What does ring represent?

Anton gives Patty his grandfather’s solid gold ring as a token of gratitude and affection. It is his most precious possession and becomes a symbol to Patty of her self-worth. It is also her downfall, leading to her complicity in Anton’s escape after she shows it to a woman who works in her father’s store. The ring is given to her by Anton, taken from her by her father, returned by the Sheriff, given to Ruth for safekeeping, and then returned to Patty by Ruth: a symbol again, of Patty’s sense of self-worth. It is a belonging that represents her sense of belonging.