Chunky Rings: A Modern Guide To Bold Jewellery

With celebrities, influencers and others in the public space embracing them, chunky rings are trending. All over, couples are choosing bold and dramatic designs over minimalist styles. The demand for chunky rings keeps growing, and today, there is an extraordinary range of options available for brides- and grooms-to-be.

At Bear Brooksbank, we embrace timeless, yet contemporary design, and chunky rings form part of our curated approach to jewellery. From bold bespoke creations to ready-to-wear rings with prominent gemstones, no matter what you’re searching for, we can help you find or create it. In this article, we look at the history of chunky engagement rings, their recent bump in popularity, and how to make the right choice when it comes to your engagement.

A History of Chunky Rings and Jewellery

Chunky rings, sometimes known as statement rings, are not a new phenomenon. These bold pieces of jewellery can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where they stood as a symbol of power and status.

In ancient Egypt, the pharaohs would wear gold and prominent gemstone rings with engravings of gods. The senators and noblemen of Rome would also wear detailed, carved rings to showcase authority and social hierarchy. Across Africa and Asia, bold rings and wide bands would often carry spiritual significance, serving as a means of protection.

In the Middle Ages, chunky rings were often a symbol of religious devotion, with Bishops and clergy wearing rings that held symbols of religious icons and prayer inscriptions. These engravings were thought to provide divine protection for the religiously devout.

Then, in the Renaissance era, we finally saw chunky rings become symbols of love, romance and commitment. These rings would feature stylish, elaborate designs that included rare stones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Rings were exchanged as a token of love and betrothal, much like the modern-day engagement ring.

In the Industrial Revolution, the jewellery industry was revolutionised, and statement rings suddenly became a lot more accessible than before. Detailed floral motifs, cameos and sentimental engravings were often seen on Victorian-era rings, highlighting the era’s romanticism.

The Art Deco era of the 20th century saw rings become bigger and bolder, with geometric shapes and unique gemstone settings matching the architectural mood at the time. In the 70s, alongside the rise of glam rock, the hippie movement, and the like, oversized rings were worn by everyone from the free-spirited hippies to famous rock stars like David Bowie.

In the 90s and early 2000s, maximalism was at the forefront of fashion. Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford wore oversized cocktail rings, and self-expression was a major part of jewellery choices.

Today, we’re witnessing the resurgence of chunky rings, reflecting a strong appetite for personality and self-expression when it comes to jewellery. At Bear Brooksbank, our appreciation for both heritage and artisanal craftsmanship is an essential part of our process.

Why Are Chunky Rings Trending Again?

Chunky rings are having a moment. All over the world, we’re seeing both men and women embrace bold, statement rings. After years of minimalism and delicate jewellery at the forefront of style feeds, many have swung back around to preferring more personality and presence in their rings. The sculptural shapes and weight of chunky rings deliver exactly that. The return of maximalism has been a huge driving factor in the resurgence of these rings.

The revival has been partly due to the influence of celebrity culture. Artists, actors, stylists and tastemakers are often seen wearing chunky rings, which further propels the trend. Dua Lipa, Zendaya and Rihanna, all respected artists and fashion icons, often layer multiple statement rings as a way of blending fine jewellery with a streetwear edge. And of course, there is a bit of 90s nostalgia at play, with even Gen Z now cosplaying that era.

We’re also firmly in the age of social media, and platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made jewellery styling more personal and experimental than ever. For example, the ring stack trend was a social media movement where people would layer multiple rings of different widths, textures and metals, with a chunky ring acting as the anchor. Naturally, this inspired others to be more expressive and bold with their styling.

Finally, the tactile quality is incredibly attractive to wearers, as there is something grounding about the feel of a chunky ring. The weight, depth and character of these bold rings feel particularly special in an increasingly digital world.

We design rings that are both bold and balanced, offering wearers the chance to make a statement without losing any of the elegance. Our jewellery captures a sense of permanence, as each ring is handcrafted to perfection, all through traditional techniques.

