Are you buying a graduation ring?

calli0pe00

I'm graduating in June, and its pretty big for my family, I am the first of my generation to graduate with a college degree. And at that, I only have two aunts with a Bachelors, so everyone is really excited, especially since I'm getting married too! So I really want to get my graduation ring. But its so expensive- $500! There's no way I can afford it, which really bums me out because I feel like this is such a "historic" moment and I'm a sucker for traditional things like that. But I'm thinking maybe no one really gets it anyway. Any advice before I start moving funds around for a ring worth 50 bucks?

nefariousmango

Congratulations on being the first of your generation to graduate!  That's a major accomplishment and something you should be proud of!

Have you considered getting a nice diploma frame instead of a class ring?  It would be cheaper, and you can display it proudly throughout your life.  I just think a class ring is a bit bizzare, especially if you're already getting a much more personal ring this year :-)

maria1012

Congrats! You definitely have a right to be proud of this accomplishment and deserve something to symbolize it. However, I agree with the PP and invest in a nice diploma frame instead. I used a local framing shop instead of the frames offered by the school, since it was more affordable (and frankly, I think it was more professional looking). If there are any Aaron Bros. in your area, I know they always offer discounts. 

lca315girl

Congrats on your major milestone. When it came time for my class to order rings, I passed. Why spend $500 on a ring that I'll barely wear? If you decide to pass on the class ring, you can use that money to go towards something for your wedding, like a retainer for a vendor.

Hinaj

Congrats on your graduation!   I personally was not there for my graduation, nor did I think I wanted to buy an expensive ring.  I am in a similar situation as you.  But I told myself I would do something nice if I ever got my masters or finished med school.  I like the PP suggestion, buying yourself a nice frame for the diploma.  It will be cheaper than the ring and the extra money can be used for something in your wedding or HM. 

krissydawn16

I thought the rings that PSU offered were ugly.  And I couldn't put their name on any other ring without violating copy right laws.  So FI bought me a very pretty blue sapphire ring for our anniversary that year. ) 

JessieR933

I happened to get a ring, being the first to graduate college in my family too. I decided I wanted it for me.  Though it ended up being my gift from my grandparents.  I agree with the nice frame idea. Congrads on graduating. 

calli0pe00

First, thanks to all of you! My fiance said the same as many of you have, that I already have a special ring! And I agree, although I do still want one, it makes more sense to just pass. I got one for high school and yeah, I don't wear it, but I like to think of it more like passing the ring down to my grandkids or something :P The frame is a great idea, so many thanks for that too!

mb2712

I agree with pp.  You have a perfect ring, so you probably won't want another one.  Congrats on graduating, but spend the $500 on something for your wedding :-)

Kate504

no I graduated with my bachelor's in 2007 and didn't get a ring and i def don't miss it. i'm back in school for a second degree and wont get one this time either.

you wont miss it if you don't get it and if you really feel that you do you can always get one another time.

i feel like a class ring is such a high school thing. i got one in hs and wore it for a few months and that is it. i couldnt tell you were it was now.

after reading through these posts, i hate to say that just sitting here thinking, i can't really think of where my diploma is .......

pooh8402

I did, but it's considered a BIG DEAL at my school... Texas A&M. for one thing, there's a minimum number of completed course hours that one must have to order a ring, and you have to have a certain number of hours actually on the campus. they do an audit of your transcript to make sure you are eligible for the ring. also, our ring design is the same for everyone (the only customization is the finish--antiqued vs natural--and the metal--yellow gold vs white gold vs pewter for those allergic to gold). it's recognizable worldwide... I ran into fellow alums on a cruise to Mexico that had graduated a couple of decades before I did, and we chattered like we were old classmates.

in short, it meant a LOT to me to get my class ring. it's considered weird to not get a ring and actually wear it beyond graduation. many alum are buried with their rings. HOWEVER, I know this is not common and I don't advise getting a ring just for the hell of it.

HeatherBell89

I said I wasn't getting a ring on an earlier post, but I've changed my mind! I went to look at them today and decided that I want one. They have some really pretty smaller ones for my school.  Also, Balfour will trade in a high school ring for money towards a college ring. I am going to see how much they would give for my high school ring, then decide if I want to trade it in. Either way, I really want a college ring now.  I've worked so hard! I want something to show that!

cdomanta

I am not getting a college ring either. I agree with pp and investing in a gorgeous frame instead to showcase your diploma and tassel in. That's what I'm doing! You never know, maybe someone in your family will get you one, that's how a lot of my friends got theirs since they are so pricey!