7 Jewelry Tips to Consider Before Submitting Your Class Ring Order

If you are one of the millions of students graduating this year, congratulations! Finishing school is a significant achievement that should be celebrated. Graduation parties and gifts are always amazing, but if you are looking for a way to commemorate your time at school that will last you a lifetime, you should consider getting a class ring. 

Whether graduating from high school or college, a class ring will become a meaningful token that will remind you of all the good experiences you had during your time at school. 

Class rings have been around since 1835, which means that thousands of people have proudly worn them for centuries. These rings are a timeless concept that represents a tradition passed down from generation to generation among alumni of schools all around the country.

Class rings are classy, meaningful, and a lot of fun to design. However, before you place your ring order, it is essential to consider some factors to ensure that you’ll love your personalized ring forever. 

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading for the best jewelry tips to help you develop a class ring design that embodies all the memories attached to your time at school. 

1. Ring Size

The first and perhaps most important thing to consider before placing your ring order is your ring size. There is nothing worse than designing a gorgeous ring that is too big or too small for your finger. 

Traditionally, people wear class rings on their right hand on the fourth finger. However, no rule impedes you from wearing your class ring on any finger of your choice. The important thing is to get an accurate measurement to ensure that it will fit perfectly. 

You can get your precise ring size using different methods. The first way is to visit the office of your class ring provider or a local jeweler and get it measured. Although this is tried and true, it is not always the best option if you don’t want to commute. 

To get your ring size at home, you can order a ring size measuring tool online or follow these instructions to get the measurements yourself: 

1. Cut a piece of string, floss, or anything similar you might have around your home. 
2. Wrap the piece around the bottom of your desired finger. 
3. Use a pen or marker to mark where it overlaps. 
4. Measure the length in millimeters with a ruler. 

After you follow these steps, take the number of millimeters, and match them with one of the following ring sizes: 

• Size 3: 14mm
• Size 4: 14.8mm
• Size 5: 15.6mm
• Size 6: 16.4mm
• Size 7: 17.3mm
• Size 8: 18.2mm
• Size 9: 19mm 
• Size 10: 19.8mm
• Size 11: 20.6mm
• Size 12: 21.4mm
• Size 13: 22.2mm

Once you have your ring size, you can start designing your ring with peace of mind knowing that it will fit perfectly. 

2. Style

Class rings are supposed to be a piece of jewelry that you use daily. So, picking a style that represents you and your personality is an excellent way to ensure that it becomes something you’ll be excited to wear. 

Class rings typically come in many different styles. Picking the right one for you will depend on your overall ring preferences. However, there are some factors that you might want to consider to help you make the best decision.

First, consider the overall size of your hand and picture the different shapes and sizes of rings on it. Doing this will help you determine if the ring you had in mind will genuinely look nice on you. 

You can also analyze the types of rings you usually wear. This will give you an overall idea of the kind of rings you typically gravitate towards, making it easier to pick out a style that matches your current aesthetic. If you have a favorite ring, consider finding a class ring style that matches it.

One of the best parts about class ring customization is that you’ll have many different style options to choose from. So, take your time reviewing all of them, and make sure you are thoroughly excited about the style of ring you picked before you place the order!

3. Metal 

Before placing your ring order, it is crucial to be completely content with the metal you chose for its base. The metal of the ring can affect the entire look of your design, so keep that in mind to make the best decision. Picking the best metal for you will come down to the color you like, your budget, and your overall preference.

Typical metals used for class rings today include gold, sterling silver, and platinum. Here is some information about each to help you be sure about your decision before placing the order. 

Gold

Gold is a classic pick for class rings. It is a very versatile material that delivers rings that can last a lifetime. Although gold rings tend to be more expensive, the number of karats you pick will determine the ultimate price tag. 

One of the most significant benefits of gold is that it comes in several different colors. So, if you end up deciding that gold is the suitable metal for your ring, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from so that your ring fully matches your aesthetic. 

Sterling Silver 

Typically, sterling silver refers to a metal mixture of pure silver and another metal such as copper. The purpose of the mix is to make the material more durable. Sterling silver class rings are usually more affordable while still delivering that classic, elevated look. 

Choosing sterling silver as the metal for your class ring might eliminate your options to pick a color other than whitish-gray. However, if that is the aesthetic you are after, sterling silver is a fantastic option.  

