I'm 'That' Guy Who Wears Rings—It Has Dramatically Increased My Confidence

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As a rock ‘n’ roll-obsessed kid growing up in blue blood Connecticut during the “just say no” Reagan era, my impulse to stand out was, to say the least, frowned upon. Self-expression was an indulgence for other people.

Stifled, I’d hitchhike to New York City starting at about 15. By 18, I’d settled there, in the heart of Greenwich Village, still a bustling area full of musicians, artists, and ne'er do wells. I founded a band—my very own gang—and hit the road. I met people from all walks of life and every corner of the world. What I can recall about each and every one of the individuals who stuck with me is their sense of style. Sharp, refined, outlandish, or coolly classic, they were comfortable with themselves and, perhaps most of all, in showing a bit (or a lot!) of themselves to the wider world through their style choices.

I dabbled in various looks. I idolized Paul Weller and Pete Townshend and Steve Marriott’s mod looks; The Clash’s noir cool and Steve Jones’s Pistols-era punk style; Elvis, Little Richard, and even Brian Setzer’s rockabilly cool. I dyed my hair. I spent exorbitant sums of money on shoes. Eventually, quite by accident, passing a giant poster for Keith Richards’s then-forthcoming solo album Talk Is Cheap , plastered along the wooden barricades surrounding an East Village construction site, I found the thing that felt the most comfortable: rings.

Yes, rings. On a man—which somehow seemed less controversial then, but still an aesthetic that didn't always put everyone at ease (unless that ring was firmly planted on your ring finger). I started collecting them—first, from street vendors on St. Mark’s Place, then in vintage and Goodwill shops while on the road with my band—long before I had the guts to wear them. I was constantly on the lookout for that new piece that would perfectly express my state of mind, or perhaps one that expressed something I felt in my core: the ring I would never take off. Ever.

Eventually, I started wearing a single, relatively modest platinum band. It felt great. Soon, I added a big, bold skull ring. Everyone I met wanted to examine my rings.

At one point, I was wearing a full seven rings at a given time. Each had a hugely important story to me. I started building my whole style around the rings I was wearing. But perhaps most importantly, I found that self-expression that had been so elusive and coveted as a young person through those rings—and the confidence they summoned in me.

Today, I’m down to three of my very favorites: that skull ring, which holds real history for me; a fat silver band with medieval crosses that’s seen some things; and a silver ring with diamonds on the sides and a large, square onyx at its center, topped by another diamond that I bought at a flea market in Tulsa, OK.

Of course, rings may or may not be your thing. But even if that’s what you think , I advise giving them a shot. Start small. Visit vintage clothing shops and jewelry stores. Subscribe to some email blasts from brands that catch your eye. What do you have to lose?

To guide you on your guy-with-rings journey, here are some recommendations I can stand behind.

Best Rings Any Man Can Rock

Lox & Chain Creed Ring

If you’re feeling a bit tentative, or are on a budget, check out Lox & Chain Creed Ring . Its hunk of black onyx and handmade signs of hammering and etching are nothing if not metal—without going too far.

Other .925 Scorpion Stone Ring

Other is a great brand based in the UK, and a bit higher-end. It produces amazing vintage-style band merch, but the jewelry—like Other .925 Scorpion Stone Ring with its faded blue stone—is gorgeous.

John Varvatos Snakeskin Signet Statement Ring

John Varvatos, of course, is a step up. You get what you pay for, but the brand has great sales running almost all the time. Check out the stunning John Varvatos Snakeskin Signet Statement Ring . True to advertising, its Tiger’s Eye gemstone, complemented by a sterling silver setting with snakeskin embossing, delivers a visually potent package.

John Varvatos Fleur De Lis Feature Ring With Black Diamonds

Ditto for John Varvatos Fleur De Lis Feature Ring With Black Diamonds . Pair it with one of the brand's amazing belts, and your conversation at the next dinner party you attend is already set.

Chrome Hearts Double Floral Ring

If you’re really feeling ready to make a commitment, Chrome Hearts hailing from Japan is my be all, end all. Chrome Hearts Double Floral Ring is as tough as they come.

Chrome Hearts Cemetery Ring

And finally, from the same brand, Chrome Hearts Cemetery Ring is bold, beautiful, and simply cool. Your favorite rock artists likely agree.

How to Find Your Ring Style

Finding your ring is a process, and the hunt is all part of it. Visit some stores, and don’t feel rushed—or (if you're feeling self-conscious) simply browse to your heart’s content via Instagram. Soon enough, the algorithm will start pushing you more and more rings. Eventually, one will catch your eye. Don’t splurge, but don’t get anything too cheap. Cheap rings just don’t last.

Put your purchase where you’ll see it each morning. Wear it on weekends, or to concerts or parties. See if you like the attention the ring attracts. If you do, start scouting for complementary pieces. In not too long, you’ll find yourself hooked. You’ll have the makings of a collection. You’ll see your personality reflected in your choices. Best of all, you’ll feel liberated, less inhibited. Eventually, you might not even need the rings—but you'll still wear them with joy.

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