For many, jewelry is nothing more than pretty objects we hang on or put through various parts of our bodies. The purpose of these things is to spruce up, and ultimately make us feel good. But did you know that historically, jewelry was more than beautiful trinkets and wealth indicators? Museums around the world proudly display little masterpieces of the past that are both stunning and purposeful (let alone masterfully crafted). In our day and age, jewelry seems to go back to its roots and starts acquiring more functions other than purely decorative.
In Bikerringshop, we pay tribute to the history and follow modern trends. That’s why our jewelry inventory boasts some quite intriguing functional items. Let us introduce our selection of functional jewelry inspired by the past and present.
Signet Rings
We all have IDs to confirm that we are who we say we are. In the digital era, we have to go through identification every day. At a minimum, we have to prove to our phone that we are its owner via face recognition. It may seem that personal identification is the feature of the 21st century but, in fact, this issue is as old as the hills.
But how did our ancestors deal with the matters of identification when digital technology was nowhere to be found? Well, they still had their signatures. However, it could be easily forged so a signature alone was not a reliable solution. Then our ancestors came up with an elegant and clever solution – they started carving identifying information on rings. More often than not, these rings carried personal or family crests, sometimes complemented by a signature. Such designs were unique and intricate, and almost forge-proof.
These designs were engraved on a flat bezel of a ring in reverse. When pressed in hot wax or clay, the ring left the correct image. Thus, the ring not only authenticated a document but also sealed it. Entrusted with the functions of a signature and seal, these rings received the name signets.
Today, we don’t rely on signets anymore to authenticate letters. Yet, they haven’t gone up in smoke. Nobility still uses them to flaunt their family crests, the Pope wears a signet ring as a sign of his power, and many elitist clubs issue their proprietary signets – such a ring on a finger denotes a membership.
Lockets
Lockets have been known for centuries. From the standpoint of jewelry, they are pendants. However, they are not ordinary pendants, which sole role is to adorn the chest and complement an outfit. In fact, they are tiny cases constructed from predominantly precious metals. Inside these cases, one could keep an item of sentimental value. The Edwardian era witnessed the rise of so-called ‘Lover’s eye’ pendants. They were a valuable gift to a paramour. On one hand, they allowed keeping the memory of a loved one close to the heart. On the other hand, the identity of a beloved person remained secret. The Lover’s eye depicted only a small fragment of his or her face, and it always featured an eye. Being put in a locket, this picture was intended only for a recipient, and the giver was able to maintain their anonymity.
It wasn’t uncommon to store a lock of hair in a locket. Giving such a piece was a romantic gesture. Later, in the Victorian era, it became a mourning tradition, and such hair-filled lockets were given at funerals to commemorate the memory of a deceased one.
In the 21st century, lockets are still around. They still maintain their function as a romantic gift or storage for memorabilia. Along with that, they can be used to store less sentimental things such as medicine, tobacco salt, micro SD card, flash drive, etc. The look of lockets has also undergone some change. Besides elegant, and somewhat, girly designs, you can find lockets adorned with skulls, such as this one.
Poison Rings
Widespread in Europe in the 16th century, they appeared at a time when powerful aristocratic dynasties were waging war for power and domination. Any means were used to win this war, even murder. However, the aristocrats didn't want to stain their hands with blood, literally. Instead, they opted for the ‘quieter’ methods, such as poisoning. They always kept poison close at hand to make sure they can seize an opportunity to get rid of an adversary when it presents itself. But carrying poison in a pocket is not a great idea. Hiding it in a piece of jewelry is much more beneficial. A fine ring with a hinged bezel became a discreet weapon. Under this bezel, there was a small compartment that stored a small amount of poison. During a feast, seizing the right moment, the wearer of such a ring could imperceptibly pour poison into the opponent's food or drink.
Poison rings became popular with spies, too. If they were unlucky enough to be caught, they could swallow poison and take their masters' secrets to the grave.
The other type of deadly secret compartment ring is a weapon ring. Instead of a stash, there was a small blade or a poisoned needle right under the setting. It was exposed by opening a hinged bezel or pressing a spring mechanism. Today, such designs are still out there, but in the form of self-defense rings. They may feature a small blade that springs into action when their wearer sense danger.
When it comes to poison rings, their stash compartments can now serve various purposes – from storing aromatic salt to concealing a micro camera or voice recorder.
Anxiety Rings
Also known as antistress, spinner, or fidget rings. They have quite a curious design when one band is placed inside the other. The central band is movable, i.e. you can twist it with your finger. Most of the time, it is just a fancy adornment for the hand, but in stressful moments, it can help soothe and relax. It distracts from harmful thoughts by giving you something to fiddle with. Some people, when feeling anxious, start scribbling. You can twist a ring on your finger to feel at ease.
