We’ve been spotting ladies donning crystal rings in locales from Mykonos to Miami and it appears to be a trend embraced by both young and old. Lalique and Baccarat, companies with a history in tabletop crystals, are carefully minding a ready-to wear jewelry market opening up to a whole new audience. Lalique should be credited with resuscitating the demand for their Cabochon rings. Working from the celebrity trickle-down formula, they cleverly stocked the rings in a variety of hues in the 2002 Oscar bags. Now women are rediscovering the fun of these 1931 René Lalique-created dome style crystal rings that are punchy and chic and precious but not expensive. Baccarat is also seeing renewed demand for their Galet and Cabochon rings. And a list of other brands including H. Stern, Swarovski, Gucci, Dior, Chanel and Cartier are all serving up candy-colored crystal rings which are proving a smart substitute for precious stones that only a small fraction of consumers can afford.

- James Whitely
Photo: Lalique’s Cabochon rings