Like all things used for aesthetic purposes, pieces of jewelry that contain diamonds also set and follow trends that sometimes go viral.
Cluster rings are one of those trends. Cluster rings containing diamonds have been around for a while now, and they’ve been popular from time to time, too. You know how fashion trends come and go.
Today, we’re here to answer the question “Are diamond cluster rings tacky?” and if they are – how tacky are they exactly?
The simple answer to this question would be “No,” but there are some things behind that simple answer that are worth noting. For instance, under what circumstances can cluster rings be tacky? And how can you make one look less – well, not as kitsch?
So, regardless of getting a simple answer to this question, we highly suggest you keep reading!
Diamond jewelry can seem simple and popular, but if you think about it, there is a depth about how and when to wear pieces of jewelry that contain diamonds – especially pieces that contain more than one diamond.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s dive in and see what’s surrounding this question – and, more importantly, the answers to it.
What Are Cluster Rings, Exactly?
Some of you that don’t follow the world of diamonds vigorously might not be familiar with cluster rings or what they are. That’s fine.
That’s one of the reasons we’re going to do a quick introduction and take a brief look at what cluster rings are, why they’re so special – and share some interesting facts about them.
First of all, diamond cluster rings feature a primary diamond in the center and are surrounded by a circular halo of smaller diamonds. If you think about it, you probably saw one before – you just didn’t realize they were called “cluster rings.”
This definition may help you remember what cluster rings are and how they look, but we’ll have to dig a bit deeper in order to find the reason for an answer we’ve given you earlier. These rings have been popular in a few instances, and it seems like their time to shine comes every ten or so years.
We don’t mean that that’s the only time they’re popular; we just mean that every ten or so years, these rings become extremely popular to the point where everyone is looking to buy one.
It last happened around 2010 – and everyone seemed mad for cluster rings. It seems that, following that logic, now’s that time of the decade where cluster rings are about to become extremely popular once more.
Remember, fashing trends come and go. It’s a never-ending cycle. That’s one more reason for us to cover this topic and tell you all about cluster rings – and how to wear them in a not-so-tacky way.
Cluster rings are quite characteristic due to their setup. The diamond sitting in the middle of the said ring is usually the largest one – and the most noticeable, too. The other diamonds are much more subtle and are mainly there to accent the main piece.
Related Read: What Is Diamond Accent?
These diamonds are many times smaller and are arranged in quite a satisfying order around the central diamond.
By doing this, jewelers make the biggest diamond look even more prominent. These small gems phenomenally complement the main piece – while still being noticeable and remarkable in their own way.
This type of setup makes quite an impression. And there aren’t many jewelry pieces like that out there – especially when talking about rings. Rings are pieces of jewelry that are popular and commonly worn and tend to contain diamonds – so cluster rings have some strong competition there.
Pave diamond rings are also quite popular – and many people compare them to diamond cluster rings. However, there is a huge difference.
Cluster diamond rings can look a bit tacky and overdone, considering the number of tiny gems in them. On the flip side, pave diamond rings can be very subtle and not aggressive looking at all. It’s all about craftsmanship.
Cluster diamond rings have also been known to be subtle if appropriately designed and made. If this kind of ring were made with a big central diamond and barely smaller diamonds surrounding it, then sure, it would look tacky and unnecessarily big and robust.
But there is a way to make them more tasteful and subtle.
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Why Are Diamond Cluster Rings So Popular?
Well, first thing first, when you buy these rings, you get a bang for your buck since these rings tend to have a relatively low price tag when you look at what you’re getting for your money.
People who enjoy diamonds but don’t want to waste a fortune on a collection of jewelry pieces containing diamonds will usually opt for a ring – and a diamond cluster one at that.
These rings give you everything for the price that’s put on them, so if you’re new to the world of diamonds or don’t want to spend tons of money on a piece of jewelry containing multiple gems – cluster rings are a way to go.
Also, cluster rings can be subtle and don’t have to be enormous to be noticed or adored.
The general consensus about these rings seems to be: If they’re too small, they won’t be nearly as noticeable as they should. And if they’re too big, the rings would be tasteless and flashy – and wouldn’t look as they were intended to look.
That’s why, generally speaking, these rings are all pretty similar in size regardless of where you buy them.
Also, the design of these rings is quite interesting: If you look at pave diamond rings, they have too many diamonds and look like there’s too much going on, while the rings with a single diamond can appear unoriginal and plain in some cases.
