To class ring or to not class ring? Many people tend to ask if these rings are still relevant, and if they are worth getting. However, there are many different layers to this question that rely entirely on the individual.
What are Class Rings?
Class rings are rings that commemorate graduating classes. They tend to be used for
high school graduations and university graduations. These rings can come in a variety of metals.
Traditionally, the class rings for women tend to be more slender like traditional rings while the rings for men tend to be chunkier. These rings contain a gemstone within its center which traditionally represents the student’s birthstones or sometimes the colors of a school.
Within the ring, there are personalized engravings that contain the student’s name, the name of their school, and the year of their
graduating class. All the complex features of the ring commemorate the student’s identity and the unity of the class as a whole.
History of High School Class Rings
Why are Class Rings so popular? Well, these rings are a tradition that date back to 1835 when they were first used at the graduation ceremony at the
United States Military Academy at West Point.
Given the strong unity of the school, class rings were an important part of graduation as they became the physical manifestation of the school’s strong unity and values. Thus, the importance of the tradition to the school made these rings mainstream.
Popular Sites You Can Order Them From
Popular sites to from include Zales, Jared, ArtCarved, and
Jostens class rings. However, many of the mainstream jewelry brands offer some sort of class ring collection as well.
Pros:
Very Customizable
Many people are not fans of class rings because they don’t believe that they can be suited to their taste. However, many websites offer customizable rings that can fix that.
Class rings can come in a variety of different metals, tones, and shapes. Although the gem on the rings traditionally depends on your birthstone, it is entirely your choice whether you want to follow that tradition or choose a gem of your choice.
You can also choose the cut of the gem. Finally, you can personalize the different engravings you would like to put on your ring. With this high level of customization, each ring carries a certain uniqueness.
Highly Revered
As demonstrated by the history of class rings, they are highly respected as a way to carry on the values, beliefs, and unity of your graduating class into the rest of your life. Therefore, class rings are a tradition that many believe is a must.
Great Way to Show Pride
School pride is a must, especially within the tradition of American schools. Class rings are the ultimate epitome of this pride which makes them a great option for any student who is proud of who they are and the school that they come from.
Cons:
Can be on the expensive side
Given that class rings are jewelry, they can be pretty pricey. Certain metals such as brass and alloy can make rings more economical, with prices around $100 and up.
However, a great majority of rings with materials such as sterling silver tend to vary around $300. Some rings may even go up to the $500-$700 range.
Although the great variety of prices can make buying rings easier, it is an investment that requires consideration especially since
graduations already tend to be expensive.
Risk of Losing the Ring
As mentioned before, class rings can already be expensive. Given how small rings are, it is very easy to misplace the ring which can cause distress due to the price of the ring and the sentimental value attached to it. The risk of losing it may lead many people to not purchase one.
There are Many Other Ways that You Can Show Off Your Class Pride
Although the class rings are the traditional option due to their grand history, there are many different ways of showing off your class pride that are common nowadays. For example, many people get graduation necklaces instead of the traditional class ring which is great if rings aren’t necessarily your style.
Swaying away from jewelry, class jerseys are also commonly used. Since
sports culture is heavily revered in high school culture, class jerseys already carry a sense of school pride within them. Furthermore, they can be used more often and on various occasions such as spirit days.
On the financial side, jerseys and other spirit wear are good options as they can be cheaper. At my school, class rings are available but not as popular. Usually, like the example aforementioned, the seniors in my class opt for class jerseys or other spirit wear instead of the usual class rings.
Class Rings are Sometimes Seen as Old-fashioned
Class rings are not as common nowadays as compared to the past. However, don’t let this scare you!
If you like what the class ring symbolizes, then it is not old-fashioned. It holds significance to you.
Furthermore, the many different ways you can customize the class rings means that you can make class rings as modern as you like.
Although buying a class ring is great for graduations as it can be personalized to taste and carry on years of tradition, many students can also opt for other ways to
show off their school spirit. At the end of the day, the choice is dependent on the preferences of individual students.
