Right-Hand Rings: Popular Styles, Gemstones, and How to Style

A right-hand ring is typically worn on the right finger to show self-love and independence. These rings do not symbolize marital status or commitment; instead, they represent success and personal growth. People also gift these rings on special events like birthdays or anniversaries. In some cultures, these rings symbolize harmony and balance between the genders. Right-hand rings are typically designed with a large-sized stone and meaningful symbols to make them bold and memorable. 

The history of these rings can be traced back to the U.S prohibition era in the 1920s. In this era the women started to earn their own income, and they wear these rings to show financial independence and social freedom. Right-handed rings are also known as cocktail rings, as women used to wear these bands at secret parties in the prohibition era. Wearing the right-hand rings became a trend in the 2000s when a company named De Beers launched a “Raise your right hand” campaign. The tagline of the campaign was “your left hand is reserved for we, your right hand is reserved for me”. This campaign motivated females to build their careers before getting married, and the number of divorces also rose during this period. 

What Are the Popular Styles of Right-Hand Rings?

Here are the five popular styles for right-hand rings:

1. Statement Rings: These bands are designed with a large stone or a unique shape at the center of the band that shows confidence and attracts attention. The stone is firmly placed with a halo or pavé style for maximum brilliance and protection. 
2. Diamond Bands: The diamond rings are well known for their strength, and they offer timeless appeal. The band can be designed with a single large diamond or multiple diamonds to enhance its sparkle and brilliance. 
3. Gemstone Rings: Apart from diamonds, there are a number of colored gemstones that are used in the bands to make the theme personalized and add an emotional touch. Most commonly used stones include ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst, or topaz. 
4. Modern Minimalist Rings: These bands offer a sleek and minimalist look with geometric shapes and open designs. People who like a contemporary look prefer these styles. 
5. Vintage-Inspired Rings: The rings are designed to add an emotional touch of history, like the Edwardian era or Art Deco era, in which unique geometrical shapes are utilized in the bands. People also use their heirloom jewelry to renew it for modern use, building a sentimental relationship with it. 

What Gemstones Are Best for Right-Hand Rings?

Here are the five best gemstones to use for the composition of right-hand bands:

1. Ruby: It looks hard red in color, which represents passion and courage. It ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a durable option for everyday wear after a diamond. 
2. Sapphire: The blue shade of the gem reflects the individuality of the wearer. It symbolizes self-trust and wisdom, and also ranks 9 on the Mohs scale. 
3. Emerald: The green color of this stone reflects strength, growth, and renewal. These rigs are usually worn at the beginning of a new journey to a business or in life. 
4. Diamond: The rings with diamonds are gifted in the month of April and are the most durable stones. Diamond symbolizes resilience and strength, and makes it a good choice as a statement piece. 
5. Amethyst or Topaz: Amethyst is purple in color and ranks 7.1 on the Mohs scale. It is an affordable option, yet it needs proper maintenance for long-term use. Topaz is on 8 on the Mohs scale and is generally used for daily wear. 

What Metals Complement Right-Hand Rings Best?

Here are the five metals that complement the right-hand rings best:

1. Yellow Gold: It offers a warm glow with a classic look. Yellow gold is available in different ptio like 12k, 14k, and 18k, in which 14k is durable and the 18k is too soft to use in routine wear. 
2. White Gold: White gold offers a clean, minimalist look and is the best alternative to platinum, which is denser than gold. It is made from gold and white metals, which are then passed through rhodium plating to make the final white finish. The plating fades over time, and the ring needs to be replated after years to keep its shiny look.
3. Rose Gold: Copper is mixed with gold to create a soft pinkish hue, which offers a unique, romantic, and charming look. The addition of copper makes it more durable than yellow and white gold. 
4. Platinum: It is denser than other metals, which makes it heavier, scratch-resistant, and durable. Platinum naturally looks silvery white in color and thus does not require rhodium plating. It develops patina over time, which needs to be polished to maintain its shine.
5. Mixed Metals: Two or more metals are mixed to create a creative and personalized look. For example, a yellow gold band mixed with a platinum setting for a diamond band. It gives the ring a warm look while keeping the stone securely in place.

How to Choose the Perfect Right-Hand Ring?

Here are the five steps to choose the perfect right-hand ring:

1. Define the Meaning: Defines the purpose of ring buying, whether it's an achievement, a beginning, or an anniversary. Sapphire rings are good for self-trust, while emerald marks the beginning. 
2. Pick a Style That Matches Your Personality: The style of the ring affects the personality of the wearer. Choose a ring with a large stone for a bold look or a diamond band for a classic, elegant look.
3. Focus on Comfort: Make sure the ring fits well and has a comfortable band width for everyday wear. Choose a durable metal like platinum and a strong gemstone for an active lifestyle. 
4. Set a Budget: Find the right balance between gemstone quality, metal type, and overall design. Platinum is the most durable and luxurious option, while white gold gives a similar look for a more affordable price.
5. Personalize It: Add birthstones, personal engravings, or unique cuts to make the ring according to the unique personality. Create a distinctive look through mixing different metals or wearing multiple stackable rings.

How to Style Right-Hand Rings?

Wearing the ring alone on the right hand emphasizes its meaning and design. It can also be stacked with other minimalist rings for a stacked look. Balance is essential when pairing your right-hand ring with other accessories. Pair it with simple jewelry if the ring is bold, to create a modern, balanced look. Avoid wearing two rings with large stones simultaneously, as this can appear too flashy. Match the shades of the metal tones with the color palette of the outfit. Diamonds and white metals are very versatile and match well with nearly any color palette. Don’t be worried about going bold. A large, sparkling gemstone ring adds the perfect touch of glamour to an evening gown.

How to Care for Your Right-Hand Ring?

Wash the ring with mild soap, a soft brush, and warm water. Carefully dry the ring using a soft, lint-free cloth. Keep the ring separately in a box to avoid scratches. Do not let the ring come into contact with perfumes, lotions, or harsh chemicals. Have your jeweler check the ring’s prongs and settings every year to make sure everything’s secure.