Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your professors or parents wore something that would instantly let you know whether or not they were in a good mood? You may use it to figure out the ideal time to inform them of a forgotten task or a dog that ate your homework.
You might find such a thing if you went back in time to the middle of the 1970s or to a flea market nowadays. We are, of course, referring to mood rings.
What is a Mood Ring?
A mood ring is a ring that contains a thermochromic element and changes color depending on the temperature of the finger it is worn on. The 1970s saw the rise in popularity of mood rings, which continue to be produced today. Your finger’s temperature changes in response to your emotions, and mood rings change color in response to your finger’s temperature. Even though mood rings can indicate temperature variations brought on by the body’s physiological response to internal feelings, they are not always reliable for recognizing mood changes.
Brief History of Mood Rings
A creative duo from New York named Maris Ambats and Josy Reynolds created the mood rings in 1975. They were the ones who originally had the idea to combine quartz and liquid crystals to produce a stone that could change color.
The plan appears to have been thought up by Reynolds. He was intrigued by the concept of biofeedback during the time he was working a demanding job on Wall Street. According to this theory, you can genuinely manage your body’s internal systems by employing tools to understand it better.
The mood ring was created to be one of these tools, offering a quick visual indicator of the wearer’s emotional condition. According to Reynolds, this would allow people to meditate more effectively and have more control over their emotions.
The initial mood rings had settings made of gold or silver, and their costs varied correspondingly. In the 1970s, they had tremendous growth in popularity; within three months of going on sale, more than 40 million were sold.
Although rings were the first jewelry item to try to sense moods, additional experiments soon followed. There were made chokers, pendants, and bracelets.
But by the end of the decade, mood jewelry’s appeal had diminished. Early in the 1990s, mood rings experienced a brief rebirth before falling out of favor once more. A mood ring is a trendy, entertaining, and creative gift once more in today’s world.
What Are Mood Rings Made Of?
Any material can be used to create a mood ring’s setting. Popular options include silver and base metal, which can be used to set less expensive mood rings. The mood stone, on the other hand, is constructed of a layer of a unique crystal.
A mood ring’s crystal must be thermochromic. That implies that it will change color in response to temperature fluctuations. Distinct crystal types can be used to create different mood rings, which will result in shades that differ.
As you may expect, the crystals don’t consist of a single stone. In reality, they’re held inside a glass or quartz container and are made up of many liquid crystals. As a result, they are protected from moisture and extreme heat that may otherwise harm them. As a result, mood rings can be made in practically any size or design.
Why Do Mood Rings Change Color?
As we’ve previously seen, changing temperatures cause the crystals that make up mood rings to change color. But how exactly does that take place?
The crystals actually twist as a result of temperature fluctuations. As a result, distinct portions of the color spectrum are refracted and absorbed as the light travels through them in various ways. Your eyes therefore perceive varying colors as a result.
The crystals in mood rings are configured to react to even very little variations in skin temperature.
The chart that is generally included with a mood ring can be used to “read” it. There is no one manual that applies to all mood rings due to the variety of stones that can be used to make them.
Having said that, the crystals typically have a black appearance when they’re cold. When they get warmer, it will turn blue or magenta. They’ll change from green to brown in between.
The Theory Behind Mood Rings
Mood rings’ ability to change color due to the liquid crystals they contain has already been established. Different temperatures cause them to change color. But what does that have to do with how you’re feeling?
Because the ring is worn on your finger, the color will depend on the temperature of your finger. The theory suggests that your heart will beat more quickly if you’re feeling passionate. That will cause your body’s blood to circulate more quickly, warming up your fingers.
On the other hand, if you’re nervous, your internal organs will receive priority in blood flow. In a perilous circumstance, those are the things that will keep you alive. Your extremities will afterwards cool. You’ll understand how true this is if you’ve ever noticed that your hands start to get cold when you’re scared or anxious.
This simple concept is the foundation of the mood ring. The makers of the rings claim that variations in body temperature, or more precisely, finger temperature, cause different moods.
Mood Ring Color Meanings
Different colors can be displayed on mood rings to represent various emotions, from happiness and romance to tension and rage. The mood ring you buy usually comes with a chart that explains the meanings or emotions associated with the colors reflected. The typical meanings of some of the mood ring colors are listed below.
- Black: Wearers of this color appear worried and tense.
