Bold cocktail rings feature large, visually dominant gemstones with confident proportions and architectural cuts. At Serendipity Diamonds, bespoke emerald-cut aquamarine and citrine rings showcase bold design, refined craftsmanship and individuality, offering statement jewellery and alternative engagement ring styles inspired by modern cocktail ring aesthetics.
Interest in large gemstone rings has grown steadily in recent years as more people move away from convention and towards expressive, design-led jewellery. Public figures such as Kirsty Allsopp have helped reinforce this shift, often favouring substantial gemstone rings with character over delicate minimal designs. Her recognisable style has renewed appreciation for bespoke cocktail rings that balance colour, proportion and craftsmanship.
At Serendipity Diamonds, our bespoke design service allows clients to explore this aesthetic in its purest form. We design each ring around the gemstone itself, ensuring the scale, balance and setting work together seamlessly. From emerald-cut aquamarines to richly coloured citrines, every piece reflects careful design and confident craftsmanship.
This guide explores what defines a bold cocktail ring, why emerald-cut gemstones perform so well at scale, and showcases a growing collection of bespoke designs created in our workshop.
What defines a Cocktail Ring?
A cocktail ring places the gemstone at the centre stage. Unlike traditional engagement rings, which often prioritise symbolism and subtle sparkle, cocktail rings focus on impact and individuality.
A bold cocktail ring typically features:
- A large central gemstone with a strong visual presence
- Architectural cuts, often emerald cut or step cut
- Confident proportions that favour scale over delicacy
- A design led by self-expression rather than convention
While cocktail rings traditionally appeared on the right hand, modern jewellery choices no longer follow strict rules. Many clients now choose bold gemstone rings as alternative engagement rings, anniversary pieces or everyday statement designs. Rings as alternative engagement rings, anniversary pieces, or statement designs worn daily.
Why Emerald-Cut Gemstones Suit Statement Rings
Emerald-cut gemstones work exceptionally well in bold cocktail ring designs. Their long, clean step facets create a calm, reflective surface that highlights colour and clarity rather than brilliance alone.
This cut offers several advantages when working with larger gemstones:
- Elegant growth with size, maintaining balance at higher carat weights
- Strong colour emphasis, ideal for aquamarine and citrine
- Architectural clarity, which suits bespoke, design-led settings
- Timeless appeal, avoiding short-lived trends
When paired with platinum or 18ct white gold, emerald-cut gemstones deliver strength, refinement and lasting presence.
Featured Bespoke Cocktail Rings by Serendipity Diamonds
The following rings showcase a selection of bespoke cocktail ring designs created through our workshop. Each ring is unique, designed around the individual gemstone and the client’s vision. We will continue to expand this section as new designs take shape.
9-Carat Emerald-Cut Aquamarine Solitaire in 18ct White Gold
This striking solitaire ring centres on a 9-carat emerald-cut aquamarine, chosen for its exceptional clarity and soft blue tone. The design places full emphasis on the gemstone, allowing its size and colour to define the ring. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and makes a popular choice for birthday celebrations.
We set the aquamarine in 18ct white gold, which complements the stone’s cool tones while providing strength and durability. The clean solitaire setting keeps the emerald cut as the clear focal point, creating a ring that feels architectural, confident and timeless.
This design suits those who value bold statement jewellery with refined restraint — a cocktail ring that relies on proportion rather than ornament.
Emerald-Cut Aquamarine with Tapering Diamond Shoulders
This bespoke design pairs an emerald-cut aquamarine with tapering diamond shoulders, adding structure and subtle brilliance without competing with the centre stone.
The diamonds draw the eye to the aquamarine and enhance the emerald cut’s length. This framing effect creates balance and elegance while preserving the gemstone’s dominance.
The result bridges classic design and statement style, offering a cocktail ring that transitions effortlessly from special occasions to everyday wear.
12.5-Carat Emerald-Cut Citrine Ring with Aquamarines and Diamonds in Platinum
This exceptional ring features a 12.5-carat emerald-cut citrine as its centrepiece. Citrine represents one of the birthstones for November. Citrine is prized for its warm, golden, Marmalade-like colour. Furthermore, it contrasts beautifully with aquamarines and diamonds, creating depth and visual harmony.
We crafted the setting in platinum, providing strength, weight and a neutral backdrop that allows the gemstone colours to stand out. At this scale, proportion becomes critical. Every element works together to ensure the ring feels deliberate, balanced and confident.
This piece exemplifies bespoke cocktail ring design at its boldest — celebrating colour, craftsmanship and scale without compromise.
Choosing the Right Gemstone for a Cocktail Ring
The success of a cocktail ring depends on more than size alone. Colour, cut and durability all play vital roles in how the ring looks and wears.
Two gemstones that perform particularly well in bold designs include:
- Aquamarine, valued for clarity, soft blue tones and excellent performance in larger sizes
- Citrine, prized for warmth, visual impact and its ability to scale beautifully
Other gemstones, such as emerald, tourmaline, kunzite, and spinel, can also work exceptionally well, depending on the desired look and how the ring will be worn.
The Bespoke Cocktail Ring Design Process
Every bespoke cocktail ring begins with a detailed conversation. We focus on how the ring will be worn, the desired impact level, and which gemstone best suits that vision.
Our process typically includes:
- An initial design consultation
- Careful gemstone sourcing
- Design development with close attention to proportion
- Craftsmanship using platinum or precious gold alloys
- Final fitting and refinement
This approach ensures even the boldest designs remain comfortable, balanced and wearable.
Can a Cocktail Ring Be an Engagement Ring?
Many clients now choose bold gemstone rings as alternatives to traditional engagement rings. Emerald-cut aquamarines and other coloured gemstones offer individuality, presence and personal meaning without following convention.
A cocktail ring worn as an engagement ring reflects confidence and self-expression — values that resonate strongly with modern couples seeking something distinctive.
A Growing Collection of Bold Gemstone Rings
This guide will continue to evolve as new bespoke cocktail rings emerge from our workshop. Each new design adds to a growing body of work that celebrates large gemstones, architectural cuts and confident design.
If you are considering a bespoke cocktail ring — whether as a statement piece, an engagement ring or a personal milestone — our team would be delighted to guide you through the design process.
About Mark Johnson
Mark founded Isle of Wight jewellers Serendipity Diamonds in 2007 after a career on the polished diamonds industry. Today he works in the Serendipity showroom, helping clients with jewellery, creating handmade designs and updating their two jewellery websites SerendipityDiamonds.com and Isle-of-Wight-Jewellery.co.uk
