In the modern world it can be hard to meet new people if you find yourself single and looking for the one. Many people turn to dating apps because they are the easiest and quickest ways, but they present their own challenges.
It's hard to show off your best self in a dating profile – and it's also hard to know someone's true intensions. Among other things, an increasing amount of people have also voiced their dismay at the rising cost of subscription feel.
Instead, many are taking part in the "world's biggest social experiment" in the hopes of getting sparks to fly the old-fashioned way – by striking up a conversation with a stranger.
The Pear Ring Scheme sees singletons all around the world wear a teal coloured ring to publicly declare their dating status.
ITV's Alison Hammond was spotted wearing a 'single ring' during a discussion about dating apps on This Morning.
Appearing to confirm she had split from partner Ben Hawkins, the 48-year-old said: "More people are wanting to meet people out and about and having a green ring might be a good idea so that people know you're single.
"As you can see, I've got my single ring on."
What is a Pear Ring?
Dubbed the "world's largest social experiment," the Pear Ring is used to signify that you are single, in order to help limit awkward interactions where you're unsure.
It works in the opposite way to an engagement ring, showing the world that you're on the market.
Those who are participating in the experiment simply wear the official green ring from The Pear Ring, which is backed by Canadian store Shopify.
On the official website, it says: "If 1.2 billion singles around the world wore a little green ring on their finger to show they're single, we wouldn't need dating apps. IRL connection is the mission."
Those taking part are encouraged to wear the band at all times. The website explains: "In a bar, on a train, at the gym, on vacation, at your friend's wedding, in a restaurant, walking to work. The world is your playground."
How to take part
You can buy the teal-coloured ring from The Pear Ring website for £19.99, The first release has already sold out, and it says the second release is "ending soon" and is already "91% sold out".
Once you have paid the "one-off participation fee to join the experiment," you can wear the ring on any finger.
According to the website, you'll be issued a unique membership number, and you'll be invited to "PearFest" as well as get "access to exclusive free events in your city".
You can learn more by heading to the brand's Instagram page.
Would you wear a Pear Ring? Let us know in the comment section below.
