Ring Leaders

Five golden rings from your true love is sweet. But melting them down into a single big fat one might be a more fashionable way to ring in the glamour this party season.

A decade after barely there jewelry became the rage, super-sized “statement” or “signature” rings are back. The timing is no accident: The current hype for the ultimate shindigs have prompted mad searches for the ultimate ensembles.

Like the personalities brave enough to flaunt these huge baubles, styles vary from generous stones to sleek metal.

Cartier offers status and art.

Tarina Tarantino, the Los Angeles designer behind last year’s invasion of jeweled bug barrettes and earrings, delivers bulbous sparklers worthy of wrapping around a martini glass. New or vintage, prices depend on quality, style and brand.

A statement ring is more than a hefty lump of precious metal and gemstone. For many, slipping one on provides an instant attitude adjustment. Only lipstick holds the same power to so swiftly transform.

“It can be as simple as wearing a black outfit and a really great ring. You don’t need anything else,” said Heath Slane, the West Coast half of sister duo Slane & Slane.

Big rings are that design house’s trademark. At the Los Angeles and New York Slane & Slane stores, one popular style for men and women has a sterling silver ribbed band with amethyst, citrine or other rectangular colored gemstones. It starts at $295.

Bold as they may be, these rings of substance aren’t limited to evening soirees.

Cheryl Cohen wears one or more of the half-dozen oversized rings she owns for business and pleasure.

“It makes me feel so special that it gives me this weird degree of confidence,” said the co-owner of the Melrose Avenue vintage emporium, Wasteland. “It falls under what I call ‘just-add-water fashion.’ I just throw on a large ring and, bam, ready to go.”

Cohen also favors her Bulgari B.zero1, the latest coveted accessory among fashionistas. A finger cuff-like band that resembles a washer, it’s available in 18-karat yellow or white gold and starts at $580.

Bulgari was among the first to stir interest in statement rings--particularly among the young and trendy--when it introduced its fashion-conscious XL Collection three years ago.

Those who dare to brandish big rings usually find the only setback (after price) is proper fit. Weighty settings tend to drop to the side.

To solve the problem, Irvine designer Jean-Francois Alber invented the Signature Fit, a ring that adjusts to any finger by sliding the jeweled top of the ring up or down.

Alber, who uses pastel sapphires, aquamarines and citrines, prefers big rings because they offer “more space to design.” His largest to date? A 40-karat peridot, about the size of a half dollar.

“That was quite a signature ring,” said Alber, who copyrighted the Signature Fit design. “I think any woman who feels good about who she is, more secure about herself, can get away with wearing a large ring. It’s not about an age, but an attitude.”

Of her JFA Signature Fit pink tourmaline and diamond ring, Michaelyn Sutherland, 50, said it makes her “feel good just putting it on.”

“It’s not just for special occasions,” says the Newport Beach makeup artist. “I think I’m a big girl now and what I need is a big ring.”