Frequently asked questions!

Q: Where did the name "Omega Ring" come from?

A: While constructing one of our first prototypes, I noticed that the profile shape of the ring looked similar to the Greek letter "omega". Thus the name.

A: Always a difficult answer. I can give the "gauss" specs, but I don't understand them myself! I do know that a full napkin dispenser can be dragged across the counter in a restaurant. Hope that helps a little!

A: No. If you were to try doing a PK effect with the ring in the hand, such as moving a match, you'd be using the wrong tool for the wrong job. The Omega Ring has a lot of versatility, but it won't "saw a lady in half". (At least, I have yet to hear of anyone doing it! <G)

A: This has honestly NOT been an issue. After making the very first Omega Ring, I wore it for several days. The people I come in contact with know what I do for a living, and not one made mention of the magnetic portion of the ring. I did, however, have a number of comments on "my new ring". With the hand in a normal relaxed position, it's just not that noticeable. Performing close-up, I've never had anyone make mention of the ring. I guess, as a final note, I'll add that I run across performing magicians at conventions etc., who wear the ring all the time. Without any exception, when I've asked them (which I do) if anyone ever notices anything "strange" about the ring, they've all answered "No!"

A: I guess if I had a pace-maker, I wouldn't want to pledge allegiance to the flag while wearing it. Actually, there are some day-to-day problems you could encounter. Voice of experience! Be careful when you handle your credit cards or magnetic hotel key!

A: I know of magicians who do, but I don't personally recommend it. It's meant to be a magic utility item for performing. Silver is a soft metal, and it can become scratched and dented from abusive work with the hands. I don't suggest wearing your tux all the time either! We do have an ungimmiked ring which many magicians buy to wear on a daily basis.

A: Chop Cup is only the beginning. The Omega Ring was first designed to do a chop cup routine with a regular cup or paper cup, but it's come a long way since its conception. There are a number of good tricks on the market that use magnets, which are made easier with the Omega Ring. In addition, many magicians have exercised their creativity and developed new moves. Coins, cards, cups and balls, shell games, watch effects and more. Bottle cap in bottle reaches new heights with the Omega Ring. You can even start with a capped, full bottle of beverage. A number of top effects have been published in OmegaMania, a manuscript of workable and good magic. (These effects are described on our web site <click here).

A: The "Kicker" is an add-on magnet. Originally it was brought into play when a customer wanted to perform Chop Cup using a thick beer stein. Since that time, it has found many other uses. Often making the Omega Ring even more powerful for specific effects, but just as often it is used in conjunction with the ring, but not attached to the ring. One example is the Bottle Cap in Bottle.

A: To keep the magnet from “talking” when using coins or other hard objects, try this:  Purchase some 3-M double sided adhesive, and some aluminum tape from your hardware store.  The 3-M tape is a padded foam tape, often used to attach clocks etc. to the dashboard of cars, mirrors to walls, etc.  Cut a piece of the foam tape to the size of your ring magnet or the "Kicker", and cover one side of the foam tape with aluminum tape which is available at your hardware store. Finally, adhere the piece of tape to either the magnet on your ring or to the "Kicker".  Your ring will still pick up shimmed coins etc., but the tell-tale noise will be eliminated.

A: Yes. Several other rings appeared on the market after the Omega Ring. The two we know about are very similar to each other, but totally different from the Omega Ring. The primary difference in operation is that the magnets are located on the top of the ring, as opposed to the bottom of the Omega Ring. Thus, the rings must be turned on the finger for use. Esthetically, the other rings on the market differ in that they are plain silver on the "signet" portion of the ring, and contain no stone. The Omega Ring is dressed with black onyx.

A: Actually, our very first prototypes utilized a similar design. After experimenting, we felt that the magnet housed in the bottom of the band was better over all. There are several reasons that we elected to scratch the "magnet on top" concept.

        1. As far as being "totally examinable", that did not appear to be an issue. How often would a  magician be prompted to say, "Look! My finger ring(s) are normal. You can examine it if you wish!" The idea is absurd. Does a dove worker announce to his audience, "Look! Before I start, I want you to examine my tux so you know there are no hidden pockets"? It just has not been an issue with using the Omega Ring.
        2. Turning the ring around, to us, seems to be more of a reason to cause suspicion. It would appear that your first "magical mystery" was to change your signet ring, into a "wedding band". If you're wearing the ring on your right hand, the "wedding band" would be on the wrong hand. If you're already wearing a wedding band, would this indicate you had two wives?
        3. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the section containing the ring tends to take a
lot of abuse, especially if you're using metal objects such as cups, coins, etc. Silver is a soft
metal, and it does scratch. A flat, silver signet ring would look good new, but there is a great
danger that after a short time of use, the decorative and normally visible part of the ring will
look as if you had been pounding nails with it.

A: The OMEGA RING is a sterling silver ring mounted with a black onyx stone.  Most important is the gaffed lower section of the ring which holds a very powerful magnet.
1.  The ring may be cleaned and polished as needed by using a good silver polish.
2. The magnet is very vulnerable to heat.  Excessive heat can destroy its magnetic properties.
3. Keep the OMEGA RING away from video cassettes, audio tapes, and credit cards.
4. Avoid contact with iron filings.
5. To help prevent the bottom of the ring from becoming scratched, you may want to cover the bottom with a piece of cellophane tape, which may be replaced as needed.

A: The concept of a magnetic ring is not entirely new.  A number of years ago, Arthur Emerson, Jr. developed a magnetic ring called the “KLING RING”.  The Emerson ring was totally different than the OMEGA RING, in that it was an adjustable ring which used a ceramic magnet as the stone, thus the magnet was on the top of the ring.  The two rings have very little in common in design or handling, but just for the record, Emerson preceded us with a magnetic ring product.
Also note that before marketing the Omega Ring, we spoke with Mr. Emerson to ensure we were not infringing on his product.
 

If you have comments, questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us!

  E-mail Us!

Close This Window to Return to Menu Page