Cluster rings get less love than their solitaire counterparts. This design features a big diamond in the middle, with smaller diamonds around it, which is attention-grabbing and conspicuous.
People don’t like cluster rings because they’re large, bulky, shiny, and look like cocktail rings. Others also feel like anyone wearing a cluster ring is faking it by trying to look like they’re wearing a rock larger than it actually is.
Whether you own a cluster ring, are looking into getting one, or are simply curious, in this article, I’ll cover the different reasons why people do not like cluster rings.
8 Reasons People Hate Cluster Rings
Below are eight reasons why people don’t like cluster rings:
The Combination of a Thick Band and Huge Rock Looks Bulky
Cluster rings are large, and most require an accompanying thick band to accommodate the stone clusters. Only some hands can pull off a bulky or wide band. Bulky bands only make short; chubby fingers look shorter.
Furthermore, a cluster ring will look overwhelming and heavy on slender fingers. The bulkiness would look like it’s too heavy on dainty fingers. Similarly, if you have tiny fingers and still choose to wear cluster rings, you’d also have to avoid wearing any other rings on that hand.
The ring may be uncomfortable to wear depending on how large the cluster is. The sides of the stones may rub against the other fingers while you wear it.
It Is an Illusion Piece Making It Look Large
At its core, a cluster ring is an illusion piece. It is meant to make it look larger than it actually is. For some people, this gives off a vibe of “trying too hard.” Instead of trying to look like you have a big stone, why not simply have one single large stone? Some people find it deceptive if you’re trying to look like you have a bigger ring than you actually do.
The argument behind this is that one large diamond is more expensive than smaller diamond cuts. Yet, not everyone can afford to purchase a large diamond ring. So, if a person cannot afford one big diamond, others find it annoying that the person would try to mimic having a large ring, by wearing carefully placed stones in the form of a cluster ring.
It Looks Like a Person Is Trying To Pass Off a Fake
Similar to wanting to look like your ring is bigger than it is, it also seems as if you’re trying to pass off a fake. People have no sure way of knowing whether a ring is real by simply looking at it.
If the stone is moissanite, people may feel like you’re trying to pass it off as a real diamond, even though you probably prefer moissanite. If you wear a cluster ring, people will think you want the appearance of a big blingy jewelry piece without paying the actual price of a diamond in that size.
It Makes It Hard To Use Your Hands
Some people find it hard to use their hands when wearing a cluster ring. The size means you’d have to be more cautious about how you move your hands. With a large ring, it’s easy to bump into furniture, corners, walls, and other objects. The size increases the chances of accidentally bumping off one of the stones.
It Looks Like a Super Bowl or Cocktail Ring
Cluster rings are often, unfortunately, looped into the same category as Super Bowl and cocktail rings. Super Bowl and cocktail rings are large, bold, and both worn to make a statement. Their size commands attention. Cluster rings are larger than other ring types, so it’s not hard to see why some people would place them in the same group as cocktail rings.
Cocktail rings are statement pieces meant to be worn at a specific time, mainly in the evening. They are not practical to wear all day, every day. Some people think cluster rings are too over-the-top and must only be worn occasionally. This may be a problem for those who own a cluster-style engagement or sentimental ring and want to wear it daily.
It’s Viewed As Old-Fashioned
Cluster rings were once popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Nowadays, people opt for solitaire rings and other minimalist designs. Choosing to wear a cluster ring makes people think of you as old-fashioned and outdated.
It Attracts Negative Attention
Whether it’s envy or criminal attention, cluster rings attract it all. It’s hard not to notice a chunky sparkling ring. Wearing it will make you the target of envy amongst friends, family, or acquaintances. You may be subject to mean stares or snarky comments, which may make you uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, a large sparkling ring also paints a target on your back to thieves. You’d have to be extra careful with where you wear it, as opposed to a smaller and less flashy ring that would garner less attention.
It’s a Hit or Miss When Pairing It With Other Jewelry Pieces
Because of a cluster ring’s size and the kind of attention it garners, it somewhat makes it harder to pair with other jewelry. Style gurus often say you must wear one statement piece at a time. If you wear a large ring, keep the rest of your jewelry minimal.
Say, for example, you have a stylish bangle or large hoops with a creative design; they may not pair well with your cluster ring. And, if you do want to wear them, then you’ll have to choose to remove your cluster ring to maintain a clean, minimalist look.
Some people can pull off wearing a cluster ring paired with a second statement piece, but it’s not easy. You risk looking too gaudy wearing several jewelry pieces, each fighting for attention.
Conclusion
Large, attention-grabbing, and shiny; cluster rings are definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. In this age of minimalism, more people choose a cleaner, minimalist look with dainty jewelry. Chunky pieces like cluster rings are left only for special occasions.
If you found this article useful, make sure you save this pin below to your Jewelry board.
