ARVENIER
A pride ring is a ring with rainbow colours, worn to express LGBTQ+ identity or support. The rainbow comes from the pride flag designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, where each colour stands for part of the community's life. People wear pride rings every day, at pride marches, or as matching rings with a partner or friends.
What the rainbow means
The common six-stripe pride flag runs red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Baker's original version gave each colour a meaning, such as red for life and green for nature. Newer flags, like the 2018 Progress Pride flag, add stripes and a chevron to include trans people and people of colour.
Who wears pride jewellery?
LGBTQ+ people wear it to express identity, and allies wear it to show support. A ring is a subtle choice: visible to people who recognise it without being a large statement. Many Indian cities hold pride marches at different times of the year, and rainbow jewellery is a common part of them.
How do you choose a pride ring size?
Pride bands are often sold in US ring sizes. Measure the inner diameter of a ring that already fits the same finger and compare:
- US 6 ≈ 16.5 mm
- US 7 ≈ 17.3 mm
- US 8 ≈ 18.1 mm
- US 9 ≈ 19.0 mm
- US 10 ≈ 19.8 mm
- US 11 ≈ 20.6 mm
- US 12 ≈ 21.4 mm
Gifting thoughtfully
Give pride jewellery in a way the recipient is comfortable with. Not everyone is out to everyone in their life, so a private gift is kinder than a public one. Matching rings for couples or friend groups are a popular choice.
Pride jewellery beyond rings
Rainbow motifs also appear on bracelets, pendants and earrings, and some people prefer the specific flags of their identity — such as the bisexual, transgender or non-binary flags — in enamel or bead colours. A plain rainbow ring remains the most widely recognised and the easiest to wear every day.
Caring for a pride ring
Enamel and coloured inlays are the parts that wear first. Take the ring off for washing up, gardening and the gym, and avoid hand sanitiser on the band where possible. Wipe it with a soft cloth; do not use metal polish on the coloured stripes, which can dull or chip them.
Frequently asked questions
Can straight people wear pride rings?
Yes, as allies. Just be ready for people to ask, and wear it in support rather than as a joke.
Which finger should a pride ring go on?
Any finger. There is no set rule; many people choose the one where a band fits most comfortably.
Is a pride ring a good gift for a friend who has just come out?
It can be, if they are comfortable being visible. Give it privately and let them decide when and where to wear it.