Mood rings first became popular in the mid-1970s, when American inventors Josh Reynolds and Maris Ambats took the world by storm with these rings they claimed changed color to reveal your true emotional state at any given moment. Back then everyone seemed to have one, and now they are back on the jewelry scene.
How cool is it that by simply raising your hand you could tell the world you are deliriously happy, or warn people to stay away because your mood is ultra dark?
So the burning questions are, how do they work, and are they worth paying for?
The mechanics of mood rings
Inside the stone of the mood ring are liquid crystals which are sensitive to temperature, which means they change color depending on the amount of heat or cold they are exposed to. Basically, they twist when the temperature changes, and this changes their structure and the way they absorb or reflect light, which in turn changes the color of the stone.
So does temperature have a connection to our emotions?
Pretty much, yes. You probably already know that the average person who is not sick has a body temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C). It’s perfectly natural that when someone feels cold (or stressed) their blood is diverted away from the skin to the organs deeper inside the body, which would naturally reflect a change in the ring’s color. The opposite happens when we feel flushed with happiness and our body temperature rises a little.
If you follow this logic then the ring would also change color if you wear it while taking a hot bath or spending time in a sauna, as body temperature is based on more than just emotions, but serious fans who are strong believers in the powers of mood rings could easily argue that changes due to extreme heat or cold exposure is something which can be controlled, and therefore the color changes triggered by emotions are still entirely valid. Which is a fair point when you think about it.
If you’re interested in getting some of your own mood rings then head over to Mood Rings: Get One For Each Of Your 20 Moods! | JewelryJealousy. They’re you’ll find a great selection of rings at good prices.
Interpreting a mood ring
There is no across the board standard color and emotion chart to consult to read your mood ring as manufacturer’s sometimes interpret them differently. However, based on the original guidelines and the descriptions the majority of rings come supplied with we have put together this helpful guide.
Violet or purple
This is the default color when you are at your warmest, and is said to indicate you are feeling:
- romantic
- well balanced
- contented
- passionate
- thoughtful
- settled
- happy
Pink
Pink shades reveal your emotions to be:
- calm
- relaxed
- happy
- affectionate
- loving
White
Watch out for anyone with a white mood ring as it suggests the wearer is feeling:
- bored
- frustrated
- confused
Blue
Blue colored stones in a mood ring are said to reflect feelings like:
- calmness
- optimism
- joy
- inner peace
Although some shades can mean the wearer is feeling:
- loving
- flirty
- passionate
- intense
- romantic
Green
Another color with lots of different shades, which makes it harder to interpret the exact emotions it could be reflecting. These can include:
- relaxed
- calm
- peaceful
- uncertain
- energetic
Yellow
If you spot a mood ring has turned yellow it could mean the person wearing it is feeling:
- upset
- confused
- anxious
Or, on the other hand:
- creative
- poetic
- very thoughtful
Brown
Standard mid brown is said to reflect emotions such as:
- fear
- tension
- restlessness
while lighter shades can be read as indicating someone is feeling:
- stressed
- anxious
- unable to concentrate
Gray
This is not always a featured color on mood rings, but if it is used it represents:
- sadness
- anxiety
- exhaustion
Red
This is a color with deep associations to danger and excitement, so how is it interpreted when it shows up on a mood ring? It’s no great surprise that for deep red shades the answers include:
- passion
- excitement
- energy
- adventure
- love
However, bright red colors on the mood stone are said to mean the person wearing it is feeling:
- angry
- very scared
or
- very excited
- adventurous
Orange
This is another to watch out for as it indicates:
- stress
- confusion
- worry
- tension
- aggression
Black
The coldest color, when not worn mood rings are always black, but f they stay this color when on your finger watch out. This means you are feeling:
- tense
- tired
- anxious
- harassed
- overworked
So, are mood rings worth paying for?
The answer has to be a definite yes. While the scientific accuracy of the colors reflecting real moods may be in question the are still a lot of fun, and it’s unlikely anyone who buys one would let color changes (or lack of) shape or spoil their day. Having said that, it’s also fun to keep track of how you are feeling when wearing it, just to see how accurate it may be for you.
Mood rings are always going to be a great talking point, and for those of a certain age a pleasant trip down memory lane to their youth. Regardless, a mood ring is a great way to incorporate the trend for retro fashion pieces into your overall look. If you strike lucky you may even find an original mood ring to show off, but if not there’s no need to send a fortune on one as there are plenty around to suit all budgets.
Plus, with so many styles being released to meet the modern craze for them mood rings make an amazing contemporary jewelery piece. Some have the traditional gemstone setting look, others incorporate the crystal into the bands and cover with material to protect the design – which makes this an even more flexible look – one which both men and women can access.
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