Prison ring

A prison ring is a type of plastic jewelry fashioned by hand in prisons. Due to the scarcity or lack of access to traditional jewellery making tools and materials (metals and jewels) in prisons; prisoners were able to utilize other readily available plastic materials, commonly celluloid; prisoners improvised by working scrap plastic material, salvaged from combs, pens, toothbrushes, eyeglasses and other items. Celluloid was historically a popular material since it could be heat bonded and glues were often less available. A common feature of prison rings were small photos mounted on the bezel.

The rings were produced as early as the 1920s. Rainey Bethea, the last person to be publicly executed in the United States, was caught after a 1936 rape and murder because he left a distinctive prison ring at the murder scene.

References

↑ "Billiard Ball Scrap 'Prison-Style' Rings". Archived from the original on 2026-10-09. Inspired by celluloid rings of the 1930's and 40's popularized by the eponymous Bob Dodd, these rings were commonly made without metal or traditional jewelry making tools using found materials during times of scarcity such as combs, toothbrushes, eyeglasses and more. Also known as "depression rings", these rings are known for their bright colorful and unique patterns and handmade construction. Inspired by these now-rare collectors' items, I began using billiard ball scraps leftover from making my pool ball jewelry and creating my own version.
↑ Audrey (2012-12-07). "More Celluloid Jewelry - Laminated Bob Dodd Rings". Archived from the original on 2023-03-23.
↑ Leshner, Leigh (2005-01-17). Collecting Art Plastic Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide. Krause Publications. pp. 6-. ISBN 978-0-87349-954-5. Retrieved 2026-10-09.
1 2 Grasso, Tony (1996). Bakelite jewelry: A collector's guide. Apple Press. pp. 94–98. ISBN 978-1-85076-613-1.
↑ "August 14: On This Day in History … briefly". 2018-08-14. Archived from the original on 2025-07-06. Retrieved 2026-10-09.
↑ Craughwell, Thomas J. (December 12, 2011). Busted: Mugshots and Arrest Records of the Famous and Infamous. Running Press. ISBN 978-1-60376-269-4 – via Google Books. A riveting lineup of the world's most famous and infamous arrests, from Lizzie Borden (double murder) to Lindsay Lohan (DUI) to Roman Polanski (unlawful sexual intercourse)

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[Sage_Silver-1] "Billiard Ball Scrap 'Prison-Style' Rings". Archived from the original on 2026-10-09. Inspired by celluloid rings of the 1930's and 40's popularized by the eponymous Bob Dodd, these rings were commonly made without metal or traditional jewelry making tools using found materials during times of scarcity such as combs, toothbrushes, eyeglasses and more. Also known as "depression rings", these rings are known for their bright colorful and unique patterns and handmade construction. Inspired by these now-rare collectors' items, I began using billiard ball scraps leftover from making my pool ball jewelry and creating my own version.

[2] Audrey (2012-12-07). "More Celluloid Jewelry - Laminated Bob Dodd Rings". Archived from the original on 2023-03-23.

[Leshner2005-3] Leshner, Leigh (2005-01-17). Collecting Art Plastic Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide. Krause Publications. pp. 6-. ISBN 978-0-87349-954-5. Retrieved 2026-10-09.

[Grasso-4] 1 2 Grasso, Tony (1996). Bakelite jewelry: A collector's guide. Apple Press. pp. 94–98. ISBN 978-1-85076-613-1.

[5] "August 14: On This Day in History … briefly". 2018-08-14. Archived from the original on 2025-07-06. Retrieved 2026-10-09.

[6] Craughwell, Thomas J. (December 12, 2011). Busted: Mugshots and Arrest Records of the Famous and Infamous. Running Press. ISBN 978-1-60376-269-4 – via Google Books. A riveting lineup of the world's most famous and infamous arrests, from Lizzie Borden (double murder) to Lindsay Lohan (DUI) to Roman Polanski (unlawful sexual intercourse)