Getting a class ring is an important tradition for many high school and college students. The class ring serves as a memento of your academic journey and a symbol of your membership in the school community. But what if you missed out on ordering a class ring before graduation?
Is it still possible to get a class ring even after you’ve finished your studies?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, it is absolutely possible to order a class ring even after you have graduated from high school or college. Most schools provide information on their websites about ordering class rings as alumni.
Places to Order a Class Ring After Graduation
So you’ve graduated and you’re feeling nostalgic about your time in school. One way to commemorate those years is by getting a class ring. But can you actually order a class ring after graduation? The answer is yes! Here are some places where you can order a class ring after you graduate:
Directly Through Your School
If you want to keep it simple and convenient, you can often order a class ring directly through your school. Many schools have partnerships with ring manufacturers and offer the option to order a ring even after graduation.
This is a great option if you want to keep the design and style consistent with the rings that were available while you were still a student. Check with your school’s bookstore or alumni association for more information on how to order.
Third-Party Ring Vendors
If you’re looking for more options and customization, third-party ring vendors are a great choice. These vendors specialize in creating class rings and often have a wide selection of designs, metals, gemstones, and engravings to choose from.
Some popular third-party ring vendors include Jostens, Balfour, and Herff Jones. You can visit their websites or contact their customer service to explore your options and place an order.
Custom Ring Designers
If you want a truly unique class ring that reflects your personal style and experiences, you may consider working with a custom ring designer. These designers can create a one-of-a-kind ring based on your preferences and specifications.
While this option may be more expensive than ordering through your school or a third-party vendor, it allows you to have complete control over the design and materials used. Research local jewelry designers or search online for custom ring designers who specialize in class rings.
Tips for Designing Your Post-Graduation Class Ring
Choose Your School’s Traditional Ring Style
When designing your post-graduation class ring, it’s important to honor your alma mater and its traditions. Many schools have their own unique class ring styles that hold a special meaning for graduates. These traditional ring styles often feature the school’s emblem, mascot, or symbol.
Be sure to check with your school’s official ring provider to see if they offer a traditional ring style for your institution.
For example, Jostens, a popular ring provider, offers a wide range of traditional class ring styles for various schools across the United States. Their website, https://www.jostens.com/, provides a comprehensive catalog where you can explore different designs and customize your ring to match your school’s traditions.
Add Engraving to Personalize
Personalizing your post-graduation class ring can make it even more special and meaningful. One way to do this is by adding an engraving to the inside or outside of the ring. The engraving could be your name, graduation year, a meaningful quote, or a short message that holds significance to you.
Most ring providers offer engraving services as part of their customization options. For instance, Balfour, another well-known ring provider, allows you to add up to 18 characters for your personalized engraving. You can find more information on their website, https://www.balfour.com/.
Select Meaningful Gemstones
Choosing gemstones for your post-graduation class ring can add a touch of elegance and personalization. Consider selecting gemstones that hold special meaning to you or represent your achievements. For example, you could choose your birthstone or a gemstone that symbolizes your field of study.
Some ring providers offer a variety of gemstone options to choose from. You can find gemstone customization options on websites like Herff Jones, which offers class rings for colleges and universities.
Their website, https://www.herffjones.com/, provides a gemstone selection tool that allows you to explore different options and see how they look on your ring design.
By following these tips, you can design a post-graduation class ring that not only represents your alma mater but also holds personal significance to you. Remember to explore different options, customize your ring to your liking, and create a timeless piece that you will cherish for years to come.
When to Order Your Class Ring
Getting a class ring is a special way to commemorate your time in school and celebrate your achievements. While it’s common to order a class ring before graduation, you might be wondering if you can still get one after you graduate.
The good news is that you can indeed get a class ring after you graduate, and there are a few different occasions when it might be the perfect time to order one.
Anytime After Graduation
There’s no strict deadline for ordering a class ring, so you can technically order one anytime after graduation. Whether it’s a few months or a few years later, you can still get a class ring to proudly display your alma mater and remember your time as a student.
Don’t worry about it being too late – it’s never too late to show your school spirit!
For a Major Class Reunion
One popular occasion to order a class ring after graduation is for a major class reunion. Class reunions are a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old classmates, reminisce about your school days, and show off your accomplishments.
Ordering a class ring before a reunion can be a great way to commemorate the event and proudly display your school pride when catching up with old friends.
When You Have Disposable Income
If you didn’t have the means to purchase a class ring before graduation, don’t worry – you can always get one later when you have disposable income. Once you’ve started working and have a bit more financial stability, you can treat yourself to a class ring as a well-deserved reward for your hard work and dedication.
It’s never too late to invest in a symbol of your educational journey.
Remember, ordering a class ring is a personal decision and there’s no right or wrong time to do so. Whether you order it right after graduation, for a class reunion, or when you have disposable income, the important thing is that it holds meaning for you and represents your educational accomplishments.
Cost Considerations for Late Class Ring Orders
If you’re considering getting a class ring after you graduate, it’s important to be aware of the cost considerations that come with such a decision. While it’s certainly possible to order a class ring after graduation, there are a few factors that may affect the pricing and customization options.
Pricing May Be Higher
One of the main cost considerations for late class ring orders is that the pricing may be higher compared to ordering during your senior year. This is because many schools and ring manufacturers offer special discounts and promotions for students who order their rings during their final year of high school or college.
Ordering after graduation may result in missing out on these discounts, leading to a higher price tag for your class ring.
Fewer Bulk Order Discounts
Another factor to consider is that ordering a class ring after graduation may mean missing out on bulk order discounts. Many schools and ring manufacturers offer discounted prices when a large number of students from the same graduating class place their orders together.
By ordering late, you may not be able to take advantage of these cost-saving opportunities.
More Customization Adds Cost
If you’re looking to customize your class ring with additional features or personalized engravings, ordering after graduation may come with added costs. Some ring manufacturers charge extra for customization options, and these costs can add up depending on the level of customization you desire.
It’s important to factor in these additional expenses when considering the overall cost of ordering a class ring after graduation.
It’s worth mentioning that the specific pricing and cost considerations may vary depending on the school or ring manufacturer you choose. It’s always a good idea to reach out to the manufacturer or visit their website to get accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Conclusion
Ordering your class ring, even years after graduation, can be a special way to commemorate your academic experience. While it may require some extra effort to design and purchase a ring after your student days are over, the ability to get a customized ring that reflects your school pride makes it well worth it.
