For a long time, it was believed that diamond rings should be reserved for engagement rings. But as the world moves in a direction that is more progressive and more people feel comfortable expressing themselves through their fashion sense, more and more women and men are embracing diamond rings for all occasions.
Whether it is a fancy pear-shaped diamond ring, an ultra-sparkly halo ring, a minimalistic diamond band ring, a playful coloured diamond ring or even a classic diamond solitaire ring, there is no shortage of rings out there to help show off your glamorous side. But before you start scrolling online or browsing through the endless glass cabinets at your local jewellery store, read our diamond rings style guide to learn all the dos and don'ts of wearing a diamond ring-including how to wear them, what side they go on and more.
Overview:
How To Wear Diamond Rings
Let's get one thing straight, we all know diamond rings go on your fingerbut how exactly do you wear them when they are not a diamond engagement ring? Well, the official style rules say that there really aren't any rules and therefore there are plenty of ways that you can style your ring and even have a little fun with it in the process.
The Old Fashioned Way
Although it is refreshing to stray from the norms now and again, some of us are pure traditionalists at heart and like to do things the old-fashioned way-including with diamond rings. This means wearing your ring on the fourth finger of either your left or right hand. And while this finger is typically reserved for the engagement ring, more and more people are rocking their rings on this hand to show off their independence or to commemorate another milestone in their life other than marriage. Whether it's to celebrate a milestone birthday, a graduation or even that big promotion you went for, a big rock on that finger can help send out a whole new message to your peers. You know how the old saying goes: I am woman, hear me roar.
For When You Are Avoiding The Ring Finger
Despite some sporting, their ring on their fourth finger in a powerful statement highlighting their independence, many jewellery and diamond enthusiasts opt to keep their fourth fingers bare for when they eventually do have engagement and wedding rings. They also do this so people don't get the wrong idea about their marital status. If you are one of these people, try giving your other fingers some attention. Index fingers are a great place for diamond rings as it allows them to remain centre stage among all your other clothing and accessories. But if you are after a more minimalist approach, wearing it on the finger next to your pinky or even on your pinky will ensure that you will always have a little sparkle in your life without being the centre of attention. If you own a wider diamond ring or any signet rings, sporting them on your pinky or your thumb is a slightly edgier way to accessorise your look.
Experiment With Layering
While layering is somewhat of a new wave styling technique, its appearance on the runways and in the pages of multiple fashion magazines has only helped further solidify its status as a timeless trend that is here to stay. Layering is not only a great way to style your earrings, bangles and necklaces, but also your diamond rings. So, if you own multiple diamond rings or a handful of rings that will pair well together, experiment with layering this season. With this trend, you can either go subtle and stack all your rings on one finger, or you can make a bit of a statement by wearing your rings alongside one another across multiple fingers. If you plan it well enough, this trend can give the illusion that you are wearing one big ring or one that spans over multiple fingers.
Wear It On A Chain
When you work with your hands daily, wearing rings can not only be a nuisance but it can even be a little bit dangerous. However, that is not to say that you should have to forgo a little bling-bling altogether. Some women and men have adopted a very unique approach to wearing diamond rings that deters them from getting in the way and that is wearing them on a chain. Wearing your rings on a chain not only provides a very unique pendant design but allows you to get daily wear of your pieces without the worry that they will become damaged or restrict you from doing certain activities. Hands are also constantly exposed to various kinds of pollutants including dirt, grime, sweat, hand sanitiser and many more, so, by wearing your rings on a chain you are stopping them from getting too grotty.
How To Wear Pear-Shaped Diamond Rings
Synonymous for their timeless sparkle and magnificent point, pear-shaped diamond rings are quickly becoming a go-to ring style not just for dress rings, but for engagement rings as well. Incredibly versatile, the unique shape of these ultra-sparkly beauties pretty much fits all shapes and sizes. But while the contemporary design of these rings may have people all over the globe fawning over them, it is also the source of a whole lot of confusion. Particularly, when it comes to figuring out how to wear pear-shaped diamond rings.
So, what is the proper way to wear these rings?
