Put a ring on it

Jewelry is a great way to express yourself. It is an easy way to get to know a little bit about someone, without even talking to them. In society today, rings are a very popular type of jewelry. Some people wear one everyday while others wear multiple on each finger. Every piece of jewelry has a special story behind it, whether it’s sad, happy, or somewhere in between.

Nicole Fitzpatrick ‘19, a student from West and her sister Melissa Fitzpatrick ‘20, a student from Liberty High School, both love wearing rings. They each have their own rings, but can be seen wearing them on the same fingers as one another. “We just got them together so it made sense to us to wear them on the same fingers,” Nicole said. “ To me, it just represents the unity between us and how we aren’t just sisters, she’s also my best friend,” Nicole said.

Another pair of sisters who show their love through rings are Kristin Asa ‘19 and Niki Asa ‘16. They have a very strong relationship, so it was hard for both of them when Niki moved away for college in Ohio. To make this big change easier for them, their mom got them matching rings. “It reminds me of her when she’s away at college,” Kristin said. It’s a way for them to stay connected even when they are many miles apart.

Madeleine Roberts-Ganim ‘19 is an only child, so she doesn’t have a sister to share her love with through rings.Instead, her rings symbolize friendship. Last summer she attended a writing program at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she met people from all over the country. “My three friends and I each got a ring to remember our time together, so it holds special meaning for me and lots of great memories.” It’s a way for the four of them to stay connected, even though they live miles apart.

Maggie Towler ‘19 wears her rings for a different reason. The direction of her ring  represents her relationship status. It’s called a “claddagh ring” and is a traditional Irish ring that represents love, loyalty and friendship. “If it’s on my right hand pointer finger and the crown is pointed towards me I’m single. If it’s on that same finger but pointed away I’m in a relationship. And if it’s on my left hand ring finger and the crown is pointing away than I’m engaged,” Towler said.

Maddy Luegering ‘19 has a ring that is made out of a spoon. They are called “spoon rings” and have been made by various people throughout history. She purchased hers from an internet artist who produces wedding and travel videos, as well as selling rings he has fashioned out of spoons. “This ring inspires me to follow my dreams and reminds me that I can do anything if I work hard enough for it.”

Not only does Chloe Holt ‘19 wear rings, she also makes them. She started making them freshman year and hasn’t stopped since. Holt said, “It’s super easy to make. You basically get a hot rod and just smash the coin down on the rod until you think it will fit your finger.” She has had many requests by different people to make a business out of it, but has yet to start one. When asked which types of coins she prefers to uses she said, “I don’t have any coins I prefer, but quarters are better for thumbs and dimes are best for pinkys.”  

Rings and other types of jewelry are a great way to express yourself and show off who you are. Each and every piece of jewelry or accessory have different stories and meanings behind them. What does your jewelry mean to you?