It began with a twinkle. A gemstone that caught the light in just the right way, only for its rather bizarre, inherently esoteric location to be revealed.
Toe rings were a staple in the late Nineties and early Noughties. Why?
Despite my love for vintage fashion, there’s one all-encompassing descriptive that forms a generalised description of the sartorial era: odd. From JNCO jeans to jelly sandals, the Noughties weren’t all sleek Calvin Klein slips and slicked-back updos.
That brings us to the woman who single-handedly brought toe rings back into the limelight. Someone who, incidentally, made her name in the fashion world through repellent style. That’s right, Leandra Medine Cohen of Man Repeller blog fame announced the beginning of “toe ring summer” on Instagram in late June 2025.
We must, however, address the diamond in the room. Or rather, the diamond on the beach.
Cohen sports eye-wateringly large, expensive gemstones all around New York, the Hamptons and on various other luxe settings. Diamonds that - were I to own any - I wouldn’t even wear on my daily commute.
This kind of toe ring nonchalance is not something I’d recommend, should you be interested in the trend, unless you belong to the one per cent. All jewellery is prone to getting lost (CC: Kim K), and no piece more so than a toe ring dangling on a risky foot.
Cohen isn’t the only one toting such decadent style. Rihanna and Bad Bunny have also been spotted with toe rings in, ahem, tow.
With flip-flops firmly back in vogue, it makes sense that the fashion set are accessorising the otherwise rather plain style of footwear with statement jewellery.
Pierced footwear is also taking off, as are sandals with built-in toe ring styles.
But what of sizing, and is there a difference between toe rings and regular rings? If you’re investing a small fortune in accessories for your trotters, buy a ring sizer first.
Nevertheless, there’s no real difference between the rings for both sets of extremities – you’ll just need to size up or down depending on which toe you’re going for. When it comes to rings for big toes, it’s usually more difficult to slide them on than off, which is why adjustable options are the best.
Toe rings are often adjustable to accommodate the smaller circumference of the extremity. While gold-plating is an option, it’s likely to wear down quicker, so opt for more affordable sterling silver or solid gold if your budget allows.
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Missoma Savi Signature Stacking Ring Set
A mixed-metal duo perfect for those who switch between gold and silver jewellery frequently, these S-shaped bands from Missoma are a sculptural delight. The gold ring is crafted from 18ct recycled gold vermeil on recycled sterling silver, while the silver option is made with rhodium-plated recycled sterling silver. Now, those are some decent green credentials.
Buy now £185.00, Missoma
Pandora Organically Shaped Stacking Rings
Recently, Pandora has distanced itself from the kitsch with its high-fashion Essence range, which is filled to the brim with stylish and organic pieces. A set of two 14k sterling silver rings for under £100 offers excellent value, and we love how the two-for-one means you can wear one on a finger, and one on a toe.
Buy now £90.00, Pandora
Charlotte’s Web Jewellery Blue Topaz Toe Ring
This toe ring from Charlotte’s Web Jewellery is adjustable, which means you needn’t worry about sizing. The mixed metal finish will go with every ensemble, and we love the pop of colour afforded by the pear-shaped blue topaz.
Buy now £50.00, Etsy
Bijoux de Mimi Lian Simple Stone Ring
A value-for-money option available in three different sizes and a myriad of colourways, this simple stone ring from the colourful jewellery specialists over at Bijoux de Mimi has got summer covered.
Buy now £25.50, Bijoux de Mimi
Mateo 14ct Gold East West Green Amethyst Ring
Looking to embody the spirit and style of the New York elite? Look no further than this stunning 14ct gold east-west ring by Mateo, which features an emerald-cut green amethyst and a simple polished band.
Buy now £685.00, Liberty
Persee Zodiac 18-Karat gold diamond ring
Perfect for sporting on every one of your little piggies, these adjustable 18ct gold Zodiac rings are made with glorious round-cut G-diamonds. Nothing says Scorpio quite like an ambitious accessory with a diamond dangling from the centre.
Buy now £615.00, Net-A-Porter
Monica Vinader Fiji Tiny Button Diamond Ring
Gloriously delicate, these button diamonds will transform the meaning of twinkle toes. Plus, ring resizing is free of charge at Monica Vinader – should you make the wrong decision.
Buy now £180.00, Monica Vinader
Kimai Jackie Pear Ring
Can you propose with a toe ring? We’re not at liberty to answer. But if you were to do so, there’s no better option than Kimai’s Jackie Pear Ring – which is fully customisable in terms of diamond shape, size and band style.
Buy now £3140.00, Kimai
