Bling or bluff, cocktail rings are going big

Only your jeweler knows for sure

That hula-watching rule "Keep your eyes on the hands" could be blinding now that women are flashing giant cocktail rings far from the party.

Real or faux -- it can be hard to differentiate at this size -- the rings are going everywhere from the office to supermarkets, with the smallest stones measuring about a half-inch wide and the largest weighing in at 50 carats. Your fingers might need a workout before you even think about lifting one of these rocks.

"People want them bigger and bigger," said jewelry designer Rosalina Lydster (see story above), who's trying to keep up with her clients' demands. Diamonds continue to be the stone of choice, she said, while noting she has fans for stones of every color.

Over at Phil's Gold and Diamonds, there'll be a trunk show of jewelry designs by New York designer Leslie Greene from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. In addition to her vintage/antique-style precious jewelry collection, starting at $800, there'll be a selection of diamond, sapphire and ruby cocktail rings by Roberto Coin, starting at $2,800. Phil's is at the Kapiolani Business Plaza, 1580 Makaloa St. Call 955-0069 for more information.

If you can't afford the real thing, get the bluff look with glass pieces available from Banana Republic, where rings like the on above run about $35 to $48, or at Saks Off Fifth store at Waikele Premium Outlets, where a ringer for the stone of the moment, lemon quartz, goes for about $99.