Who else could benefit from this idea?

One thing I really love is finding ideas that are just begging to provide value for someone.

Like this coffee mug that Yusuke Fujinuma and Yoko Yamazaki of Public Design posted on IdeaList.

They present it simply as a quirky novelty gift--a coffee mug with a ring as the handle, that comes packaged in a mock jewelry box designed to open up like an engagement ring.  Like this, it's a fun present for a couple getting engaged or married.

The moment I saw this product, however, my mind started spinning.  The idea itself is cute, unexpected and made me take a second closer look. 

Then I thought, "What if the ring wasn't just a standard loop with a rhinestone, what if it was real?" 

A real diamond ring on a coffee cup would definitely stand out.

How could this actually work though?  Obviously, a real diamond ring on a coffee mug isn't the greatest idea.  It's a little expensive for a ceramic cup, and people want to wear rings all the time--not just when they drink coffee.

A fake ring, with a synthetic moissanite stone, would be an option.  However, the big question is who would want such a thing and why!

In fact, ring coffee cups could have marketing potential for jewelry stores.

Here are a couple examples of how they could use the cups and why they would want to:

In the Jewelry Store

When couples come in to buy engagement or wedding rings, they usually don't want a hard sell.  A wedding ring store could make their customers feel welcome by inviting them to have a cup of tea or coffee, and then presenting several different coffee cup ring options in their presentation boxes.

Not only would this help the couple relax, it would also give the store a chance to put models of the most beautiful (and expensive) rings in front of the customers in a fun, friendly manner.  Then they could get down to the business of selling... already knowing that their customers have been impressed by examples of the best rings right away.

At Conventions

Many companies give out "freebies" to promote their products or services.  Usually, it's something useless, but the companies that give out useful or unusual, eye-catching items can get a lot of attention.

The ring coffee cups could be an good freebie because it's something people would use on a daily basis and it's eye-catching enough to get attention.  Coffee mugs are always popular anyways, because people use them, and this would help the company stand out.

On College Campuses

Recently, coffeehouses have become popular meeting and socializing places on collage campuses.  College students frequently spend hours there meeting friends, doing homework and just sitting around drinking coffee.  Many of those same college students, especially in smaller cities, will be getting engaged and married soon after they graduate.

Jewelry stores could take advantage of this by donating cups with a variety of imitation engagement rings to on-campus coffeehouses.  This would get their name in front of students on a frequent basis while letting the students "try on" rings for fun.  They also have the advantage of appearing generous and environmentally-friendly because of their donation.

The advantage of using a ring coffee cup is that it isn't traditional advertising. 

People see print advertisements everyday and usually tune most of it out.  On the other hand, people do remember advertisements that fun and interactive. 

The design of this coffee cup begs drinkers to slip the ring onto their finger for fun, and that gives it potential.  What jewelry company wouldn't love to get people trying on their rings everyday?

Of course, this isn't the only one way that the ring coffee cup could be expanded beyond a novelty gift.

Does anyone have any other ideas?  What else has this made you think about?  Please share them below.

Comments

[Moissanite Engagement Rings]

It's an interesting use of the gem, though I do wonder what would happen if you were drinking something that was actually hot. After all, the handle should be practical, and keep your hand off the hot mug.

Outside of that, though, it is a cute display. I think the coffee shop idea might be a problem, only because you know some joker would try to pry the stone out with a spoon. A great idea for an office gift, though.