Former cruise ship worker explains hidden meaning behind someone wearing a black ring

A low key fashion accessory carries a very hidden message in certain travel circles.

Former cruise worker Lucy Southerton says wearing a black ring can act as a subtle sign of your intentions within the swinger lifestyle community.

Southerton, who spent around a decade working aboard cruise ships, said on her YouTube channel Cruising As Crew that 'you can never really be sure if that's just something they like to wear, or whether it is a signal'.

The content creator from Birmingham says wearing a black ring - particularly on the right hand - is sometimes used as a quiet indicator that the wearer may be interested in open relationships.

It's worn because many people involved in these lifestyles prefer not to broadcast it publicly.

Adults-only cruises often consist of more like-minded couples (Getty Stock Images)

According to The Swinger Symbol (SS), wearing a black ring on 'spicy cruise' ships sends out 'clear and loud message that you're interested in a swinging adventure with the person you're meeting'.

"On the off chance that somebody wearing a black ring approaches you, start conversing with them. 'I see you're wearing a piece of special jewellery. Perhaps, we are the members of the same club'," the SS suggests.

A black ring could indicate that you're a swinger (Getty Stock Images)

Cooper Beckett, host of the Life on the Swingset podcast, also said to The Stranger: "Wear your black ring on your right hand if you are out and open to meet other swingers.

"If someone wearing a black ring on their right hand approaches you, start a conversation with them.

"'I see you’re wearing a black ring on your right hand. Maybe we are in the same club'."

Beckett recommends to wear the 'black ring on any finger but the middle one'.

Wearing a black ring on a 'spicy cruise' is meant to be a clear signal of your intentions (Getty Stock Images)

"The ring finger is the natural place for the black ring, but thumb rings are cool too," the podcaster added.

"A black ring worn on the middle finger of the right hand is an infrequently used symbol of asexuality.

"Only when you want other swingers to recognise you."

Annabelle Knight, from Lovehoney, emphasised that wearing a ring is much better for people who don't want to sit there and needlessly justify themselves to others.

“Subtle signals probably started as a way for swingers to find each other without dealing with social stigma or misunderstandings,” she told The Sun's Fabulous .

“Over time, as people have become more open-minded, these signals have evolved to balance discretion with the need to communicate openly.”