Clan crest rings?

[Jock Scot]

I've seen quite a few being worn at various Games.

But when we have rings (and other jewelry) for everything: universities, fraternities/sororities, military services, civic groups, and just about any other organization you can imagine (not sure why someone would wear a CIA ring, but I've seen them).

It seems then, as though all these assorted rings are more the equivalent of the UK's "club/Regimental type ties? I would have thought a Clan tartan would be an obvious way of signifying a connection though?

[Tony]

You know the old saying.

In for a penny.......

It seems then, as though all these assorted rings are more the equivalent of the UK's "club/Regimental type ties? I would have thought a Clan tartan would be an obvious way of signifying a connection though?

[davidlpope]

It seems then, as though all these assorted rings are more the equivalent of the UK's "club/Regimental type ties?

Yes. Certain schools (Texas A&M, Clemson, Naval Academy, VMI) are particularly known for this tradition.

I would have thought a Clan tartan would be an obvious way of signifying a connection though?

Sometimes folks think more is more...

[David Thorpe]

Sometimes folks think more is more...

That seems to be an especially prevalent attitude in the US. It's all about the bling - PCs with fly plaids for occasions where tweed would be far more appropriate, mini-medals when decorations are not called for, dress sporrans with day wear, and on and on.

As MacMillan of Rathdown very discretely pointed out, it is good to bear in mind that the cap badge is not a clan badge, but rather the badge from the personal arms of the Chief of the clan, encircled by a buckled belt to indicate that the wearer is a retainer of the Chief. The arms and the badge belong to him alone. His retainers wear the badge at his pleasure and with his permission.
Traditionally and technically, any other display of the badge is at best in questionable taste. Of course, many pewter-ware and embroidery vendors and their overly enthusiastic customers understandably take exception to this view.

Edit: I confess to owning and occasionally wearing a "clan" kilt pin. Mea culpa.

[AJBryant]

Ah, looks like I missed a key detail. My bad, gents.

Oops?.... ;)

[Phil]

It seems then, as though all these assorted rings are more the equivalent of the UK's "club/Regimental type ties? I would have thought a Clan tartan would be an obvious way of signifying a connection though?

Have you not wondered at the racks of such "clan" related trivia in the tourist shops?

[Jock Scot]

In all honesty I had never thought of anyone taking this sort of Clan trivia in the shops as anything significant. I had thought, still do I think, of them as nothing more than the Scots, if sometimes over-priced, equivalent of a kiss-me-quick-hat. As to gold and silver Clan rings I really am not sure what to make of them---------------.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

In all honesty I had never thought of anyone taking this sort of Clan trivia in the shops as anything significant. I had thought, still do I think, of them as nothing more than the Scots, if sometimes over-priced, equivalent of a kiss-me-quick-hat. As to gold and silver Clan rings I really am not sure what to make of them---------------.

I imagine most people who buy them look on them as a way to call to mind their clan heritage in something they can wear on a day-to-day basis which is a bit less conspicuous as a kilt.

[rmccool]

I imagine most people who buy them look on them as a way to call to mind their clan heritage in something they can wear on a day-to-day basis which is a bit less conspicuous as a kilt.

That seems the most likely explanation, especially given the fact (as was noted earlier in this thread) that in the US, rings are a common way to indicate membership in, or affiliation with, a group, organization or profession. I have a US Army ring in my desk drawer, though I haven't worn any ring except a wedding ring in years...

[Phil]

I imagine most people who buy them look on them as a way to call to mind their clan heritage in something they can wear on a day-to-day basis which is a bit less conspicuous as a kilt.

I can't agree more. A simple symbol of belonging to something or other. And what is the harm in that really?