The Enduring Legacy: A History of College Class Rings and Their Traditions
Class rings, those tangible emblems of academic achievement, hold a significant place in the hearts of many students and alumni. More than just jewelry, they represent years of hard work, camaraderie, and personal growth. From their origins as symbols of unity among military graduates to their modern iterations as customizable keepsakes, class rings have a rich history and a diverse set of traditions.
The Genesis of the Class Ring
The concept of the class ring originated in 1835 at the United States Military Academy in West Point. The first class ring was designed by the members of that year's graduating class, which consisted of 56 men. At the time, women were not allowed to take part in any sort of military activity until almost a century later. The original class ring symbolized a form of unity between the members of the graduating class, and allowed for very minimal to no customization at all. Originally idealized as a military accessory, the class ring quickly gained popularity and spread to civilian colleges and universities.
Evolution of Design and Materials
Traditional class rings were made of 100% gold. The Laurel High School class rings may be seen as a bulkier style compared to today’s class rings options. Now, they are available in multiple different metals, and designs have become increasingly personalized. The size of a typical ‘old school’ class ring is very large and many of today’s students do not like the traditional design. This ring from a 1973 graduate has an engraving to represent the student’s participation in wrestling.
Significance and Symbolism
A class ring means many different things to different people. It may be seen a status symbol or a commemorative item to memorialize a special time in their lives. Class rings have the ability to bring alumni from near and far together as a community.
Ring Wearing Etiquette and Traditions
Amy Vanderbilt's "Complete Book of Etiquette" outlines a specific protocol for wearing a class ring. While still enrolled in school, the insignia should face the wearer as a reminder of the ultimate goal: graduation. Upon graduating, the ring becomes a "badge of honor," and the insignia should face outward for others to see.
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A notable exception to this rule is the custom followed by older graduating classes of the United States Military Academy at West Point. 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. 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.
Class Rings Today
Today, class rings are offered at both the high school and college levels. Colleges have class rings, too, but the typical person may not be eligible to buy one. At the University of Maryland, for instance, a student has to complete 60 or more credit hours in order to obtain a college class ring. A few different options for class ring selections are presented during lunch shifts. Jostens is the current ring vendor for Linganore High School. Linganore High School Assistant Principal Marcus Allen is the administrator in charge of class rings this year. Some schools have formal ring ceremonies to pass out the rings years or days before graduation.
Challenges to the Tradition
The Class Ring’s design, though classic at the time of its creation, has since become more of a rarely-worn trinket. This has happened to the point that many universities, including armed forces academies, have begun programs that recycle old class rings! The stones are removed, the metal is melted down and brand new Class Rings are made - with likely the same fate awaiting them. This practice, though eco-friendly, is just one example of how college memories are lost to time and lack-of-wear.
One of the possible reasons for this decline is the price. The price for rings can be cost prohibitive for some. Other students may spend the $100-$400 price tag just to keep their ring in a box and occasionally look at it while reminiscing about the ‘good ole days.’ Similarly, some students may not wear their rings because they have the fear of ruining their value or pristine look. Many students who choose to buy a ring wear their high school class rings for a special event but do not wear their rings on a daily basis.
Celebrating Milestones
Instead of letting these memories, these dreams, sit in a drawer (or get recycled!) we should celebrate them every day! When our founders Kyle and Elizabeth S. started KYLE CAVAN, they set out to create a way to celebrate your milestones - big and small. This meant designing something that could capture your school memories and could be styled to match every occasion. But we're not talking letterman jackets or baseball caps! Our passion is creating these unique styles and making them specific to your school and your memories. They are built to last a lifetime and (hopefully!) be passed down for generations to come. As we head into Graduation season, we just want to say a major congratulations to the Class of 2025! You’ve surpassed so many obstacles and persevered against all odds (and even made it look easy)! You truly are an inspiration, and we can’t wait to see where your life, passions, and careers take you next.
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