If you do any shopping at all for jewelry in the DC area, you know that “fashion” rings are everywhere. But what are they? Are they costume jewelry? Phony stones? Cheaply made? If it’s a diamond, is it still a fashion ring? Just about the only obvious thing about such a nebulous term is that they are part of fashion.
Originally, fashion rings did mean those made from silver instead of gold, and studded with crystals or cubic zirconia; they were meant to mimic Hollywood designs at affordable prices. As such, nearly any ring could be considered a fashion ring, which doesn’t help. Also as such, this provenance does mean, technically, that “fashion” jewelry, at least originally, referred to faux or costume jewelry, and was merely a more polite term.
Over time, however, the lack of precise definition—faux, after all, can mean nothing but fake—meant that the “fashion ring” scope expanded. To what you ask? Just about anything! Seriously, it no longer matters what materials are used; it’s more important that the ring features a hip or new design. Perhaps “style-forward rings” would be more appropriate.
When it comes to diamond fashion rings, we’re usually talking about those that wouldn’t necessarily be called a “classic” or even be easily mistaken for an engagement ring. There are more design elements, maybe even more stones. The fashion ring can also be considered a close cousin of the right-hand ring.
The most important point we want to make here is that, these days, you should never be turned off if something is referred to as a “fashion ring.” It’s marketing phrase used by the finest of jewelers and pawns shops in Loudoun, VA. Fashion rings can cost thousands, so take a look, and judge for yourself exactly what one is.