- White: The wearer of a white ring is often exceedingly frustrated, bored, or perhaps bewildered.
- Gray: A little worry, anxiety, or anxiousness is being felt by the wearer. When stress or discomfort is just starting to set in, the ring will reflect this color. The mood ring will change to black if the stress level rises.
- Brown: The user may be experiencing extreme agitation as well as anticipation.
- Amber or Gold: The mood ring will turn amber when the wearer experiences a variety of emotions at once, such as surprise, nervousness, and upset.
- Yellow: The color denotes creativity and a multitude of thoughts in the wearer.
- Pink: Uncertainty is symbolized by this color. Additionally, it may signal a beginning interest in something.
- Orange: The desire to try something new and thrilling is indicated by this color.
- Red: The wearer’s heart rate is raised when this color is present. It is an indication of strong energy, passionate love, or furious rage.
- Green: Wearers of this color are said to be relaxed, at ease, or not under any stress.
- Blue Green: This color conveys a sense of tranquility to the user. He is calm but vigilant.
- Blue: The wearer’s feelings are happy and social, and he or she is in a pleasant state of mind, according to this color.
- Dark Blue: This color represents romance, love, and interest.
- Purple: This color conveys when the wearer believes she is aware of her desires and ready to act on them. It is an indication of sincere clarity and intent.
Do Mood Rings Really Work?
Although mood rings are enjoyable and unique, they shouldn’t be taken too seriously. You can only be assured of one thing based on what the stone’s color is actually telling you. It only helps to determine how hot or cold your finger is.
It’s true that while the blood is pumping vigorously, your fingertips may likely feel a little warmer. But is that just because you’ve climbed several steps or because you’re feeling passionate on your wedding day? There is no way for your ring to know.
Your ring will change color if you are holding something hot, such as a hot beverage. The same holds true if your hand becomes cooler, as would happen if you submerged it in cold water, for example. Even hormones and how long it has been since you last ate might have an effect.
So, if you decide to get a mood ring for yourself, try not to get too fixated on the color. Additionally, if you’re at a wedding, don’t be concerned about the future of the happy couple if their engagement rings seem dark.
Of course, asking someone how they are feeling is the greatest approach to find out. Just be sure to pay close attention to the response!
Additionally, meditation and mindfulness are helpful techniques if you wish to connect with your own emotions. Mood rings were once thought to increase emotional awareness and serve as a tool for meditation. Actually, you can benefit from calm contemplation without a mood ring.
Mood Ring Care Guide
Moisture is primarily to blame for mood rings that are no longer changing color. The crystals may be damaged if water penetrates through the stone. As a result, the ring could turn black or remain the same color. It’s a good idea to remove your ring before washing your hands.
If the crystals are subjected to extremely high temperatures, the same issue may arise. Avoid resizing mood rings as a result. Additionally, avoid leaving them on a car’s dashboard, next to a heater, or by a window.
Your mood ring may eventually become less responsive, even with care. The average lifespan is between two and five years. There aren’t many vintage mood rings from the 1970s left that function properly.
However, we have discovered a method for restoring a stuck mood ring to its color-changing splendor. Try placing it in the freezer for two minutes while it is wrapped in a paper towel. Although we are unsure of the science involved, some people appear to have done it effectively. It is definitely worth a shot!
Avoid using water and chemicals to clean your ring because they can potentially harm the crystals. The best option is a gentle, dry cloth.
If your mood ring is made of silver, you can stop the tarnishing by storing it in a cold, dry place. Attempt to store it with a stick of chalk as well, as this is a tried-and-true anti-tarnishing method.
Additionally, if you have a silica pack—often found in brand-new handbags or shoes—store it alongside your ring. It will help preserve the stone in good condition by absorbing moisture from the air around it.
Takeaways
Mood rings are a lot of fun and usually look absolutely stunning. However, there isn’t much evidence to support the claim that your mood is related to the stone’s color. Do not forget that your ring is only measuring the temperature of your finger.
But it doesn’t mean they can’t be a unique gift. An excellent way to show someone you care about their feelings is by giving them a mood ring. Additionally, they are ideal if you want jewelry that sparks real conversation.
A mood ring might be a perfect option if you want a unique and special wedding band. Just be realistic about the lifespan of the color-changing abilities. Your ring might still be attractive after a few years, but it might be stuck on one colour.