At one point or another, we all have to admit to ourselves that bikers - with their gritty leather jackets, imposing motorbikes and gothic biker jewelry - represent everything our repressed hearts secretly desire. The appeal of running loose, going anywhere you wish is universal, transcending age, race and gender.

What makes good, law-abiding, peace-loving boys and girls suddenly get the burning desire to jump on their Harley Davidsons and hit the road? Bikers are all about the S&M image, the leather and studs. Images of tough guys or Harley babes come with the territory. Perhaps it is because being a biker represents the ultimate release, the act of running wild and running free, able to flaunt your own style and live on your own time. Who wouldn't want to imagine themselves as kings and queens of the road, the visions of complete independence that would otherwise terrify many of us?

The imagery adopted by most bikers reflects their attitude. When they ride together, on a biker rally or biker week, they identify themselves and their group affiliations by the things they wear. Some of the larger groups fashion their insignia and wear them as logos on their clothing, or as pins and other forms of jewelry to place upon their person and belongings.

In general, bikers know each other by the "look" they project. And biker jewelry is a vital part of this "look." Reject convention, change for no one, never compromise - these are important mottos to bear in mind when you want to achieve the perfect biker image.

Most of the time the appropriate jewelry takes on gothic themes, like skulls, crossbones, snakes, roses with bloodied thorns... and many of us can't help but admit that these could be rather sexy. The goth look, combining themes of sex and death, comes with its own appeal. A school of the goth style even advocates the liberal use of jewelry, such as piercings and rings, to further the death metal image. Most of the time, this jewelry is delicate and complemented with black clothing, such as black leather, which is rather staple biker wear.

But biker jewelry distinguishes itself from being strictly "goth" by being made of thick material. This gives it a definite masculine look. Often it features a combination of leather and steel, the two essentials of the "born to be wild" image, which dates as far back as James Dean and the other motorcycle-riding heartthrobs of Hollywood. The ongoing theme is "the larger the better," which comes with the biker creed of not caring what people think as long as you know you look good.

Biker jewelry comes in different flavors. Gold is rather popular in some circles. White gold goes well with most anything, especially dark colors. Wings and stars are other popular motifs, as well as other things that speak of a truly American way of life.