The short answer is yes! While diamond engagement rings may be traditional, even this custom doesn’t go back as far as you may think. It was the De Beers diamond cartel whose stellar marketing campaign in the 1930s made diamonds synonymous with engagement rings. Before this, only around 10% of engagement rings contained these precious stones.
So, if you feel another type of ring would be more meaningful for you and your partner, there’s nothing stopping you. You may also simply want a break from tradition or haven’t got the funds necessary for a huge diamond ring. Any of these reasons are absolutely fine to opt for an alternative, such as a high-quality mood ring.
What is a Mood Ring?
A mood ring is a ring that contains a thermochromic element (the “mood stone” itself) that changes color in line with the wearer’s temperature. Thermosensitive jewelry, such as mood rings, first appeared in the mid-1970s and immediately caught the public imagination, becoming hugely popular. Given that bodily temperature is affected by blood flow, which is itself impacted by autonomic nervous systems and emotions, this type of jewelry is often believed to be an indicator of the mood of its wearer – hence the name.
The Meaning Behind Mood Ring’s Changing Colors
As we mentioned, mood rings are said to be able to reveal the feelings of their wearers. According to some, this is what the different colors mean:
- Black – at 20 degrees Celsius, the mood ring will turn black. The color supposedly indicates that the wearer is feeling tense or stressed.
- Orange – occurring at 22 degrees Celsius, this shade suggests the wearer is feeling enthused!
- Yellow – when the wearer’s temperature is 23 degrees Celsius, the mood ring will often turn yellow. This color is associated with a distracted, wandering mood.
- Green – the wearer is likely to feel calm and relaxed if their mood ring turns green. It typically occurs at 24 degrees Celsius.
- Royal blue – appearing at forty degrees Celsius, this shade suggests a romantic or passionate vibe.
- Dark blue – happiness, optimism, and an elevated mood are signaled by a dark blue mood ring, which tends to turn this color at 50 degrees Celsius.
- Amber – if your mood ring turns amber, you may be feeling a little nervous or upset or experiencing a mix of emotions.
- Brown – this shade indicates anxiety or a feeling of restlessness; it can also suggest a muddled frame of mind.
- Purple – is indicative of a resolved mind, and a mood ring that turns purple is indicative of balance and clarity.
- Pink – this color can suggest a few different things. It may point to a new or budding interest, lack of clarity, or even infatuation.
- Gray or white – if your mood ring turns gray or white, you could feel bored, confused, frustrated, perhaps even stressed or anxious.
How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Mood Ring
If you’ve decided to go for a mood ring to propose with or mark your engagement, it’s important to choose the highest quality ring possible: after all, this is a ring that will (hopefully!) be worn for a lifetime. As well as being more durable, a high-quality mood ring will be more responsive and sensitive to temperature changes, meaning that the wearer will be able to enjoy a range of regularly changing colors. You may be spending a substantial amount on an engagement mood ring, so don’t forget to think about insurance. If you have renters insurance your ring might be covered – meaning one less thing to think about during the wedding planning stage!
Think about the style that would be the best fit for your beloved. If you think a vintage, retro design would be perfect, take a look in antique stores or search online auctions for a mood ring from the 1970s or 1980s. Alternatively, opt for a modern, sleek style, with either a single stone or intricate bands incorporating several stones for a unique look.
Choose a mood ring that incorporates high-quality liquid crystals in the stone itself – lower-quality options will result in less sensitivity and a more limited range of colors. The ring’s band is next. Look for ring bands that are made from sterling silver or at least 14-karat gold, neither of which will discolor or tarnish over time. Finally, check the stone’s setting. The mood stone should be held securely in place using a high-quality, durable setting so there’s no risk of it coming loose or being lost.
Final Thoughts
A high-quality mood ring can be a great alternative to a “traditional” diamond engagement ring. There are plenty of options and styles available, so you can find the perfect ring that’ll reflect your love and the mood of your partner for what will hopefully be a long and happy marriage.
Founder/CEO
Brian formed Living By Examplealongside Cynthia after working for two decades alongside international institutions for humanitarian aids and other efforts worldwide, may it be catastrophes made by men or nature. Brian built Living By Examplewith the hopes of bringing more cultural diversity across the internet.
He primarily writes amazing stories about cultures and shares different ideals with our readers through his stories. He believes that people empowerment is important especially during these trying times.