High School and College Class Rings

The High School and College Class Rings which are also known as graduate rings are the rings worn by alumni and students to mark the occasion of their graduation in their high schools or colleges. Although, these class rings are found more personalized nowadays, there was a time when these rings were uniform and unique corressponding the school or college.

History
The class rings have got long tradition. In fact, it is a tradition of unity and honour. The United States Military Academy, also known as West Point is the oldest military academy in the United States established in 1802. In 1835, the batch of the cadets at west point started this tradition of wearing class ring as a reflection of their unity and the memorandum of their days at academy. Over the last 172 years, almost all schools and colleges adopted and popularised this tradition.

Present Scenario
In initial years, the appearance of class rings was same for one single school or college. The only change used to take place was in the year of completion of graduation. Thus in initial years, the class rings used to denote the characteristics of the school or college principally. But over the years, this trend changed considerably. Nowadays, students opt for more personalized class rings as per their choices.

Over the years class rings have become the expression of the students personality.It is the reflection of the characteristics like the interests, the fun, the events, the studies, the sports, the recognition, and the common ground that represent your group at school or college. Many graduates cherish their class rings for many years after their graduation, and in some cases the rings can become precious heirlooms which are passed down through the generations.

Class rings come in a infinite array of styles and prices. Usually, ring makers will pounce down on graduating classes preceding to the end of the school year. You will found numerous options to personalize a ring as per your choice. Today, many of the ring makers help you to design your own ring. With the diverse designs and other parameters like color, metal available to people purchasing class rings, the possibilities are nearly never-ending. While some students choose to buy rings with stones of school colors, some may prefer to go with the color of birth stones or even a color they fancy most.

Usually, the name of student or the name of the school or college is carved on the ring. Class rings will often have the mascot or logo of school and the graduation year. In some cases, it can also have an emblem reflecting certain extracurricular activities. It is the purchaser that will decide the type of metal used for class rings. He/she can choose from white gold, yellow gold, or platinum. There are plenty of options which can cater your need within your specified budget.

These rings come in two shapes- oval and rectangular. Most of the rings display the name of the school or college carved around the stone in a circular pattern. Men’s rings are larger than the women. To get that extra luster or shine, the ring should have cuts inside the stone. These vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and your own personal desire. The year of graduation is also carved somewhere on the ring.Another thing which can be found engraved on the opposite side of ring is student's academic or social organizations. Usually the school's mascot, insignia, or logo will be on one side of the ring. Many students have their name, nickname, or initials engraved on the underside of the ring or underneath the stone.

Manner of wearing
The traditional manner of wearing a class ring from a US service academy from where the class rings are started is to wear it on the ring finger of the left hand which is also used for the weding ring. So many times, this class ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand with the insignia facing the wearer when the arm of ring is streched. There can be a possible exchange of these class rings between a boyfriend and girlfriend. The girl wears the boyfriend's class ring around her neck tied in a golden chain while the boyfriend usually wears it on his last finger.

Care and Cleaning
Even the purest of jewelry gets tarnished or discolored if subjected to harsh cleaning materials like acids, or alkalis. So, exercising appropriate measures is essential to maintain its luster. Washing with a mild soap or toothpaste and polishing with a good silver cleaner can be a good practice. Finish it by buffing with a soft cloth.

High school and college class rings do serve as a powerful souvenir of days long past; class rings can be brought out of the jewelry box, dusted off, and reflected upon as the person recollects the memories of their past spent in school. There are not many items which can serve as such persuasive reminders of high school or college years, and this makes class rings a praiseworthy asset.