Several institutions accept donated class rings from alumni for melting and incorporation into future class rings: Author Pat Conroy graduated from The Citadel and wrote The Lords of Discipline, a novel centered around a cadet's senior-year journey at a fictional military college in Charleston, South Carolina, its opening passage expressing the class ring's significance to a graduate's identity: "I wear the ring. It was joined to the top of the knights helmet in battle for identification. You will need to choose the style and metal type first. Many people choose their birthstone, but some might opt for a color of the school. Upon graduation, the class ring gains the status of a "badge of honor" similar to a diploma, with the effect that graduation entitles the wearer to display the insignia facing outward so that it faces other viewers. Why does this decision matter? Tends to be engraved onto larger rings. You may choose to go for a sentimental touch, selecting your special birthstone. You can also add a horizontal band of diamonds across any gemstone you choose, or cushion your center gem with a diamond border. Learn more about making the right choice with our college rings buying guide! From there, you'll need to decide which cut you prefer. While the most common method is to find your birthstone by month, did you also know you can find individual stones that represent the week or even the day of your birth? You can even find ones that correlate with your astrological sign! Our natural stones are as striking as they are one-of-a-kind. Why not let nature direct your path? Or, you might prefer to stand out with a natural stone that represents the elements and colors that speak to you the most. "[citation needed], Media related to Class rings at Wikimedia Commons, vein connects the left ring finger to the heart, United States Military Academy class ring, "Ring melt ceremony bonds past with the future", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Class_ring&oldid=1096046767, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 1 July 2022, at 23:43. Each signet ring is individual and created with peerless quality. Commemorate it with the right ring. Many people wonder if it is worth the investment of a college ring. In addition to classic silver, we also offer the option to plate your band in gold or rose gold depending on your individual style. If you are proud of your college, a ring is a great way to wear your pride for all to see. While some people may prefer maximum sheen, others may go a more understated route. The tradition of class rings originated with the class of 1835 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. A college ring shows your accomplishments. We will respond as quickly as possible. For as long as the wearer is in school, the insignia should face the wearer to remind them of the goal of graduation. Email us 24/7. In addition to accent stones, you can also design your ring with crest stones and ring-top stones according to your personal tastes. Will you go sentimental, practical or a little of both? As you shop for class rings, pay close attention to the type of metal used. The contents (charges) of the SHIELD are the crucial part of the arms. Will you add your name, graduation year, or extracurriculars to the sides of the ring? Yellow gold works well with all skin tones and offers a classic beauty. There is a wide selection of emblems, pictures, and words that can be added to the sides of the rings and even inside the center gem. After all, some of the richest and most unique stones were created not by man, but by the Earth. In the United States, a class ring (also known as a graduation, graduate, senior, or grad ring) is a ring worn by students and alumni to commemorate their graduation, generally for a high school, college, or university. While some big brands will attach fanciful names to their selections, few can match the durability and timeless beauty of our sterling silver bands. They go with their birthstone, of course! Customise ANY Part of ANY School Badge for Maximum Effect, ANY RING - Gemstone Possible By Quotation Only, Relief Engraving In Our Contemporary Elevated Style, Or Engraved Traditionally For Seal or For Show, ALSO SEE : Fraternity / Club | Crest | Arms | Clan | Monogram | Masonic | Faith | Military, Traditionally Engraved Option - St. Andrews, Highlands & Islands Uni Ring - Elevated Style, School & Motto Elevated Style Signet Ring, Studio 7 - Windmill Farm - Rolvenden - Kent - TN17 4PF - UK: +44 (0) 1580 241 680. Feel free to explore these options to find the stone that delivers the most personal meaning to your life. This is an affordableway to help your class ring sparkle, so let your imagination guide you! For instance, while the traditional April birthstone is a diamond, you may select a ruby if you were born on a Tuesday! As you design your ring, you'll find that there are a few differentfaceted stone cutsto choose from. Prior to graduation, these classes wore the USMA Class Ring with the Class Crest closest to the heart, signifying a given cadet's bond to his class within the Academy. Will you choose the moody ebony hues of hematite, or go for a Southwestern touch with a turquoise stone? The gemstone you select can represent a range of special memories, from your birthstone to your school mascot. The charges of the shield are the graphic representation of the family name it was created for. There are also college rings available in other metals that might fit your needs, such as steel or silver. Our bands are designed to last a lifetime and are available in both men's and women's styles. Another element of style to consider is the metal type. The time you spent on your degree was most likely a lot of hard work. Choose a style that you can see yourself still wearing twenty years from now. As you make these important decisions, we're here to help every step of the way. Want to help your center stone stand out? The profile or outline of the shield however is decorative and can change depending on the era it was depicted in. Once you have decided to purchase your college ring, there are a few considerations to make. [2], The "Complete Book of Etiquette" by Amy Vanderbilt indicates the following protocol for wearing of a class ring. The chart above breaks down all of these categories, so you can explore