Nearly everyone in the world, at some point in their lives, have made use of a key chain, or the key ring. These useful and sometimes collectable item are found almost everywhere. Their uses are universal, though they can be personalized to fit the needs of each individual user. Whether the need is for a finger nail clipper or a screwdriver, the many shapes and uses of these little rings are invaluable.

Often manufactured from metal, plastic, or in rarer cases, ceramics, the key chain comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. Their original use was popularized by people whose job or hobby it was to have a lot of keys. These often needed to be easily assessable and also needed to hold a tremendous amount of key, which could be straining and heavy. The original makeup would connect to the belt loop of the user, making access to the items much easier.

The most popular variety of rings are those that have other uses outside it's intended purpose of holding keys. Varieties include bottle openers, pocket knives, compasses, and even their library cards. These days, it is not uncommon to see laser pointers, USB flash drives, and photos attached. These uses help to exemplify our culture of having everything within reach at all times. The key chain, or key rings provide not only a great place to organize your keys, but it also become handy when needing access to a flashlight or a mini digital camera.

More and more common is the remote control ring that enables and disables car alarms and perform locking and unlocking features, mostly on newer model luxury cars. This is thought to be an added security feature on some cars, with it's easy and convenient use of remote technology. Remote control units on rings also can operate stereo and sound systems, television consoles, and in some case, their personal computers.

These rings are often purchased as souvenirs. They can have logos of tourist attractions from the Grand Canyon to Paris, France. Everywhere you go, emblazoned on the souvenir rack with bright, shiny letter, will entice shoppers to purchase one for their friends, their family, and themselves. If you buy one in Africa, it may very well have a thermometer attached to it. If you get one in Germany or Wisconsin, where beer is a commodity, there is good chance that it may have a bottle opener. In France, cork screws are very popular.

It is not uncommon to see large collectors of this type. An antique key chain can be found in endless supply at rummage sales, thrift stores, and antique stores. Avid car collectors enjoy the luxury of have a ring that is an original from the year of the vehicle. For example, a collector of vintage and custom 1969 Chevrolet Corvettes may pride himself on having the original ring from the same year to match.

Costs of a ring vary depending on the make and type. Some will cost only a few cents, while some can cost much, much more. Some people liking having more elaborate rings with many functions, while others prefer the simplicity of a smaller ring. It could be a reminder of the trip they took to Mexico in the summer '95'. For whatever reason, rings are an invaluable and often times overlooked luxury in our lives.

If someone were actually to sit down and think about the story and the history behind modernkey chains, they would likely be surprised. The uses and convenience of these tiny, little rings are an underestimated, and obviously understated luxury that has, and always will be, a part of our world civilization.