Bikers are a subculture, and Biker Jewelry is integral to that subculture. A biker’s jewelry can reveal a lot about their beliefs and personality. Each element has a deep meaning, and each symbol contains information that all members of the motorcycle crew can identify with. Being a biker is riding a motorcycle, and it’s not just a hobby, it’s a way of life, and that way of life can’t exist without jewelry.

History of bikers and their Jewelry

Motorcycle use by humans predates the development of the biker counterculture. The first models of motorized two-wheelers were invented in 1884-1885 and quickly gained popularity. The first motorcycle clubs appeared around the same time and were primarily workers.

The motorcycle subculture emerged in the second half of the 1940s. The first motorcycle club was founded by US Air Force pilots returning from war and feeling out of place in life. Civil. After only a few years of existence, the reputation of the biker movement was severely damaged. In July 1947, Hollister organized a motorcycle rally that attracted several thousand people. For some reason, the protest turned into a riot that swept through the city.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has condemned such behavior, saying that only 1% of all motorcyclists get in trouble with the law and the remaining 99% of the community are decent people. Those who fall into this “one percenter” category have liked the idea of ​​parting ways with the virtuous members of the AMA. The 1% symbol started appearing on biker jackets, motorcycle decals, tattoos, and jewelry.

Although the biker movement had a bad reputation, it was not outlawed. In the 1960s, the heyday of the hippies, more and more people started riding motorcycles. The biker lifestyle is associated with freedom, one of the most beloved concepts among hippies. Consequently, motorcycle clubs began to grow in size, and the movement itself spread like wildfire.

Although the biker subculture emerged in the United States, its jewelry has a Mexican origin. The first half of the 20th century was a nightmare for the Mexican economy. High inflation swept the country and its currency, the peso, hit an all-time high. The coins have become worthless. At the same time, ingenious artisans saw the potential to use the pieces to make jewelry and keepsakes. Soon, handmade trinkets flooded small towns near the US border. They cost nothing, and their original appearance first attracted local bikers and then Americans. Since then, jewelry that looks like old Mexican rings, like the jewelry you can find at Bikerringshop, has become the staple of the biker subculture.

The Philosophy of the Biker Subculture

The following principles constitute the biker philosophy:

Freedom. Runners can do whatever they want. They are not tied to a specific location by property. Each biker is his teacher, Honor. A biker must obey the rules. You cannot offend newcomers or other members of your club. You should always help those who are in trouble.

Loyalty. A biker must respect the traditions of the movement and be responsible for his actions.

Individuality. A rider is free to express their individuality through jewelry and other means. Customization and embellishment of motorcycles are strongly encouraged.

Biker Jewelry Materials and Colors

Biker jewelry is based on inexpensive but durable materials such as steel, titanium, and brass. The most common, however, is sterling silver, which is both affordable and valuable. The incredible shine of the metal matches the shiny chrome parts of a motorcycle. Also, silver accessories go well with dark-colored clothes. Gold is rarely used, not only because of its cost but also because of its softness.

How to Wear Biker Jewelry?

To become a biker, it is not enough to put on a leather jacket and choose the right accessories. Just because you wear biker rings doesn’t mean you’re a biker. That said, bikers, while they resent “subcultural appropriation,” do not explicitly forbid wearing jewelry with the designs and symbols common to their movement. The only taboo is to wear jewelry and accessories displaying the emblem of specific motorcycle clubs if you are not a member. The only exception to this rule is if someone in the biker community has given you a piece of jewelry as a gift or keepsake.

Due to their dramatic design and larger-than-life dimensions, combining biker jewelry with other trinkets can be challenging. Simply because it is so dominant, the other pieces pale in comparison. If you don’t know how to integrate a biker ring with classic rings, here’s a suggestion: add it at the end, just like an artist puts the finishing touches on his painting. Either it will crown your style or make you rethink your choices.

Each biker’s jewelry has its own story and has a special meaning. If someone sees your jewelry, you’ll always have something to say.

HOW MEXICAN CULTURE AFFECTS THE UNIQUE BIKER LOOK?

Did you know that Mexico has made a significant contribution to one of the most popular subcultures in the world today, motorcyclists? One wonders what might be expected between men on motorcycles and Mayan and Aztec descendants. Indeed, the latter had a significant impact on the appearance of bikers. Don’t believe us? This story will dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s.

What do the Motorcycle scene and the Mexican Revolution have in common?

This story takes us back to the first decades of the 20th century when the famous Mexican Revolution was in full swing in Mexico. Like any other uprising, it had disastrous consequences, including a severe economic crisis. The Mexican currency has depreciated so much that coins, cents, have ceased to cost anything. Some people just threw them away, while others kept them as souvenirs of the good old days. Mexican artisans have found a more creative way to use them. They collected them, melted them down and used this metal to make handicrafts and souvenirs.

A few decades later, we entered the era of the first motorcycle clubs. Like any youth subculture, it has gone through the stage of self-identification. The appearance of these bikers was different from their modern counterparts. They also wore leather jackets, but that was probably all. What they lacked was jewelry. However, everything changed during the 1940-the 50s, and Mexican rings became the catalyst for these changes.

