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Article: Types of Rings & How to Choose One: A Practical Guide for Jewellery Lovers

Types of Rings & How to Choose One: A Practical Guide for Jewellery Lovers

By Simone Walsh

Sterling silver and citrine cocktail ring with a sunburst design, handmade in AustraliaRings are one of the most personal and expressive types of jewellery you can wear. Whether it's a piece you never take off, something bold you bring out for special occasions, or a stack you build and change with your mood, rings can say a lot about your style - and even your story. But with so many options out there, choosing the right ring (or rings!) can feel overwhelming.

That's where I come in. I'm Simone Walsh, an Australian jewellery designer who's been creating meaningful, wearable jewellery for decades. I've designed and made a huge number of rings in Australia over the years - from dainty stacking sets to bold gemstone showstoppers - and I've helped countless customers choose pieces they truly love.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or buying a ring as a gift, I'm here to help make sense of the choices and find something that really suits.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the different types of rings we create and why you might want to wear them. Whether you're drawn to timeless gold bands, sparkly gemstone designs, delicate stackables or statement cocktail rings, there's something here for everyone.

I'll also share some tips to help you decide which style suits you best, how to build a ring collection that feels totally you, and even how to choose a ring as a gift.

Let's dive in and find you the perfect ring ...


Why Rings Matter

Rings are one of the oldest and most meaningful types of jewellery. From ancient cultures to modern trends, people have always used rings to symbolise identity, love, status, milestones, and self-expression. Whether it's a simple band worn every day or a bold, eye-catching statement piece, a ring can say a lot without needing to shout.

Because they're so visible and personal, rings often feel more significant than other types of jewellery. You see them constantly as you go about your day: they become a familiar part of your hands, your gestures, and your story. That's part of what makes them such powerful keepsakes or sentimental gifts.

But beyond symbolism, rings are also just plain fun. They can add sparkle, colour, texture and personality to your look. When you start exploring the different types available, the styling possibilities are endless.

Different Types of Rings

There are so many types of rings to explore - and each one can bring something a little different to your jewellery wardrobe. Whether you're building a stack, looking for something bold, or keeping things classic, here's a breakdown of popular ring styles and what makes each one special:

1. Stacking Rings

These are slim, simple rings designed to be worn together - but they also work beautifully on their own. You can mix metals, textures and shapes to create a ring stack that's completely unique to you - and that you can change every day depending on your mood and your outfit

Stacking rings are one of our most-loved ring types because they're endlessly customisable and a joy to style. Not sure where to start? Check out our handy guide: How to Style Stacking Rings.

Explore our stacking rings & stackable ring sets featuring gold, silver and gemstones.

2. Cocktail & Statement Rings

Big, bold and designed to turn heads, cocktail rings are statement pieces that bring serious drama to your fingers. Often featuring large gemstones or ornate designs, they're ideal for special occasions - or whenever you want your jewellery to steal the show.

Don't be afraid of adding a bold cocktail ring to your ring stack, whether you sit it on another finger to your other stacked rings or pile them onto one figure. Play around and see what works for you.

We have a soft spot for cocktail rings with colourful stones and unique settings. Browse our Statement Rings.

3. Gemstone Rings

Whether it's a sparkling birthstone ring or a gem that just speaks to you, gemstone rings are full of colour and meaning. From opals to amethyst, peridot to opal, there's a beautiful stone for every mood and moment.

Gemstone rings can be subtle or bold - and they often have a story to tell. See our Gemstone Ring collection as well as our Birthstone Jewellery collection for ideas.

4. Solid Gold Rings

If you're after a piece to wear and treasure for life, solid gold is hard to beat. Our solid gold rings are handmade in 14ct gold (14K for those in the USA) and offer lasting quality and timeless style.

Solid gold rings also make beautiful and meaningful gifts for milestones, special birthdays or anniversaries.

Discover our handmade Solid Gold Rings, including mixed metal designs featuring both solid gold and sterling silver.

5. Silver Rings

Sterling silver is versatile, affordable and easy to style with pretty much anything. Whether you love minimalist designs or more intricate details, silver rings are perfect for everyday wear - and they make a great starting point if you're building a jewellery collection.

View our Sterling Silver Ring designs and learn more About Sterling Silver Jewellery.

How to Choose the Right Ring for You

Choosing a ring is a personal thing - it should suit your style, feel great to wear, and maybe even tell a little story. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect piece (or pieces):

1. Think About Your Style

Are you drawn to bold statement pieces or delicate, everyday designs? Do you prefer warm tones like gold or cooler ones like silver? Your answers will help steer you towards rings that feel like 'you'.

If you're not sure, start with something simple and build from there. Or check out our must-read Jewellery Style Guide to help you work our your personal style and fall back in love with your jewellery collection.

2. Consider When & How You'll Wear It

Is this ring for everyday wear, a special occasion, or to mark a milestone? If it's for daily use, comfort and durability are key. For events or more occasional wear, you can go bigger and bolder. And if it's a meaningful gift or memento, think about what it symbolises.

3. Know Your Ring Size

This one's important! A good fit makes all the difference: too tight and it'll be uncomfortable, too loose and you risk losing it. And buying the wrong size can cost you time and money to sort out.

Check out our handy Ring Size Measuring Guide and Ring Size Conversion Chart if you need help figuring it out before you buy.

4. Mix & Match Your Rings

You don't have to stick to one metal, shape or style. Mixing silver and gold is absolutely okay (we do it all the time), and combining simple bands with textured or gemstone rings can create a layered, lived-in look that's all your own. Play around and see what feels right.

5. Go With What You Love

At the end of the day, jewellery is about joy. If a particular ring makes you smile, feels good to wear, or has a special meaning for you, then that's the one. Trust your instincts and choose pieces you'll love reaching for again and again.

How to Choose a Ring as a Gift

Rings can make beautifully meaningful gifts - whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, milestone, or just showing someone you care. But they can also feel tricky to get right. Here are a few tips to make it easier:

1. Know Their Style

Think about what they usually wear. Are they more into minimalist jewellery, or do they love colourful gemstones and bold designs? If they already wear rings, take note of the metal tones, shapes and stones they tend to prefer.

2. Pick a Meaningful Design

Choosing a ring with a birthstone, symbolic motif, or hand-crafted detail can make the gift feel more personal. A stacking ring is a great option if they already have a few pieces - it gives them room to mix, match and make it their own.

3. Get the Size Right

If you can borrow one of their rings to measure (ideally one they wear on the same finger you're buying for), you'll have the best chance of getting a perfect fit. Our Ring Size Measuring Guide is full of tips for working it out, even if you're being sneaky.

4. Wrap It & Include a Thoughtful Note

Jewellery already feels special, but a heartfelt message alongside it makes it even more meaningful. If you're gifting one of our rings, you can always add a striking greeting card to your order, as well as include a personal gift message and gift wrapping during checkout - we'll make sure it's included with care.

Find the Perfect Ring

Whether you're after something bold and eye-catching or simple and stackable, there's a ring out there to match your personal style - or the style of someone you love. From solid gold heirloom pieces to colourful gemstones and unique designs that spark conversation, rings are a beautiful way to express yourself and mark life's special moments.

As a jewellery designer, I've always believed that the best jewellery tells a story and rings have a wonderful way of doing just that. They become part of your daily life, your style, and your memories.

Ready to find your new favourite ring? Explore our thoughtfully crafted collection and discover an Australian handmade ring that's just right for you - or a lucky gift recipient.