Table of Contents: Why Do Bikers Wear Rings?
There's something about bikers that just exudes toughness. And it's not just their attitudes – it's their apparel too. From leather jackets to badass bikes, they know how to look tough.
But one accessory that stands out are the rings worn by many bikers. Not only for style, biker rings have an interesting history and hold a lot of meaning for the riders.
Related Reading: 6 Biker Symbols to Know About
History of Biker Rings
As they were originally known, Mexican Biker Rings originated in Mexico after the Mexican Revolution (1910-1917). At that time, the peso was devalued because of the war, and metal was in high demand.
Enterprising Mexican jewelers started making rings out of whatever metal they could find – including the devalued pesos - and started melting down the currency and crafting it into rings, which were worth more than the pesos and various metals used to create them.
In the 40s and 50s, they became popular souvenirs among American motorcyclists. American motorcycle clubs would travel down to the border towns near Mexico and purchase these rings for about five dollars each.
They were made primarily of silver and brass, and they were a popular way for bikers to show their affiliation with a club or gang.
Additionally, brass knuckles were outlawed in the United States in the early 1900s, so rings began to take their place as a means of self-defense.
Nowadays, biker rings are still popular among riders, especially if they're riding a Harley Davidson. They're often worn as a symbol of brotherhood or camaraderie, and they can be a way to show loyalty to a particular group or club. They're also a great way to show off your badass attitude!
Let's take a look at the top 5 reasons why biker rings are still popular today.
1) Rebellion & Culture
Bikers are notorious rebels and don't conform to mainstream society. They're independent and don't like to be told what to do, and their clothing and accessories reflect that.
The rings that many bikers wear are a symbol of that rebellion. They come in different styles, but they all have one thing in common – they're a symbol of defiance.
Biker culture is all about standing up for yourself and being your own person, and the rings are a perfect way to show that off. They let everyone know that you're not afraid to be different, and you're not afraid of what people think.
Any way you look at it, they're a powerful statement, and they show the world that bikers are a force to be reckoned with.
2) Style
Rings are a core part of biker style and allow them to showcase their individual personality and style. Unlike other jewelry, rings are often very bold and masculine.
Biker rings can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and stone. They often feature unique designs and certain symbols that represent the biker's lifestyle and beliefs.
They also pair well with watches, chains, and bracelets. Silver or stainless steel complements the chrome accents on motorcycles, while gold rings add a touch of luxury.
Depending on the biker's style and current mood, they could deck out all their fingers with as many rings as they want, but you'll find that most bikers wear one to two rings. They can be worn on the right hand, left hand, or both hands.
As far as what fingers to wear them on, that's completely up to the biker. Most often, rings are worn on the index finger, but the middle and ring fingers are also popular choices.
Wearing biker rings on the ring finger used to be frowned upon, as that finger was reserved for a traditional wedding ring to show that you were married.
However, that tradition is slowly changing, and more and more bikers are wearing wedding rings with a touch of unique biker style, with the rings featuring non-traditional materials and designs, such as skulls or other symbols that hold a significant meaning or beauty to them.
Eagle Globe & Anchor Marine Corps Ring
3) Current & Past Affiliation
Any official group or club will have something unique to identify themselves. This might come in the form of tattoos, flags, patches, or insignia - and of course, wearing rings.
A biker who's a military veteran may wear one with his branch of service, while a biker who's part of a motorcycle club may wear a ring with the club name and location.
Many military veterans are also part of biker clubs, and this is a great way for them to continue their brotherhood or sisterhood after they’ve left the military, as well as pay homage to their service and show pride in their affiliation.
Rings also serve as a way to commemorate significant moments in a biker's life. For example, a ring may be given to a new member of a club to signify his or her initiation.
4) Values & Attitude
Bikers come from all different backgrounds, so naturally, their values and attitudes vary. Though there are different preferences, a few common themes run through the biker community.
For example, skull rings are seen as a display of power and strength. They often feature symbols of death, danger, and evil.
The skull ring is a symbol of overcoming danger and surviving against all odds. It's a display of strength and resilience, and it represents the core values of the biker community.
Rings with crosses or other religious symbols are a display of his or her faith. This could be a sign of respect for the fallen, or it could simply mean that the biker is religious.
The bigger the ring, the more important the value. Bikers often wear large rings to show off their toughness and strength.
Some bikers wear eye-catching pieces that are the size of a small plate. These rings often have intricate designs and show off the biker's wealth and status, especially if they are made from expensive materials such as sterling silver or gold.
5) Just Because
Bikers aren’t really ones to explain why they need or want to do anything. If they want to wear a particular style of ring, they do it simply because they like it.
There doesn't need to be any real logic or reasoning behind it – it can just be something that they like and makes them feel good.
This rings true for a lot of things in the biker lifestyle. There's no need to overthink it – just enjoy it and have fun. That's what being a real biker is all about.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a badass way to show your affiliation with a group, or just want a little bit of extra protection while out on the open road, wearing rings can be a great addition to your current style.
They come in all shapes and sizes, and you can find one that fits your personality and lifestyle perfectly.
So don't be afraid to express yourself – wear whatever style you feel best represents you and your values.
If you’re still not sure whether rings are right for you, check out some of the badass styles we’ve got in our collection – you might just find the perfect ring to complete your look.
2 comments
Thank you, Katie! We’re glad to hear about your experience and that you like your guardian bell. We hope your boyfriend likes it just as much. Be safe out there!
I bought a guardian bell for my boyfriend’s Harley to keep us safe when we ride, and it turned out better than I could have imagined! It arrived super quick, and I can’t wait to give it to him! Thank you for making an amazing product, and I’ll definitely be ordering more items!!