That’s why cluster rings are the perfect middle-ground for this. They have a decent amount of diamonds on them – while still holding the simplicity of a “regular” ring.
Overall, though, we’d say it’s a matter of preference.
When Should Diamond Cluster Rings Be Worn?
First and foremost, no one can tell you when to wear your diamond rings. That’s up to you – and only you.
Still, there are some special occasions that certain pieces of jewelry are intended for – so we’ve decided to look into it. Let’s see when it’s appropriate to wear diamond cluster rings – and how often should you do so.
We feel like it’s important to note that these rings can be subtle and, as such, they can be worn every day, regardless of the occasion.
Here’s the thing: When a piece of jewelry isn’t glamorous – as in, only appropriate for gala nights or similar events – it can be worn often or even every day without any problems.
These rings go well with almost anything and suit almost anyone; there’s no need for a tuxedo and a dress for you to have an excuse to show off a ring like that!
The “floral” concept of the ring, meaning that some people see this ring as a flower of diamonds, is quite casual and pleasant – and seems to be particularly appropriate for spring and summer.
Besides that, this ring can also be worn in the winter since these clusters of diamonds resemble snowflakes. So, it looks every bit as stunning on a snowy night as it does on a summer day!
There aren’t many occasions where these rings would look tacky. Still, there are some cases where you should probably leave your diamond cluster ring at home – and go with something else.
For instance, if you’re already wearing a lot of rings on your fingers and a majority of them have diamonds – or are sparkling in any other way – a cluster ring would be too much.
These diamond rings should generally be worn without any other jewelry on your fingers, with a few exceptions, like your wedding ring.
Many jewelry pieces containing several diamonds can seem like they’re “too much” and appear tacky. So, in that sense, diamond cluster rings can be over the top if you decide to wear two or three different rings on the same hand – and then wear your diamond cluster ring on top of it.
Also, casual outfits that don’t go well with several pieces of jewelry – like sweatsuits or similar pieces of clothing – aren’t the best match for your diamond cluster rings.
Although if you would really like to wear them with those kinds of outfits, you could. It’s your life. The only precondition is that your diamond cluster ring isn’t that big or “flashy” enough to stand out from the rest of the outfit.
Diamond Pieces Of Jewelry That Look Tacky
If we put aside the fact that cluster rings aren’t tacky, some pieces of diamonds jewelry are – or at least can be in some instances.
Keep in mind that diamond cluster rings can look kitsch if they’re too big or worn with extremely casual outfits. So, you could say that under certain conditions, even these rings are considered less-than-refined.
First of all, despite the trends going around that validate incredibly tacky diamond wristwatches and bracelets, these things are – and we can all agree – not as tasteful.
Every piece of jewelry with diamonds shouldn’t contain too many additional gems – especially if the diamonds are large and conspicuous.
A big diamond necklace or huge diamonds wristwatches might look expensive – but there are no occasions where they don’t look over the top.
Diamonds are usually small when embedded in pieces of jewelry.
So, you want them to be noticeable enough to serve some purpose but subtle enough not to cause any weird looks. It’s a balancing act.
The golden middle is always essential – even when talking about diamonds.
While we’re on the topic of gold, pieces of jewelry that have a big contrast between the precious metals they’re made out of and the diamonds can also be also considered tasteless.
Diamonds go well with light precious metals – such as platinum or even white gold. Rose gold and yellow gold are viable options but only in certain situations.
Considering that most rings are made out of gold, you’ll probably see some gold and diamond cluster rings – but you have to try them on in order to see how they look on your skin.
Summing It Up
If you’re still asking yourself, “Are diamond cluster rings tacky?” let’s solve the mystery and give you a definitive answer:
Diamond cluster rings aren’t tacky per se – and won’t appear so in most situations. There are some instances where they can look tasteless and kitsch, but that’s not because of how they look. It’s because of other factors like outfits and other jewelry that may make them seem that way.
These types of rings are pretty popular and look nice on almost anyone. So, you don’t have to wonder about this every time you feel like wearing your diamond cluster ring.
Also, these rings are a way to go for those new to the world of gems since they’re affordable and subtle. People who don’t have much experience with jewelry pieces containing diamonds should get a cluster diamond ring as their first!
If you take into consideration everything we’ve said until now, it’s safe to say that the only thing left is to go and find a perfect diamond cluster ring for your hand.
Good luck!