Technically, there is no right or wrong way to wear pear-shaped diamond rings, however, there are some ways you can wear them that will help accentuate their features along with your own. One of the most popular ways to wear pear-shaped diamond rings is with the pointed end of the ring facing towards the fingernails. An approach that almost has the ring resembling a falling teardrop, this styling hack is excellent for elongating your fingers and making them appear slimmer. Those that try their best not to fit the mould may choose to wear their pear-shaped ring with the point facing inward towards the wrist, a method that is very popular among those with pear engagement rings as it is though the point is directly facing the heart.
Can You Wear A Diamond Solitaire On Your Right Hand?
Since their monetary rise in popularity, it is hard for people not to associate diamond solitaire rings with engagement rings and other kinds of bridal jewellery. Their simple yet elegant setting and exquisite sparkle are the crowning jewels for brides to be everywhere. Despite this association with the act of getting engaged, this hasn't stopped women and men from purchasing their solitaire-style diamonds to wear as a dress ring. There is even a movement of women purchasing diamond solitaires and other styles of diamond rings not to alert people of their relationship availability, but rather their independence. These women will typically wear the ring on their right hand to help people distinguish it from an engagement ring. So, yes, you can wear a diamond solitaire on your right hand.
However, it is important to note that while many western countries do reserve their left hand for when they become engaged and eventually get married, in some cultures it is customary to wear any bridal jewellery on the right hand. This is because some cultures believe that the left hand is unclean and occasionally a marker of witchcraft. These women and men would likely wear a diamond solitaire on their left hand if it isn't worn for engagement ring purposes and on their right if it was meant for that reason.
Can A Single Woman Wear A Diamond Ring?
While many women hold off on a diamond ring until the right person comes along and sweeps them off their feet, others are more than eager to treat themselves to the perfect diamond sparkler. But is this socially acceptable? Can a single woman wear a diamond ring?
In short, yes! Though diamonds are often regarded as a symbol of eternal love, one just has to look at the history of diamonds and their use in engagement rings to understand why anyone, including single women, can rock a diamond ring.
Despite being the number one choice for engagement rings today, diamond engagement rings only garnered popularity among brides-to-be in the late 1940s when the British jeweller, De Beers ran an iconic marketing campaign with the slogan: Diamonds Are Forever'. No relation to the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, the phrase quickly stuck and has become a popular moniker for diamonds ever since. Before this event, gemstone engagement rings reigned supreme and diamonds were mostly for dress rings adorned by both single women and wedded women. So while old wife's tales may have given you the wrong idea, it always has and always will be socially acceptable for a single woman to wear a ring with diamonds in it.
Do Guys Wear Diamond Rings?
With the idea of style becoming more fluid, men are becoming braver and are taking more risks with their looks. This includes embracing fashion and jewellery trends that at one time or another were considered a little taboo for a male to wear. Not only will you find many jewellers selling men's engagement rings but you will also come across a lot of boutiques and brands offering men's diamond dress rings in a handful of different styles including signet rings, diamond bands and thumb rings. Snoop Dogg, Johnny Depp, Mr T. and Harry Styles are just a few famous faces that have been known to embrace diamond rings along with other men's jewellery items featuring diamonds.
So yes, guys DO wear diamond rings.
There are even certain cultures where it is common for not only the woman to get a diamond engagement ring but the man as well. In countries such as Serbia, Chile and Sweden, a man will often wear a signet ring, a dome-style ring or a simple band with an array of diamonds layered across it in what is known as a channel setting as an engagement ring that they will switch to their other hand upon exchanging vows.
Can You Wear Diamond Rings Every Day?
The thing that people love about diamond rings and diamond jewellery, in general, is that it is versatile. Whether it is a dainty diamond ring or an exceptionally sparkly piece, you can pretty much count on it pairing effortlessly with just about every piece in your wardrobe. This is because diamonds go with everything. And while some may reserve their precious diamond pieces for cocktail parties and other special occasions, others are more than keen to get a great deal of wear out of them. This is only fair given their high price tag, you ought to get your money's worth.
But can you wear diamond rings every day?
The answer is YES! If you want to wear your diamond rings every day, then that is your prerogative. Diamonds are one of the toughest minerals on the earth and are therefore likely to be more durable than your standard metal ring. However, to help maximise the wearability of your diamond ring you must provide them with a great deal of care. The pollutants we are exposed to every day such as dirt, dust, sweat and makeup can do a number on your diamond ring and leave it looking a little worse for wear. Giving it a good clean and storing it properly after each wear will help ensure that your ring can stand the test of time.
Learn more: How To Clean Diamond Rings
