There are many ways for people to express their emotions. Most of them show it through their faces. If someone’s scowling, you know it’s best to stay away. Others display their emotions through their actions. You can sing happily or skip on the way to the office to express your happiness.
But there are others who chose to express their mood through fashion. Some put on white eyeliner to show off their energy. Others are more creative, showing off their emotions through their jewelry. This is where mood rings become a staple in your wardrobe.
Mood rings have been part of the fashion world since the 1970s. These rings change their color based on the wearer’s mood. For example, if you’re feeling happy, its gemstone will turn pink. But if you start worrying, the gem will turn brown.
Many people are fascinated with how mood rings work, as well as how cute they look in any outfit. That’s why no matter what the year is, mood rings always make a comeback. A mood ring comes in different colors and have a variety of meanings.
But how do mood rings work? Do they really work? And what do mood ring colors mean?
Do Mood Rings Work?
Yes, they do.
The body reacts differently to your moods. When you feel happy, the body releases certain chemicals in the blood, activating many of your organs. Happiness causes an increase in your heart rate, which results in an increase in the amount of blood circulating in your body. That’s why you feel energetic when you’re happy. At the same time, your body temperature increases.
On the other hand, when you feel scared or anxious, chemicals in the body divert the blood flow to important muscles and vital organs. This prepares your body for the “fight or flight” response. Since the blood is diverted to your internal organs, your temperature tends to drop.
Mood changes trigger many reactions in the body. Certain chemicals released in the body trigger heart changes, which impact your temperature and energy. Mood rings use these changes to display the different colors that reflect your mood.
What are Mood Rings Made Of?
Mood rings are like sandwiches; they have bottom and top layers. The bottom layer is the ring, which is often made from sterling silver. Usually, mood rings are plated gold or silver over brass. Glued onto the ring is a strip of liquid crystals, which are often coated or covered with a plastic or glass dome. High-quality mood rings are sealed shut to prevent other liquids from compromising the quality of the liquid crystals since high humidity will damage the crystals.
The thermochromic liquid crystals trigger the changes in mood ring colors. These crystals, which can either be natural or synthetic liquid, change color according to your body temperature. The exact composition of the mood ring depends on the manufacturer, but most mood rings are made from organic polymers.
As your mood ring becomes warmer, it gets more energy for your crystals. The molecules absorb the energy and alter the way light passes through them.
What Do Mood Ring Colors Mean?
A mood ring color chart can help you decode the messages of your ring, as well as emphasize the emotions you’re feeling for the day.
Mood ring colors have different meanings, so if you’re wondering what your mood ring says about you, here are the colors and their meanings:
- Black: when your mood ring’s color turns black, you are probably tensed and under a lot of stress. Black is also a sign that you are harried or overworked.
- Gray: you are experiencing lower stress levels, but you feel nervous and/or anxious. If you’re starting to feel stressed or uncomfortable, your mood ring’s crystals will turn gray first. Once your stress levels heighten, only will the ring’s crystals turn black.
- White. Your mood ring’s color turns white if you are confused, frustrated or possibly, bored.
- Brown. When the crystal turns brown, you are nervous. The mood ring crystal turns brown if you feel an overwhelming sense of anticipation and restlessness. If your mind whirls with plenty of nervous thoughts, your mood ring will turn brown.
- Gold or amber. Are you feeling a range of emotions? Expect your ring to turn gold or amber. These emotions can be something as simple as feeling surprised or as complex as being nervous or upset.
- Yellow. Mood rings turn yellow when you feel creative or if your thoughts are wandering.
- Purple. When purple is your mood ring’s color of the day, it means that you have a sense of purpose and genuine clarity. The purple color of your mood ring has a significant meaning since it emphasizes that you know what you want, and you will go for it.
- Pink. Pink is all about uncertainty. Your mood ring can also turn pink when you’re starting to feel curious or aroused.
- Orange. If you’re feeling a little more naughty or devilish, your ring will turn orange. Orange also indicates that the wearer is eager to try something new and exciting.
- Red. When your mood ring’s color turns red, your heart rate is elevated. Red is also a color that indicates high energy levels, fiery anger or romantic passion.
- Blue. If you’re feeling relaxed or in a good mood, your mood ring will turn blue. Blue indicates that you are in a good place with your emotions. It could also mean that you feel social and happy.
- Dark blue. Your mood ring will turn dark blue if your happiness shifts to a higher level. It can also signify romance and love.
- Green. Green is THE mood ring color that most people want to achieve. It shows calmness. If your mood ring color turns green, you’re not feeling nervous or stressed. A green mood ring color indicates that you are in a good place with your emotions.
Can You Rely on Your Mood Ring 100 Percent?
Although mood rings come with a color chart, it’s not 100 percent reliable at pinpointing your exact emotions. Partly it’s because mood rings are affected by temperature changes caused by other reasons apart from your emotions.
Also, some people just have naturally cooler and warmer hands.
Under ideal circumstances, your mood ring might not be able to tell your exact emotional state, but it tells you your temperature. If you want to use the mood ring to keep track of your emotions, keep a journal and take note of the colors you saw and how you felt at that time.
One shouldn’t decide based on the color of their mood rings. Instead, consider your mood ring as a reminder of how your body’s psychological processes synch up with your emotions. After all, mood rings are like little friends that don’t just look good but help you get more in touch with yourself.
How Long Do Mood Rings Last?
It’s natural to expect your mood rings to last for a couple of years. Some mood rings can even live past five years. In fact, there are a few mood rings from the 1970s that have made it to the 21st century with the functioning crystals still intact.
The lifespan of your mood ring depends on how well you take care of it. Protect your actual mood area, which is the crystal. Also, keep your ring away from harsh chemicals and water. When shopping for a mood ring, choose one that is made of sterling silver since they last longer than metal rings.
How Do I Fix My Mood Ring?
In case you drop your mood ring in water or harsh chemicals, wrap your ring in a paper towel and place it inside the freezer for two minutes. The towel will absorb the condensation, which may damage the mood ring if the ring freezes. After two minutes, remove the ring from the freezer and unwrap the towel. Dry out your ring under direct sunlight.
Like tattoos and other fashion statements, mood rings are wonder accessories that can speak volumes about your feelings. Although they aren’t 100 percent reliable at pointing out your emotions, they do help you know yourself better while complementing your fashion style.
