I once asked this question to my father and his response was actually very helpful. *Notice people's jewelry and express sincere appreciation*. People choose to wear specific pieces of jewelry for a reason and jewelry is usually sentimental. My father's theory was that there is a always a story behind a man's watch (it was given as a work anniversary, given as a gift from a loved one, purchased after a noteworthy life event, etc) and if given the opportunity, the man will willingly tell a personal story. It's the same with right-hand rings for men. ​ It's similar with women - they often don't wear watches, but tasteful comments on rings, necklaces, earrings are easily icebreakers ("That's a stunning stone in your necklace; is that a ruby or a garnet? Just beautiful..."). I've used this many times with overwhelmingly positive results. ​ By noticing and commenting on rings, two cool encounters come to mind. One was a fascinating chat with a long-time NHL scout who was wearing a Carolina Hurricanes 2006 championship ring (the scouts/coaches rings aren't the same ones the players receive) and other was a beefy gold and diamond McDonald's ring given in appreciation to select Canadian McDonald's employees who opened the Moscow store in 1990. The McDonald's tale was very cool to learn and here's a link that tells a bit of the strange story: [https://ottawasun.com/2015/01/31/25-years-ago-mcdonalds-invaded-the-soviet-union----and-won/wcm/c85b48ae-413f-4282-8cc7-15967412c7cb](https://ottawasun.com/2015/01/31/25-years-ago-mcdonalds-invaded-the-soviet-union----and-won/wcm/c85b48ae-413f-4282-8cc7-15967412c7cb)