Mood rings are one of the most famous novelty items of the 1970s. They were marketed as jewellery that could supposedly reveal a person's emotional state by changing colour. While they don't actually read emotions, the science behind them is quite fascinating.
The Origins of Mood Rings
Mood rings were invented in 1975 by two New York inventors, Maris Ambats and Josh Reynolds. They combined jewellery with temperature-sensitive liquid crystals, creating a ring that changed colours when worn.
The rings became an instant fad. Celebrities wore them, department stores sold millions of them, and they quickly became one of the hottest fashion trends of the decade. At their peak, mood rings generated millions of dollars in sales.
How Mood Rings Work
Inside the stone of a mood ring is a thin layer of thermochromic liquid crystals. These are special materials that change their molecular structure when their temperature changes.
As the crystals warm up or cool down, they reflect different wavelengths of light. The reflected light appears as different colours to our eyes.
The temperature changes are caused by the wearer's skin. Blood flow to the fingers can increase or decrease depending on factors such as:
- Body temperature
- Physical activity
- Stress
- Surrounding air temperature
- Circulation
The ring reacts to these temperature changes, not directly to emotions.
The Famous Colour Chart
Mood rings were often sold with a chart claiming each colour represented a particular mood:
| Colour | Claimed Mood |
|---|---|
| Black | Stressed or tense |
| Brown/Amber | Nervous |
| Green | Average or calm |
| Blue | Relaxed |
| Dark Blue | Happy |
| Violet/Purple | Passionate or excited |
The exact meanings varied from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Do Mood Rings Really Detect Mood?
Not really.
Emotions can affect body temperature indirectly. For example, nervousness may reduce blood flow to the fingers, while relaxation may increase it. However, many other things affect finger temperature as well.
A mood ring cannot distinguish between:
- Being anxious
- Holding a cold drink
- Walking outside on a winter day
- Having naturally cold hands
So while a mood ring may sometimes appear accurate, it is really measuring temperature changes rather than emotions themselves.
Why Do Mood Rings Turn Black?
Many mood rings turn black permanently as they age. This happens because the liquid crystals are sensitive to moisture and heat. Over time, water can seep into the stone and damage the crystal layer, preventing it from changing colours.
Are Mood Rings Still Popular?
Mood rings never completely disappeared. Today they are sold as nostalgic novelty jewellery and are popular among collectors of 1970s memorabilia. Modern versions often use improved liquid-crystal technology and can be found in rings, necklaces, watches, and even smartphone accessories.
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