A case could be made, and I am going to try to make one, that rings are the most personal form of jewelry. They are the style you see most often on your body unlike earrings or a necklace. Rings are more of an intimate expression than a bracelet which can play peek-a-boo under a sleeve. Other people may not even necessarily notice your rings, but you feel naked if you forget to put on your favorites before you go out the door.

So many COUTURE designers have expansive collections of rings, I could write a book on the subject. It’s a testament to the community which is filled with design powerhouses. But the clock is ticking as we count down to the new year so I had to make some hard choices. Following are rings from ASSAEL, CHRISTINA ALEXIOU, JACQUIE AICHE and JENNA BLAKE, four designers with very different styles.

Assael

Pearl rings always remind me of the extraordinarily glamorous Faye Dunaway in the seventies classic Chinatown. In the film, which is set in Los Angeles during the 1930s, the screen legend wears a lot of fine jewelry in her day-to-day life, but nothing is quite as eye catching as her single pearl ring. There is something about the luster of the pearl and the shape of it.

Believe it or not, pearl rings along these lines are generally hard to find. ASSAEL, however, has any number of variations. The house has specialized in pearls since “Pearl King” Salvador Assael began working at his father’s company and focusing on the marine gem right after World War II.

Today, Assael pearl rings include South Sea, Tahitian and Akoya pearls. They are mounted in single rings, double ring styles, clusters and so much more. Any one of them would make you the unforgettable heroine of your life story.

Christina Alexiou

Greek designer CHRISTINA ALEXIOU brings the essence of her luxurious laid-back style into her narrative rings. There is an irresistibly tactile texture to the gold in hammered patterns and sculpted shapes made by craftsmen in Athens.

Hand carved olive branches decorate the sides of some rings. Diamonds light up certain designs. Others are flooded with the colorful light of emeralds or carved pink tourmalines.

All the rings in Christina’s collection have stories to tell. Ancient myths like the winged horse Pegasus appear in a few designs. There is a fully shaped golden beetle scarab signaling good luck and fortune in one special ring. The heart rings almost seem to beat they have so much emotion in the designs.

Jacquie Aiche

Totally bohemian Los Angeles based designer JACQUIE AICHE celebrates good vibes as much in her rings as she does in her world-famous body chains that have been worn by all in her celebrity tribe including Rihanna, Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski.

Several of Jacquie’s rings have diamonds that dance off the designs. There are, for example, her little charm rings and big talismanic eye rings centering on colorful marquise shape gems framed by pavé-set diamonds and diamond fringe.

Lots of animals live in Jacquie’s rings, but I feel like the thunderbird captures her spirit best. In Native American mythology the thunderbird symbolizes power, protection and strength.

Jenna Blake

JENNA BLAKE finds inspiration in vintage jewelry. But unlike some designers who might be laser focused on just one period from the past, Jenna who is based in Los Angeles does her own eras tour.

Jenna’s Palm Leaf Ring is reminiscent of silhouettes worn during the late 19^th century. She brings the old shape up-to-date by making it in bold yellow gold and candy color pink sapphires and emeralds. The designer’s Nautical rings and Stardust Dome rings feel like they take design cues from mid-20^th century jewelry, but they receive a good dose of modern color theory with a fresh palette of gems.

Above all else, the eclectic quality of Jenna’s rings communicate a curious and joyful personality, perfect qualities to take into the new year.