How To Choose The Right Chunky Rings

There are no rules when it comes to personal expression, but we have a few recommendations for finding the right fit. As you search for the right chunky ring, keep the following in mind:

Comfort

Jewellery often comes down to personal preference and comfort. For those looking to experiment with something new, a chunky ring can be the perfect statement piece, but these rings fit differently from delicate bands due to the width and the weight.

If you’re currently between ring sizes, we recommend going half a size up for a more comfortable fit. As you’re trying on the ring, make sure that it slides on smoothly with slight resistance over the knuckle area. This balance keeps it secure and wearable.

Our pieces are individually finished and can be personally tailored to size to ensure maximum comfort. Our bespoke approach helps ensure that even bold, weighty rings feel comfortable and natural throughout the day.

Material and Durability

The metal that you choose for your ring affects its longevity and daily wearability. Platinum, for example, offers unmatched durability and a subtle cool tone, while yellow-gold brings warmth alongside a timeless appeal.

On the other hand, mixed-metal designs offer versatility but often require more maintenance. Choosing a metal that aligns with your lifestyle helps keep your chunky ring a cherished piece for years to come.

Gemstones and Settings

If you’re purchasing a ring that features gemstones, consider the cut, size, setting and style. The higher set tones often draw the eye, but may snag on some clothing, while flush or rub over settings offer a smoother profile for everyday wear. The more durable stones, like diamonds, sapphires and rubies, are perfect for rings that you’re planning on wearing often. These rings are the ultimate blend of beauty and practicality.

Personal Style and Lifestyle

When it comes to any jewellery, your personal style and lifestyle play a huge role. The jewellery that you choose to wear serves as a natural extension of your personality, and should seamlessly fit into your day-to-day life. The chunky ring you choose, whether it’s a vintage-inspired piece or something more modern and contemporary, should resonate with your style and complement your existing wardrobe and jewellery.

While some designs are best for special occasions, others are designed for everyday wear. The choice you make depends on what you want from the piece, and the key is finding something that balances visual impact with practical wearability. A bold ring can anchor an entire look, elevate stacked rings, or just stand alone as a singular expression of style.

How To Style Chunky Rings

With bold jewellery, you can make a statement before even saying a word. The sculptural beauty of a chunky ring can transform an outfit. Styling your rings is about finding the right balance. That means giving the ring the space to command attention while ensuring it feels natural and effortless.

If you’re wearing a chunky ring, simplicity is often the right move. Remember, sometimes less is more, as this allows your ring to be the focal point of your outfit, provided other pieces are understated. Fine earrings or a delicate bracelet can complement the ring without competing for attention.

A popular, bold choice is wearing a curated ring stack with the chunky ring as the anchor. For example, you can pair one statement ring with slimmer bands of varying textures and metals to create depth. Consider mixing yellow, white and rose gold to add more layers of visual interest.

Bear Brooksbank: Jewellery Crafted With Intention

At Bear Brooksbank, we believe that jewellery should carry meaning, evoke emotion and last throughout time. All of our designs begin with a purpose, and each is created not as a trend but as an heirloom in the making. We believe that we are only ever custodians for our jewellery, and as they’re passed on, they hold onto an essence of what has gone before.

Every ring is carefully considered. We understand that it’s the sentimentality and the relationship we have with our jewellery that makes it so deeply important. From the first pencil sketch to the final polish, we pay close attention to proportion, texture and form. We only work with experienced and skilled artisans who share our commitment to excellence. At Bear Brooksbank, all of our pieces meet the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Whether you’re choosing from our selection of ready-to-wear rings or going down the bespoke route, our process is considered, intentional, and human. We take the time to understand your story, and we welcome anyone, no matter how much or how little you know about what you want.

For bespoke rings, we have a wide selection of inspiration to draw from, found in our past commissions, Bear Brooksbank signature pieces, and our range of vintage items. You can learn more about our bespoke process here or explore our range of ready-to-wear and vintage pieces.

Get in touch today and discover the art of bold jewellery design with Bear Brooksbank.