Class Rings

Class rings can be likened to wearing your high school diploma or college degree on your shoulder. It’s a sign of personal accomplishment and displays a certain amount of pride you have in finishing an important part of your life.

There are numerous companies that produce and sell class rings and the premise is that all class rings will be similar. The old standard was that everyone in the class ordered the exact same ring from the same company. Usually the company would sign a contract with a school and offer a reduced price if all students participated.

However, different tastes and budgets prevailed and, while most classmates are willing to have class rings that identifies them as a member of a certain graduating class, others are looking for more individuality in their choice. Usually the school name or initials are still present, but the overall design may be different.

The folks at Jostens, who have been distributing class rings for several generations, say the rings offer a feeling of belonging. Whether high schools, college or even a special group, it reminds people that they are a part of a special group.

The first class ring was developed for the military academy at West Point in 1835. The first ones were crude representations of the class pin, which made its appearance just a few years prior. It was designed to instill a sense of belonging to what was thought of as an elite group of men.

The class rings quickly gained popularity and stones and gems were added as well as the students’ or the schools’ initials were added. Initially, gold was predominantly used as it represented wealth, success and the belonging to a special group. Silver and platinum are also popular today as personal taste and the separation of classes has diminished.