These rings are my Thing

Like many women, I love my bling blings. So naturally I was instantly attracted to today’s (15 Jan 2010) article on iconic rings in The Straits Times, Urban supplement. Some find it strange that I am actually more of a design person. Yes, the design is more important to me than that bling, really. I have been known to eschew real jewellery for costume ones all because the accessories happen to have better design. Crazy? That’s just me, I guess 😛

 Perhaps it is embedded in my DNA, somehow even as a kid, I’ve always like only clean-cut lines, sleek and preferably unique designs. I seem to be ‘allergic’ to frilly, complicated, ornate or so-called ‘traditional’ designs. So I guess there’re no prizes for guessing which ring is my thing 😉

 

 If we’re talking about bling, then The Tiffany Setting Ring with its classic round cut diamond and discreet 6-prong setting is my all-time favourite. No wonder it is lauded as the world’s favourite engagement ring . Engagement ring or not, to me, that is distilled simplicity.

Tiffany’s Somerset Ring, is my top choice for everyday wear. This may look more like costume jewellery than the real thing but I fell in love with it ever since I set on eyes on it a while back. From Tiffany’s Mesh Collection, these micro knit mesh rings in either yellow, white or rose gold or sterling silver, are unique and sleek with a slightly edgy appeal.

If I have to wear gold, then Bulgari’s B.Zero 1 Ring is the ring. The spiral design has a hint of masculine feel to it. But it is the clean-cut lines which appeal to me the most.  I wish the Bulgari logo was not engraved onto the 2 lateral rims, though. Guess I’m not one for displaying logos 😛 So you would never find me with a Louis Vuitton bag. Haha.

I like the three different gold colours and smooth curves which intertwine so effortlessly in Cartier’s Trinity Ring. It is said that White symbolizes friendship, pink, love and yellow, fidelity. The intertwining reflects the ties that can’t be broken. And if I’m bored, it gives me something to fiddle with 😛

And for a fun and funky feel, I would definitely love to don Chopard’s Happy Spirit Ring. Perhaps my unexplained penchant for geometric shapes over flowers and frills explains my fondness for these concentric circles. These concentric circles spiral with a playful touch. The diamond in the centre designed to move with the wearer’s hand adds sparkle and lifts one’s spirit instantly. No wonder is it known as the Happy Spirit Ring J It comes with other motifs like round, square, oval and heart-shaped as well.

Ideal for the Friday night out, Chanel’s The Ultra Ring with its monochromatic, minimalist look is effortless chic at its best. Said to be inspired by Coco Chanel’s passion for pairing black and white, it comes in black and white ceramic in white gold. For those who love their bling, fret not, diamonds accented ones are available.

Chopard’s The Ice Cube Ring – This cool as ice, ice cube inspired ring has the bling without flaunting it. A ring that inspires confidence immediately, this is definitely what you would want to wear to that important meeting. It goes well with a cocktail dress too, slipping smoothly from day to night.  

For understated elegance, I would go for Chopard’s La Strada Ring. Inspired by Fellini’s film and 1950’s aesthetics, these sensual curves are simply sensuous. Alternating bands of gold and diamond, contrasts gracefully, perfect for everyday wear.

If I’m feeling sexy, The Trouble Ring by Boucheron is the ring.  A seductive serpent slithering on one’s finger is enough to put one in a sexy mood. This assertive yellow gold creation is for the cougar in you too 😉

For reasons unknown, Boucheron’s Quatre Ring seems a little ornate for my taste though it is relatively sleek in structure. Perhaps it is the diamond point and gopher motifs which I find a little too fussy for my liking. While I love the combination of 4 different types of gold – white, yellow, rose and chocolate – which makes it look like a luscious, four-layered cake, the different texture was welcoming too but maybe not in the way I would have liked it. Fused together by pressure rather than the traditional soldering used, it is truly unique in design. And chocolate gold is intriguing indeed. Hell, the ring is even hip so I’ve no idea why it seems a little ‘iffy’ to me.

Inspired by the ancient city of Rome, this simple modular pattern of interlocking graphic symbols is based on bracket shapes or parentesi (parenthesis) – a typical, Roman architectural pattern. Hence, it’s moniker, Parentesi Ring (By Bulgari) Again, I find it a little on the opulent side, though the plain ones in yellow or white gold, unadorned by diamonds seems more palatable. Probably this shape does not appeal to me. Somehow, the ring reminds one of the excesses of the 80’s.

What is definitely a no-no for me is Cartier’s Lust, Caution Ring. This 6.1 carat pink diamond stunner was specially commissioned by Director Ang Lee for the movie, “Lust, Caution”. Hugged by 2 circles of smaller sparklers, this ring was set in the glamorous style of the 1930’s. As vintage design is not my cup of tea, I would definitely re-set this huge bauble (in fact it was nicknamed the “Ostrich Egg” in the movie, due to its size :p) into something bold and chunky. Obviously, it wouldn’t be in my possession anytime soon as the ring is not for sale and is displayed at Cartier’s museum in Paris.

Another ring on my dislike list would have to be Louis Vuitton’s Cut Ring from the Les Ardentes Collection which features a flower cut and a star cut diamond. Created and patented by Louis Vuitton as these four petals Lily cut diamonds mirror the shape of the brand’s iconic monogram pattern, they are simply too feminine and frilly to appeal to me.

Now I just wish I could get my hands on my fave rings…one day, perhaps…one fine day.