|
The first graduation class ring was developed in 1835 for West Point U.S. Military Academy. By the early 1900's, graduation class rings had become popular throughout the U.S. The first graduation class rings were crude and were only a shank with a symbol attached to the bezel of the ring. As the graduation class ring popularity gained momentum stones were added and more details developed.
The basis of the graduation class ring goes back to the Egyptians, who felt their scarabs rings promised them eternal life. They wore their seal and signet rings till death and were buried with them. Roman soldiers believed their rings would bring them victory! In those times, a gold ring represented nobility only, so the commoners could not wear a gold ring until 500 BC when a law was changed to allow all Romans to wear gold rings.
Today, graduation class rings are a popular tradition for high school and colleges. Graduation class rings show school pride and are an outward symbol of the diploma. Many graduates feel their graduation class ring is a symbol of their entrance into adult world, a good luck charm and a sign of worthiness of belonging. Although tradition holds that a class ring is worn on the third finger of the right hand (because the Knights felt it gave them double strength there and good luck), a graduation class ring can be worn on any finger. It is sometimes even worn on a chain around someone's neck. |