The exact origin of the gypsy ring (and its nomenclature) is somewhat ambiguous. Gypsy rings emerged during the Victorian era, offering a discreet and contemporary alternative to the ostentatious ring settings popular at the time. A marked departure from traditional ring settings that use either a bezel or prong setting to hold a gemstone atop the ring, gypsy rings employ what’s known as a flush mount setting — this sees the gemstones embedded within the metal of the ring itself, allowing the stones to sit at the same level (or ‘flush’) with the surface of the ring.
Despite what the name suggests, gypsy rings were not in fact worn by the Romani or Traveller cultures; but are thought to have derived their name from the nomadic nature of these communities. The term is said to reference the way the unique setting makes the stones appear to ‘float’ or ‘wander’ throughout the ring.
Another—darker and less romantic—theory is that gypsy rings became popular among the bourgeoisie and aristocracy of the Victorian era because their understated settings worked to conceal diamonds and gemstones within them, making them appear more subtle from a distance and therefore less appealing to highwaymen. Basically, stealth wealth before stealth wealth was a thing.
While highwaymen pose less of a threat today than they did in the Victorian era (so enjoy traipsing around town in your horse drawn carriage in all your finery with reckless abandon!), their inherent practicality makes them a desirable style for contemporary lifestyles. The inset diamonds and gemstones are protected by the surrounding metal band, shielding them from surface knocks and scrapes and making the stones less likely to catch or snag clothing. While gypsy rings were originally worn by men, they were soon adopted by women and remain a viable gender neutral jewellery style to this day.
Their comparatively durable nature doesn’t mean they skimp on impact though — gypsy rings tend to boast a higher gold—or other precious metal—content than other ring styles and are accompanied by a satisfying heft. As the flush mount setting protects the diamonds or gemstones from surface level scratches, they’re also able to be stacked with other rings like classic wedding bands, eternity rings, or half-hoop rings.
The best gypsy rings to wear in 2025
Whether you’re after a gypsy ring with a single inset diamond, a line of three or five linear gemstones, or a more contemporary take with varying cuts and non-linear star-spangled settings, these are the styles we’re coveting right now.
1. Natasha Schweitzer Scattered Diamond Blob Ring
Available in white or yellow gold, the Natasha Schweitzer Scattered Diamond Blob Ring sees a wide d-shaped band play host to five natural diamonds in varying cuts (pear, round, marquise, princess, and oval).
Price: $7220AUD
Materials: 18k white gold, natural diamonds
2. Seb Brown Cassette Ring
Seb Brown specialises in flush mount settings, with many of the rings in the Australian designer’s eponymous brand featuring inlaid diamonds and coloured gemstones in atypical layouts. While Seb Brown often uses flush mount settings for signet rings, there are also some gypsy rings on offer, like the Adelaide Ring, Soft Pill Ring, and Cassette Ring, the latter of which sees a duo of differently cut emeralds set into yellow gold.
Price: $1051AUD
Materials: 9k recycled yellow gold, lab-grown emerald, natural emerald
Editor’s note: As Seb Brown pieces are one-offs, the range tends to change, so we’ve also linked to the jewellery brand’s wider ring collection below.
3. Olivia Bond Diamonds Five Stone Gypsy Ring
Eschewing overly dainty or delicate settings, Olivia Bond Diamonds has a worthy selection of gypsy rings set to cater to vintage lovers and contemporary jewellery aficionados alike. The Five Stone Gypsy Ring sees a quartet of round cut sapphires of graduating size surround a round cut emerald, with the gems embedded within a thick yellow gold band.
Price: $6000AUD
Materials: 18k yellow gold, natural emerald, natural sapphires
4. Cleopatra’s Bling Selene Ring
A unique take on a gypsy ring, the Cleopatra’s Bling Selene Ring sees flush mount set diamonds embedded into raised stars.
Price: $2519AUD
Materials: 14k yellow gold, diamonds
5. Cushla Whiting Bombé Sapphire Ring
A contemporary take on the gypsy ring, the Cushla Whiting Bombé Sapphire Ring sees five sapphires in graduating colour and size embedded into a thick yellow gold domed band using a flush mount setting. Here, the flush mount setting offers a striking yet pared back appearance that allows the quintet of blue sapphires to shine while adhering to a modern, slightly minimalist aesthetic.
Price: $4500AUD
Materials: 18k yellow gold, natural sapphires
6. Meadowlark Lulu 3 Star Band
Blending contemporary and vintage design codes, the Meadowlark Lulu 3 Star Band sees three gemstones set into eight-point star settings. The star design lends the piece a whimsical, celestial feel, while the use of a flat ring band (rather than a traditional d-shaped band) gives it a sleeker appearance.
Price: $1639AUD
Materials: 9k yellow gold; natural pink sapphire, amethyst, garnet
7. Jemma Wynne Anniversary Magenta Sapphire & Diamond Wave Ring
A decidedly fresh take on the heritage style, the Jemma Wynne Anniversary Magenta Sapphire & Diamond Wave Ring sees a curved edge yellow gold band take on an undulating wavy form. It’s set with alternating round cut magenta sapphires and diamonds.
Price: $2940USD
Materials: 18k yellow gold, magenta sapphires, diamonds
8. By Charlotte Connect To The Universe Ring
Designed to pay homage to the earth’s elements, the By Charlotte Connect To The Universe Ring features a ruby, blue topaz, green onyx, and cubic zirconias in various cuts nestled in a yellow gold vermeil band.
Price: $179AUD
Materials: gold vermeil, lab-grown ruby, natural blue topaz, natural green onyx, cubic zirconia
9. Kristen Ash Sorbet Ring
Inspired by summertime delights, the Kristen Ash Sorbet Ring sees a quartet of green tourmalines embedded in a thick sterling silver (or gold vermeil) flat band with a slightly wavy organic shape.
Price: $169AUD
Materials: sterling silver, green tourmaline
10. Temple Of The Sun Florence Ring
Blending elements of signet and gypsy rings, the Temple Of The Sun Florence Ring sees the flat front surface of a gold vermeil signet ring play host to a trip of aventurine and peridot gemstones.
Price: $189AUD
Materials: gold vermeil, aventurine, peridot
What is the difference between a gypsy ring and a signet ring?
Signet rings have long been seen as a symbol of class and status, evolving into a means for self expression today. Signet rings typically feature a flat, engraved top that can be engraved with the wearer’s family crest, star sign, initials, or another meaningful symbol. Signet rings are typically worn on the pinky finger.
In contrast, a gypsy ring refers to a ring with flush mount set diamonds or gemstones. These rings are set within thick gold—or another metal—bands; traditionally with a domed (or d-shaped) profile, but they can also be thick flat bands.
Some signet rings feature diamonds or coloured gemstones with a flush mount setting. While they’re not technically gypsy rings, they do boast a similar degree of sparkle and practicality. For more about signet rings (including our favourite pieces), visit our guide to signet rings here.
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Words by Arabella Johnson