It’s no secret that most of the first motorcycle clubs appeared in the southern regions of the United States: California, Arizona, New Mexico and others. From there, it was a stone’s throw from Mexico. It is not a surprise that the Mexican circles arrive in these territories and spread everywhere. Eventually, bikers stumbled upon these attractive trinkets. Since then, the motorcycle community has never been the same.

Why did Mexican rings attract bikers?

Each new motorcycle club had distinctive characteristics, such as specific colors or symbols. Naturally, club members wanted to stand out even more, and jewelry was a great way to meet their needs. So when bikers discovered the Mexican rings, they caused a real cultural revolution. Most of these rings bore intriguing symbols, some overlapping with motorcycle club symbolism (e.g., skulls). It was pretty easy to choose an item that matched the identity of a car club a biker belonged to and their style.

On top of that, Mexican rings were very affordable. Most items are around $5. Even back then, it wasn’t much. Racers could upgrade each of their digits with a ring and not even have to break the bank. If you think about these rings’ mass and weight, you will see that it was a lot.

Differences Between Mexican and Modern Biker Rings

Perhaps the most significant difference is the color of these rings. As you know, they were made from recycled coins, so the artisans could not directly influence the composition of the alloy. Coins were made from nickel, bronze and brass, and this alloy has a yellowish tint. Naturally, he switched to handmade rings.

Modern bikers prefer silver or steel rings. They go well with the chrome parts of a motorcycle and stand out from your usually dark outfits. Additionally, steel and sterling silver are more durable than coin alloys. Finally, jewelers find it much easier to work with known and recognized metals and alloys than to reinvent the wheel with nickel, bronze and brass.

However, Mexican rings made with artisanal technologies are still trendy among the biker community. They have a unique design and can give their owners a retro charm. Rings that once cost $5 have now become collectibles, priced in the thousands of dollars.

Most Mexican rings were handcrafted in one piece, increasing their value. Some modern manufacturers still use manual production but produce their items in large quantities. Today we have lost the sense of exclusivity, but at least it has become easy to find a ring that looks like a glove. Here is a ring size conversion chart to help determine the right size for your hand jewelry.

Eagle feathers, a type of headdress worn by ancient Indians, are covered in feathers. “faith, greatness, power, knowledge and independence” are some of the common meanings of bird feathers in Indian culture. Feathers come in a variety of colors, each with a different purpose.

Animal collection

In addition to eagle jewelry, there are many more popular animal pendants, all of which can be deduced from their appearance. Examples of animals that signify speed and strength may include the tiger (symbol of power), lion (symbol of force), bull (symbol of willpower) and snake (symbol of regeneration). Each animal represents something different to bikers, and they use the power of animals to convey their intelligence, toughness, and charisma.

JEWELRY CROSS

Biker jewelry has always included the cross as a prominent emblem, although few know the story behind this association. Many other crosses have been used in military decoration throughout history, including the Latin, Budded, Celtic, Flowered, and St. Peter’s crosses, which are just a few of the most common.

Veterans who returned to a new country after World War II began adorning their steel horses with swastikas and iron crosses to protest against the dominant culture. It was only a matter of time before they formed motorcycle clubs based on the values ​​of the old battlelines. In motorcycle culture, crosses can be seen in various places, including the colors and jewelry bikers wear. Helicopters, independence and freedom are part of the Iron Cross experience today.

Cult jewelry of supernatural type.

Occult would be included among the five styles mentioned above as a style option. The use of esoteric symbols in jewelry design is every day. For example, the Celtic knot, which most people love, can have various characters depending on the context. Its essential concepts of bike and eternity remain constant, but the sign can change from a knot to a spiral. Many bikers love the simple design of Celtic knot jewelry, which can be pretty dainty.

This collection has benefited a lot from Egyptian culture. These lucky charms can be found in various enigmatic Egyptian emblems such as Horus’s eye and Anubis’s ax and statue. This provides psychological support for bikers.

Overview

Biker jewelry has a distinctive style. With its connection to motorcycle culture and the runic symbolism it conveys, jewelry can be more than just a fashion accessory. Therefore, whatever type of biker jewelry you choose will always represent your will and taste.

People Also Ask:

Why do bikers wear Jewelry?

They believe that certain symbols carried by these rings can save them from trouble, bring them good luck and even ward off death. Bikers aren’t the only ones to use luck symbolism, but they do it in the most badass way.

Why are bikers into skulls?

You can say it signifies a rider’s commitment to riding to death! Motorcycle skull patches in particular colors often represent national pride, another passion, or simply a commitment to a riding club.

Why do bikers have skull tattoos?

According to beliefs, jewelry with skulls is excellent protection against death. When it hits a dying person, it leaves a mark on the skull. Those already have this mark are protected from death because it will not come twice. Thus, the bikers show that they are not afraid of death but that it is still too early for them to cross to the other side.

Why do Harleys have skulls?

Some people believe that some of these veterans started the motorcycle club of the same name. Another association with the skull is the ancient belief in its power to ward off evil. In this sense, the skull serves as a protection against death.

Skull bracelet meaning

A skull bracelet can become your talisman. Contrary to popular belief that a skull is associated with death, in many cultures, a skull symbolizes immortality. A skull is thought to have mystical abilities by bikers as well. They consider him their guardian angel who will save them from accidents, injuries and death.