He... really could have done without it being put that bluntly.

No, that isn't the way to think about this. Yes, on the surface, that ring was profoundly uncool, and had been made that way on purpose. That's exactly why he's gonna wear it and make it into something meaningful. That'll make it his victory.

So he remains unflinching in the face of that response.

"That ring is your spirit. You gave me something bright, spontaneous, and feisty. It's perfect."