COCKTAIL HOUR

In honour of summer's apparent and untimely demise - and since we could probably all do with a pick-me-up right now - Because presents ten top tips to enjoying the perfect cocktail ring.

• Prep well: Manicure hands to within an inch of their lives. All eyes are going to be on them so baby soft digits and high shine, juicy red nails are a must.

• Build your bouquet: Blooming lovely Diorette cocktail rings and a smattering of Dior's Rose Pré Catelan finger fancies should do the job.

• Added extras: Lacquered ladybirds and handcarved coral and quartz roses bring a certain je ne sais quois to the proceedings. A solitary diamond set on each thorny band adds requisite zing.

• Ingredient overload? Impossible! More-is-more is hot right now so if you're having trouble deciding what to go for, don't fret. Pile it all in, and on.

• How to take it: May we suggest on the rocks? Better still, full of rocks. These beauties are brimming with mouthwatering aquamarines, amethysts, tsavorite and pink and yellow sapphires. De-li-cious.

• Mix it up: Unexpected combos are where it's at which is why we've turned to Susan Caplan for some vintage arm candy. Straight from the 80s come a coil snake cuff and a cabochon spiral bracelet; adding a dash of 50s flavour, Edouard Rambaud's embellished bracelet completes the look.

• The finishing touches: Orange, watermelon and strawberry go some of the way to providing you with those essential five-a-day but a Mandarin garnet earns bonus points. Look closely and you'll spot one glinting in there somewhere.

• Don't be shy: A naughty nibble and knowing glance draw attention to those luscious lips and that spirit-level fringe which, frankly, deserve to be shown off.

• Christen your cocktail: We've called ours the Little Gem.

• Sit back, relax and enjoy: As if you needed to be told.