Platinum

Platinum is shiny and beautiful and has a hue similar to sterling silver. Although all metals used for class rings are supposed to last a long time, this is the most durable. 

4. Stone

Stones are the focal point of the class ring design. You can pick your favorite stone based on your birthday, its color, or its meaning: 

Garnet

Garnet is the birthstone for those who were born in January. This beautiful deep-red gemstone represents power. 

Amethyst

The birthstone for February is amethyst, which is a beautiful purple stone that symbolizes intuition and tranquility. Amethyst will always remind you of your dreams. 

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a stunning light-blue birthstone for those that have birthdays in March. This stone represents peace.

Diamond

Diamonds are not only a girl’s best friend but also the birthstone of those who were born in April. Diamonds represent longevity, which gives powerful meaning to any class ring. 

Emerald 

If you were born in May, emerald is your birthstone. This stunning, green gem represents compassion. 

Pearl

Pearls represent purity, and they are the birthstone of those who were born in June. A pearl looks beautiful paired with any metal, making it an excellent option for your class ring design. 

Ruby

Rubies are the birthstone for July. This red stone is believed to bring protection, which makes it a meaningful pick for your class ring. 

Peridot 

Peridot is a unique stone that radiates shades of green and yellow. It is the birthstone for those born in August and represents intelligence. 

Sapphire 

Sapphire is September’s stone. It typically comes in red, white, and blue. 

Opal

Opal stones radiate rainbow shades and are the birthstone for those born in October. This stone is gorgeous if you are looking for an iridescent focal point. 

Citrine

Citrine is the birthstone for November. It is a gorgeous orange stone that looks beautiful paired with yellow metal.

Turquoise 

If you were born in December, turquoise is your birthstone. This stone is sacred and comes with great fortune!

5. Designs

The best part about designing your class ring is that you can completely personalize it. You can add many different designs to the sides of your rings, making them an accurate symbol of your experiences in school. 

There are no set-in-stone rules of what should go on your ring, but there are some elements that most people like to include. For example, most rings have the school’s name or its mascot, graduation year, and unique designs on the sides. 

There are many different designs that you can engrave on the sides of your ring. You can pick out icons or symbols that represent the clubs or organizations you belonged to during your time at school. You can also pay homage to your sports teams or find icons that tell a story about your personality. 

Remember that your class ring is highly personal and unique, so try to design it in a way that tells the story of your time at school. The more you love the designs you pick for it, the more you’ll want to wear it. You should have fun with your ring design and remember the deep meaning behind it. 

6. Engraving 

Besides the engraving on the sides of your ring, most people like to add a small engraving on the inside of the band. This is an exceptional feature because it allows you to add a layer of meaning.

You can honor someone who made your school experience better by getting their initials engraved on the inside of the band. You can also engrave a particular date, the name of someone you love, your lucky number, or anything else that would make your ring more unique. 

Every time you see your ring and notice the engraving, you’ll be reminded of that one thing that made your school experience more meaningful. So, before you finally go ahead and place your ring order, make sure to think about the inside engraving and make sure it truly elevates your design and makes the ring even more special.  

7. Finish 

The last thing to consider before placing your ring order is its finish. Your ring can come with a matte or shiny finish. 

A matte finish will give your ring an antique feel that could make it even more timeless. On the other hand, a shiny finish will make your ring look more modern, which might make you want to wear it more. 

When picking out the finish of your ring, consider your overall style, and analyze the jewelry you typically like to wear. If your overall aesthetic is more classic, perhaps a matte finish would be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are always looking to modernize your style, consider going for a shiny finish. 

Like with all the other elements for a class ring design, the finish of your ring should match your personality. After all, the point of getting a class ring is to remember your time at school positively and proudly. So, make sure to spend some time thinking about everything you are looking for to make your class ring one of the most meaningful pieces in your jewelry collection. 

Place Your Ring Order Today

Now that you know what you should do to ensure you love your class ring, it is time to finalize the process. Getting a class ring is a beautiful way to honor your academic achievements and remember your time at school. 

So, what are you waiting for? If you already know your ring size, metal, and gemstone of choice, style, designs, and engravings, you are ready to place your ring order!

If you need more help navigating the exciting world of class rings, make sure to check out our blog for more tips and tricks!