Clan crest rings?

[creagdhubh]

Technically, you are correct. The crest, whether displayed within a circlet, strap and buckle, or alone, is the exclusive property of the chief and may be used by him to mark his property. Again, speaking technically, a ring displaying the chief's crest is the property of the chief.

The reality is that (a) the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs acts as the agent for most of the chiefs and licenses the use of chiefly crests to any number of manufacturers for a wide variety of products, including "clan crest" rings, so (b) obviously the chiefs aren't too concerned about the practice.

My own take on the situation is that in the final analysis wearing a clan crest ring on one's finger is just another manifestation of one's allegiance to their chief and, in that regard, is no different than wearing a clansman's badge on their bonnet. I wouldn't do it, but I'd certainly not heap scorn upon someone who chose to so display their clan allegiance in such a manner.

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