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.

***

[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?

[Stirling McQueen]

Upon my 16th birthday I received a gold ring with the MacQueen crest engraved upon it. Two of my sisters also received the same gift. My brother opted for a set of skis, I still have my ring. Prior to her death, my sister gave her ring to my son; perhaps one day he will have a wife with dainty hands that can wear the ring. Then 32 years after my father's death on the eve of my ordination to the Priesthood my mother gave me the gold cuff links with crest that my father wore in lieu of a ring. So for me it is family heritage, both recent and ancient.

Peace
Henry+

[Chainsaw02]

*** Matt Newsome and Phil. Relative to the clan badge, I have aquired a kilt pin or two, several pins of various sizes, T and golf shirts, cuff links, and a fair size tatoo on my left shoulder which garners some very interesting conversations when displayed. Even my clan chief liked the tat.
I don't know about tourist shops, but clan badges in many forms are available at the various highland games and scottish festivals that my wife and I attend. My wife uses the badge to pin her tartan scarf to her clothing and wears it with pride.
Are we a victum of some evil merchandising plan? Probably, but thats ok 'cause we will still proudly advertise our our clan in this mannner.

Larry Arlen Dirr, FSA Scot, Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie, Member of the Chief Council