Stacked up, statement and sprawling across the hand, unusual rings have become the essential jewellery trend for spring, in particular across-, along- and between-the-finger designs.
Choice accessory of the fashion pack, images of hip young things wearing oversized rings that span the hand or the length of a finger have been popping up at every stylish bash. And with the July issue of Vogue featuring more than a few - including the amazing white gold and sapphire Diane Kordas ring, pictured - the trend is here to stay.
Many fine jewellers have been playing with the idea of across-the-finger rings for a while now, with uniquely beautiful results. A highlight of Greek designer Nikos Koulis' latest collection, entitled Phaedra's Box, is his handmade chain ring, which clings comfortably to the finger. Among his 'Fontana' collection is a three-digit ring that is part armour, part jewellery, while another design sees a swan weave itself gracefully between the fingers.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Wings collection, Garrard has designed a beautiful winged ring, which spans two fingers. Set with diamonds, it sparkles as it flits across the hand. Azza Fahmy's Winged Scarab ring sits similarly on the fingers but is designed in the modern-pharaonic style that is the Egyptian designer's trademark.
It's not just young, independent jewellers who have been experimenting with these original hand accessories. Van Cleef & Arpels recently released an entire collection of colourful between-the-finger rings. Adorned with butterflies, flowers and birds, the nature-inspired collection dazzles with colourful precious gems.
What makes the trend so exciting is the seemingly endless possibilities it has inspired. From high-end jeweller David Morris' pretty between the finger Butterfly rings to Parulina's extravagantly colourful, knuckleduster-esque emerald ring, it has opened up a new willingness to experiment with hand jewellery in a way that even a few years ago was unheard of.
To quote the actress Carey Mulligan, who wore an Art Deco style hand jewel designed by Tiffany & Co for her role as Daisy Buchanan in the film The Great Gatsby: "I have never worn jewellery like it. These rings that were attached to pearls that come around the hand, I think it changes the way that you move and the way that you carry yourself. You know that you are wearing something very beautiful."
