The item I have decided to look further into is my elephant ring, mainly because I just found it today and i’ve been looking for it for weeks. This item is very important to me, almost like a “lucky charm,” every since I bought it over a year ago. I lost it a few weeks ago, and while usually I just end up forgetting about the item altogether when I lose things, this ring was different. I genuinely missed it and was upset that I did not have it to wear everyday like I usually do. I tried looking for it everywhere; in my apartment, my best friend’s house, my boyfriend’s house and even my car. It genuinely made me happy that I found it today and so I decided to think further into why this ring meant so much to me, as well as a little more history behind the object itself.
Rings can symbolize many different things. To some people it is a mere fashion statement, to others a symbol of marriage, or friendship, or promise. However, it is also used in sports to symbolize championships and to others as a symbol of power. To me, this ring just symbolizes my lucky charm. I’ve always loved elephants and even have a stuffed elephant on my bed that I sleep with every night (cheesy I know.) However, as I looked down at my own ring it was just crazy to think about the many different things rings symbolize to other people.
The function of a ring is primarily as a fashion accessory, or representation of some status (marriage, friendship, promise, power etc.). This accessory is typically meant to be worn on one of your fingers; however, some wear them around chains on their necks, or around their bracelets, or even “toe” rings. Rings are meant to represent circles which symbolize eternity. This is why I feel most people associate “rings” with love, more specifically engagement and wedding rings. Engagement rings symbolizing this concept of eternity and marriage dates back to the Egyptian times.
My ring, specifically, does not have as interesting of a background story. My ring came from my favorite store on the planet, Forever 21. It was mass produced and found in the jewelry section of the store. There were multiples just like it lining the rack in which I found it. On a wall full of different rings the elephant was the only thing that stood out to me. Something I’ve been looking for, for a while in stores and finally found. There was no real interesting chain for this ring, it started off at the manufacturers and then was shipped to retail stores. I don’t think the use of the ring changed much over time. Like I mentioned earlier, rings were symbolizing marriage back in Egyptian times. They still mean a similar thing in today’s society; however, there appearance and addition of diamonds and other gemstones have changed over time.
I definitely found this to be a fascinating assignment looking into the history and meaning behind rings. I didn’t realize how many different interpretations and symbols rings could represent and how far back into history their origins expand to. I’m so happy I found my lucky ring today and I don’t think it will be leaving my finger again any time soon.
(besides to take this picture)
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
Gabi, what wonderful news that your ring has made its way back to you and your finger. It was lovely to hear you describe your treasure in such protective terms. I am always intrigued by what people decide what is valuable to them regarding possessions. As much as your ring probably wasn’t very expensive, the fact that you looked so diligently for it and was concerned about its whereabouts touched my heart. My daughter also loves elephants. She only has a couple of them, but as a more permanent reminder, her first tattoo was of beautiful Indian elephant, placed on her shoulder. She can’t see it unless she is at a mirror, but it brings her comfort knowing that it’s there. I hope your keepsake never goes astray again.
So glad you found your ring!! That feeling is the worst when you know its not gone but you do not remember where you have placed it. The price does not matter when something means so much to you. The necklace I wear every day was the same it’s not fancy or expensive, but it is mine and carries an important meaning for me. I love the symbol of the elephant. I never thought about the many purposes of rings and the meanings they serve. Mine has always been reminders of something that is important to me. Although it has a simple backstory, I think your attachment to it will keep it alive and used for years to come!