the full breadth of options. Varying the size and number of facets carved into the gem's surface will affect its overall brilliance and shine. When making this decision, consider how much you want your stone to sparkle. The next step will be to choose the bezel type and engravings. Which cut will help it stand out and catch the light? When you look down at your new class ring, what color do you want to see? Today, as in years past, Academy graduates frequently wear their rings on the left hand in observance of the ancient belief, which also underlay the Anglo-American custom of wearing wedding bands on the left hand, that a vein connects the left ring finger to the heart. White gold gives a bright luster similar to platinum, but at a more affordable price. For many students, choosing stones for their class rings is a simple feat. We usually reply the same day to all inquiries. Diamonds are a great choice for this feature, as theirbrilliant white hue makes adjacent colors pop. The International Gem Society has created acomprehensive encyclopediaof precious and semi-precious gemstones to explore. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Engravings can go on the inside of the band such as a personal message. [3], A notable exception to this protocol is the custom followed by older graduating classes of the United States Military Academy at West Point. While birthstones are a common choice, you can also choose to go a different route when designing your custom class ring. This way, you can get a clear view ofhow the final product will appear. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Our collection of natural stones iseye-catching and bold, helping you feel more rooted and connected to the world around you. Your birthstone is a unique gem associated with the month in which you were born. For instance, you can choose a ring top that features your school mascot,encircled by a band of diamonds for the perfect touch of bling. This type of ring is a tradition. College rings come in styles ranging from big, bold options with thick bands to smaller more delicate options. There are a ton of ways to customize this accessory to reflect your time at college. A college ring shows this achievement in style. These can be made in a way that reflects the school itself or your affiliations such as sororities or fraternity letters. The first thing to look at is style. The next step is to choose the stone cut and color. Choosing your favorite stone is the first step. While the cut and color showcase your personal style, it's the gemstone itself that stands out the most. For instance, a sunburst cut will highlight different aspects of your stone than a smooth or premier cut. Today class rings can be customized, from the material and style that the ring is made of to the color and cut of the gem in the center. Browsing class ring stones is arguably the most fun part of designing your custom ring! Find the birthstone that you love, and you'll admire and appreciate your ring for years to come. The stone you select will play a major role in your ring's appearance. For certain families, the college ring is an important style staple. Feel free to reach out to our design team with any questions and let's create an heirloom together! In either case, our design tool can help you visualize these differences on your personalized ring before you purchase. Graduation year is typically emblazoned on the side of the ring. Full Coat of Arms The full Heraldic Achievement awarded to individuals passed from one generation to the next. These offer the perfect foundation for your class ring stone, cradling it in classic beauty that you'll admire forever. With nearly 50 years experience Dexter Rings are able to use a mix of ancient craft skills and modern techniques to produce college rings for both individuals and establishments like schools, colleges and universities. Highlighting it with smaller accent stones is a beautiful way to draw attention to the design. It is a matter of pride. Will you accent your center stone with diamonds or let it shine on its own? We respond to email messages in the order that they are received. Best of all, this ring type will always be in style! Rather, these inferior alternatives are often made of brass and can break down or even change color over the years, leaving you with an entirely different look than when you started. Call us 9AM to 5PM [Pacific Time] Monday-Friday for expert assistance. With a beautifully designed college ring, you can look back on your days at school with pride. There isn't a one-size-fits-all stone that goes in every class ring. Here are a few reasons to purchase a college ring. If you aren't sure what yours is, you can easily find it usingthis handy chart. Rather, one of the convenient features of our design program is the ability to select the exact type of gem that means the most to you. As you design the perfect ring, this is one important decision to keep in mind. College is an important time in a person's life. I wear the ring and I return often to the city of Charleston, South Carolina, to study the history of my becoming a man. Today, we're exploring the different class ring stones dominating the space today, along with a guide to help you choose the perfect one. Please see our examples below: Multiple discount quote here discount only applies if you are purchasing more than one ring at same time. Following graduation, members of these classes wore (and, for surviving members, still wear) the ring with the Academy Crest closest to the heart, signifying their bond with the Academy as a whole.[4]. Misnomer: It is part of an arms and the term should not be used to describe the arms as a whole, or the shield. The CREST was awarded for valour in battle. The other big consideration for a college ring is personalization. An additional justification for this practice is the rationale that the ring also symbolizes the graduate themself: during the wearer's time in school, they focus on self-development and goals specific to the insular academic environment; upon graduation, the wearer enters the wider world and puts what they have learned to work in shaping it. Along with the shield it is heraldically the most important part of the arms. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Why You Should Get Customized Class Rings.