Diana’s Ring (American Style) & What’s a Fascinator?

As we’ve spent the week featuring British items that are not exactly for everyone’s pocketbook, we thought we’d take one day to feature a couple of cheaper, more attainable things. First, the ring. Knockoffs of it are abundant online. I think the best was QVCs. Americans supersize everything so naturally QVC’s replica of Diana’s ring is utterly ginormous compared to the real thing. But, since it’s beyond gauche to actually have a replica of Diana’s ring — now Catherine’s — it seemed in much more good taste to have an over the top replica.

A hand model, I am not A few of my select friends — who will join us for breakfast and the Royal Wedding next Friday morning — own it and it’s our inside joke, our version of a secret society ring. I love wearing this ring out and about because it’s soooo enormous and awful that it becomes its own parlor game where I watch to see how many people stare at it to guess if it’s real. Oh and people look, they can’t help it. I see them do their inner calculations usually based on the value of my other accessories — handbag, jacket, shoes … “Could she actually have a saphire that big??” The answer is almost always, “No.” Perhaps it would be more believable if I’d had cosmetic surgery? Alas, it looks sold out, which makes me laugh to no end. But, there are still decent fakes all over the online world.

On to fascinators … they’re a style of millinery, which originally referred to fine, lacy head coverings almost like shawls. But today, it means headpieces worn in lieu of hats to places and occasion that would often call for hats — weddings, horse races, funerals, baptisms etc. They are usually made from feathers, lace, beads or a combo. They’re attached by combs, headbands or clips. I’ve been trying hopelessly for 20+ years to get people to wear hats again. But, I have remained one of the only people in a hat at most of these events. I think where I have failed, the fascinator could do it. It doesn’t mess your hair and gives that extra oomph to outfits.

Two spots to find them online. On the high end is Vivien Sheriff. Kate Middleton wore one of her creations recently to the christening of a shop in Wales, see photo. But, they’re on the pricier side. On the cheaper side is Debenhams. You can get a fascinator, a.k.a hairpiece, for under $50 there, including overseas shipping.