Maybe it’s because I’m in Taiwan, but this etched jade ring is really speaking to me. Oscar de la Renta‘s 24-karat gold-plated cabochon ring looks like something you’d find in a museum. It has an ancient and very official look to it. The jade, with floral etching, sits on a red resin ring that beautifully offsets the stone. The Chinese are known for their expert shaping and polishing of gemstones – especially the cabochon. If you visit the National Museum in Taiwan, you will see crazy etched stones! Some look as though a fly has landed on a white stone, and the fly (and only the fly) is black! Its paper-thin wings and legs are in full detail! The craftsmanship is utterly amazing. So, okay, this ring isn’t that intricate, but for $195 you will definitely feel like a part of history – and make a statement with a fab ring. This is an unexpected piece, so be sure to pair it with something equally unexpected. On Net-a-Porter for $195.
Pair with: Even the most jaded types will be taken off-guard if you wear Gisèlle Ganne‘s knuckle-duster ring on the other hand. The centerpiece of engraved gold-plated silver mimics a bird skull, which hold a precious black pearl in its beak. On Luisa Via Roma for $3,596.
