💍 The Necklace Ring – Masquerade Scene

In most productions, Christine wears Raoul’s engagement ring as a necklace during “Masquerade”, symbolizing their secret engagement — concealed from society but visible to the audience. When the Phantom appears as the Red Death, he seizes the chain and tears it from her neck, declaring: “Your chains are still mine — you will sing for me!” The gesture makes literal the metaphor of chains, underscoring his possessiveness and his belief that Christine’s bond with Raoul is a betrayal of their tie.

🔍 Two Rings, Two Choices

The musical features two distinct rings, each tied to a different man:
Raoul’s Ring – his engagement gift, worn as a necklace, torn away by the Phantom at Masquerade. It symbolizes Christine’s promise to Raoul — fragile but real.
The Phantom’s Ring – worn by the Phantom in Act II and offered in the final lair as his silent marriage proposal. Christine may accept it by keeping it, or reject him by returning it.

🎭 Symbolism

Together, the two rings dramatize Christine’s emotional bind: Raoul’s ring as a token of safety and love, the Phantom’s as a plea for connection born of loneliness. Their clash on stage reflects the central conflict of choice, loyalty, and freedom.