Anxiety rings have been known for a few decades but they flourished in the 21st century when we finally started recognizing the importance of mental health. These pieces of jewelry are considered cute solutions for stress release. And TikTok made them all the rage. Spinner rings are available in Bikerringshop, too. In addition to their important mental health-promoting function, they look badass thanks to their fabulous biker aesthetic.
Music Instrument Jewelry
Jewelry often reflects our hobbies and interests. A boxer might wear a boxing gloves pendant, and a music fan wishes to flaunt trinkets with the emblem of their favorite band. If you’re a cinema enthusiast, we have a collection of movie-inspired rings, make sure to check it out.
How cool it would be to have an adornment that is not just a showcase of your likings but is actually a utilitarian thing? If you, too, think it is cool, we have a nice surprise for you. We offer wondrous harmonica pendants that not just imitate the look of real harmonicas, they are real musical instruments, just tiny ones. You can actually try to play them! Our harmonica pendants are available in three distinct styles - Japanese Phoenix Harmonica for Japanophiles, Rasta Lion Harmonica honoring one of the most revered African symbols, and Demon Harmonica for the fans of otherworldly and mythical creatures.
Whistle Pendants
Whistles have experienced multiple reincarnations. First, those were pipes designed to keep the stroke rhythm in galleys in ancient Rome and Greece. Then, they turned into devices to assemble crossbowmen during the era of the Crusades. At the end of the 19th century, they replaced hand rattles and became must-have gears of the London police. With the wide development of sports, the whistle has found a new life as a referee's tool. This small sonorous device can become a decoration without losing its original function of sound extraction.
Our Silver Skull Whistle Pendant has the best of both worlds – a whistle and a whimsical piece of jewelry. Emblazoning a skull, it is sought-after by bikers, Goths, punks, and other subcultures that revere this ancient symbol. At the same time, it will cater to music lovers, dog trainers, scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts because it is a real working whistle. Killing two birds with one stone (being fashionable and being blowable) is the purpose of this piece.
Multitool Pendants
Come as no surprise that every guy wants to get his hands on a Swiss army knife. A multi-tool in compact housing – what else can you wish for? How about a multitool in compact and beautiful housing? Sounds intriguing? Then our Swiss Army Knife Pendant is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Swiss army knife has been known since the end of the 19th century. Every solder in the Swiss army received a multi-blade pocketknife featuring, besides a knife itself, a screwdriver, reamer, and can opener. Soon, these ingenious folding knives became the envy of armies from other countries. Every self-respecting man was yearning for such a thing. Luckily, now Swiss army knives are no longer intended exclusively for Swiss soldiers. They can be bought everywhere in every size, shape, and form possible. They exist in the form of jewelry, as well.
With our Swiss Army pendant, you get a blade, nail file, and scissors. But most importantly, you get a stylish ornament for your neck and chest. Carrying an intricate dragon design in silver complemented by red inlays, it is both a fashion-forward accessory and a lifeline for emergency situations. Besides a necklace, you can also attach it to a key chain or wallet chain.
Bell Pendants
You’ve probably seen cows wearing bells on their necks. But bells are not only for livestock, people rock them too, and with a great deal of pleasure. World cultures embraced bells in different ways. In Tibet, for example, they were an attribute of religious ceremonies. According to locals, bells allow communicating with spirits. For motorcyclists, a bell is one of the most beloved symbols. There is a legend saying that once a bell helped a rider scare away gremlins. Now bikers flaunt bells to ensure protection against evil spirits and adversity. In Mexico and India, a bell is a choice of mothers-to-be. The so-called harmony bells are supposed to soothe a baby while it is still in mommy’s belly. When the baby enters the world, it recognizes the familiar sound and sleeps better.
So, a bell can perform multiple functions. Add beauty to the function and you’ll get a charming jewelry bell, such as this one. It is a perfect complement to your outfits, lucky charm, and baby soother. We adorned our bell pendant with a Japanese carp koi design symbolizing friendship and love. Hence, this pendant will become an excellent gift for a person who means the world to you.
Functional Jewelry by Bikerringshop
Jewelry that combines a beautiful look with function is a perfect choice for your decorative endeavors. It has more meaning than everyday adornments. It can serve you well in unforeseen circumstances (a whistle can call for help if you’re lost in the woods, and a Swiss army pendant is able to turn into a utilitarian tool). It is a keepsake for your memorabilia, stress relief, or a clever solution to have fun when you’re bored. These items are also thoughtful gifts for people you deeply care about.
Functional jewelry by Bikerringshop is constructed of quality materials such as sterling silver and precious stones. We make these items by hand to preserve uniqueness in every feature and deliver truly valuable items. They proudly carry symbols dear to the hearts of motorcyclists (biker symbolism) and world culture enthusiasts. Finally, they offer a good bang for your money. So, go ahead and check out what we have in store, you won’t be disappointed.