also wears coral, turquoise, amethyst and peridot earrings from Tony Duquette. Her print turtleneck is by Tracy Reese, her shirt and pants from Prada, and her velour felt hat from Lola Hats.
The October 2012 issue of Marie Claire adds color and texture in the form of red resin rings from Dinosaur Designs and a honeycomb ring from By/Natalie Frigo to a wildly patterned dress from Altuzarra and furry coat from Emporio Armani. The model also wears a pair of cuff bracelets from Robert Lee Morris.
The December 2012 issue of Real Simple reports that “cocktail rings are still the toast of the town,” adding that the featured “notice-me picks are substantial enough that you could forgo any other jewelry.” Pictured are a Swarovski crystal ring in ruthenium plate; a Judith Jack turquoise ring in sterling silver with marcasite and crystals; an Alexis Bittar gold-plated ring with crystals; and a sea urchin ring available in Lucite or gold plate from Sequin.
In the world of runway rings, a specialized variety merited a feature in the November 2012 issue of InStyle. “Pick Your Poison,” writes Marion Fasel: “During the Renaissance, many ornate rings were designed with a secret compartment to hold keepsakes: a lock of hair or a tiny portrait of a loved one. According to legend, some people used them to hide poison, which could be slipped into an enemy’s drink. Whatever you decide to carry in these updated versions—sweet or sinister—the effect will be dazzling.” Pictured are a ruby, 18k gold and sterling silver ring from Cynthia Bach; a diamond, pink sapphire, emerald, and 18k gold ring from Yewn; a diamond, ruby, and 18k gold serpent ring from Stephen Webster; and a ring of diamonds and 18k gold from Solange Azagury-Partridge.
“Are Your Hands Aging You?” posits the November 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar. One thing’s for certain: Wearing a runway ring as fabulous as this De Beers design will have people looking at something other than your skin.
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