The Perfect Bohemian Statement: Stackable Rings

Pile Them High- Photo from Tumblr

       First came the ear cuff, then the hand chain, and now the traditional ring has had a funky makeover and joined the line of fresh and innovative jewellery. Just as the ear cuff modernised and funked up the intrinsic stud earring, the classic ring has moved on from being a statement evening piece or a subtle form of beauty. Balenciaga's rule for S/S '13 was 'plenty is powerful', as models rocked numerous gold bands on their fingers.




Balenciaga S/S '13- StyleSketchBook

Catwalk close-up- Balenciaga S/S '11 -highsnobette.com

      Lately, rings in every shape and form have been my essential accessory, and have actually become somewhat of a comfort blanket! Ring collections can now be split into endless categories- the famous, never-dates knuckleduster (a finger staple of Olivia Palermo and Kate Bosworth) retains its place as a confident piece of femininity, though linked versions are the new thing. Rings covering two, three or even four fingers are bound to grab attention and their generous length means that intricate patterns and out-there designs can be maximised! 




Mary-Kate Olsen stacks assorted knuckle dusters for a
quirky, 'glamorous traveller' effect

      The midi ring- a fine, circular piece worn high up on the finger: above the second knuckle joint to be precise- has also made its way into the finger-bling fetish. Slim star, flower and symbol woven bands carry a delicate, artistic feel yet can instantly be converted to rocker-chic when combined with bolder, bigger designs. Try buying a size or even two sizes too small to get the right fit! 
     The return of the small but perfectly formed signet ring- that's the one worn on the pinkie finger- offers an elegant twist on ring stacking but can even look cute worn alone, while the link-up ring injects an exotic, Bollywood flavour to hand jewellery. Link-ups are multiple ring fusions attached by fine chains- they are different from the hand chain in that they link up horizontally over the width of the fingers or hand. 
    Mixing and matching all these variants of rings creates the perfect, understated, and effortless statement. Whether you choose to really flaunt your best cocktail rings by spreading them out over your hands ala MK Olsen, play jenga with teeny tiny rings or compliment an ethnic knuckleduster with a hand chain (Gillian Zinser style), stacking is the venturesome yet eclectic way to make the most of your trinket box. 




Gillian Zinser embraces her inner hippy and pairs her armour
knuckleduster with a beautiful hand chain

      This versatile, 'make it your own' trend is the key transition from the gloomy residue of fall to the true beginning of summer. A simple stack of colourful rings can brighten up a rain-appropriate outfit and boost the anticipation for upcoming warmer days. Just looking at the incredible and vibrant mix of rings on the high-street makes me dream of summer. Cross and aztec designs scream festivals, while flower-embellished pieces transport you to a blossoming botanical garden, and delectable little tea-cup rings are made to remind you of tea-parties in the sunshine. Get collecting some pretty rings (like the ones I've picked out below!) to try out your stacking abilities and exude a summer-ready, bohemian-cool vibe.



Alexa picks unconventional, eye-catching designs to add an interesting
dimension to any outfit

From Top Left, horizontally to Bottom Right: Topshop Triple Trellis Ring £8.50, Mango Square Stone Ring £5.99, River Island Rose Gold Tone Watch Ring £12, Dolly Bow Bow Freya Moon Knuckle Ring £12, Rock N Rose Pixie Lott NOEMI Set of Three Midi Knuckle Rings £18, Rock N Rose Azure Natural Crystal Druzy Ring £19, ASOS No Comment Ring £5, Topshop Flying Birds Ring £8.50, Topshop Floral Bow Ring Multipack £12.50, Topshop Semi-Precious Cross Ring £12.50, Miss Selfridge Leaf Armour Ring £10, Love Hearts and Crosses Alice and the Drink Me Bottle Ring £20, ASOS Multipack Floral Stone Rings £18, Not On The High Street Teacup Ring With Red Hearts £9.50, ISWAI Turquoise Gold Ring £25, Chelsea Doll Pumpkin Carriage Double Ring £10, Dolly Bow Bow Twisted Above Knuckle Charm Rings £4, Junkie Lover's Boutique Little House On The Prairie Ring £7, Pret A Portobello Live Love Dance Sing Stackable Ring Set £6, Dorothy Perkins Semi-Precious Irregular Ring £7.50, Dorothy Perkins Sparkly Rhinestone Ring Set £8.50, Accessorize Sparkle Cupcake Ring £7, Urban Outfitters Star Little Finger Ring £8, H&M 7 Pack Rings £2.99.