Tradition: Class Rings
Class rings are an American tradition, but when did the tradition begin? These rings mark an achievement, and they hold sentimental value. As ubiquitous as this tradition seems, it hasn’t been around as long as high schools themselves.
From West Point to High Schools
The class ring tradition began in 1835 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The rings were to symbolize students’ pride in West Point and in each other. The designs were chosen informally until 1869 when the Ring and Crest Committee was formed to decide on the details of the ring. As the tradition spread to Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale, class rings became a mark of status rather than just something worn to commemorate the student’s time at the university.
By the 20th century, class rings had moved beyond exclusive institutions and became more widely adopted across American high schools and universities. Mass production and marketing by companies like Jostens and Herff Jones made the tradition more accessible. Class rings became personalized symbols of accomplishment and to mark a sentimental, meaningful time in the person’s life. This tradition is found in the U.S. and Canada but isn’t common in other countries.
Design and Ceremony
Class ring designs have layers of meaning. Traditional rings are designed with the school's crest, the year of graduation, and often feature gemstones (birthstones or school colors), or mottos. A school may have certain rules about the design, but the student can still personalize it by engraving the inside band with a personal quote, their name, or even a small symbol that only they understand.
One university that is well known for its ring is Texas A&M. Designed in 1889, it’s a beacon to other Aggie graduates. It’s a distinct ring with a shield at the top. There are 13 stripes and five stars on the shield, along with an eagle on the top. There are numerous other details to the design, and they all hold symbolism. Beyond the design and its symbolism, there is a Ring Day with festivities and ceremony and a Ring Dance. Aggie graduates identify each other by this ring. Living in Texas, I've seen this happen several times.
Etiquette
There’s etiquette around how class rings are worn. According to The Complete Book of Etiquette by Amy Vanderbilt, a student should wear their ring with the insignia facing inward as a reminder of the work yet to be done. Upon graduation, the ring is turned so the insignia faces outward, signaling entry into the wider world and the beginning of one’s contribution to it.
Sustainability and Sentiment
In 2000, West Point added a new layer of meaning to its ring tradition. The Class Ring Memorial Program (CRMP) collects rings from deceased graduates or rings that are donated from graduates and melts them into gold ingots. That gold is then mixed with new gold and used to create rings for the next graduating class. This new tradition adds a level of sustainability as well as a connection of generations.
This is a beautiful tradition that incorporates a bit of sustainability. It’s a reminder that even materials can carry stories, and that rather than discarding something old, it can be passed along in different ways.
Endures and Wanes
During the COVID-19 shutdown, prom and graduation ceremonies were canceled or moved online, but the class ring was a tradition that carried on almost unchanged. In a time of uncertainty and online learning, many students and their families sought a tangible way to mark the milestone of senior year or graduating college.
And yet, for all their resilience, class ring sales, especially at the high school level, are declining. It seems to be a combination of factors; changing tastes, rising costs or finding other ways to mark achievements.
Reimagining What a Milestone Can Look Like
While I love learning about history (especially more esoteric topics), I also love seeing how tradition and ceremony can change or evolve over time. A student buying a ring that they personalize or simply like is a fine way to mark their graduation. It doesn't have to be the traditional design of their school. Some might choose a tattoo, a watch or take a trip to somewhere they've dreamt of visiting.
If you have an old class ring tucked away in a drawer, maybe it’s time to bring it out. Not necessarily to wear as-is, but to think about how it could continue to tell your story. Whether that’s through passing it along, wearing it on a chain or melting it into something entirely different.
