When did West Point Start class rings?
1835
CLASS RING ARMY-NAVY Cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point were the first American students to wear class rings. The tradition started in 1835, and except for 1836 (noringadopted) and 1879 (class cuff- links) class rings have been a fixture at the Academy.
What is a West Point ring?
West Point was the first American school to have class rings. It is awarded to senior cadets shortly after the start of their senior year, after which there is a formal dinner and dance (called a “hop” in cadet slang) following the ceremony for the cadets and their guests.
Why is West Point so special?
Fact #1: West Point is the oldest continuously operated Army post in the United States. American soldiers first occupied West Point on January 27, 1778. Though the location was used for training cadets in engineering starting in 1794, it officially became the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1802.
Why do Americans wear big rings?
In the United States, a class ring (also known as a graduation, graduate, senior, or grad ring) is a ring worn by students and alumni to commemorate their graduation, generally for a high school, college, or university.
Are old class rings valuable?
Some can be very valuable, and some were sold just for the scrap price. Very old class rings, class rings from time-honored universities, and class rings from elite schools and colleges are eligible for selling at particularly high prices. We know that very rare WWII class rings have sold for over $10,000.
Why are class rings so expensive?
Class Rings Are Made With High-Quality Materials For most high schoolers, the class ring is the most significant piece of jewelry that they have purchased up to that point. These rings are crafted with valuable metals of the highest quality.
How do you wear your class ring after you graduate?
One tradition holds that once students receive their class rings, it is worn facing the students. This represents their pending graduation. On graduation day, students turn their rings around so that it is facing outward. This shows that the students have graduated.
Where are the class rings at West Point?
In 1996, the Class of ’86 donated a special case to the Corps of Cadets in order to recognize the significance of the Class Ring throughout the Academy’s history. Housed on the second floor of the Jefferson Library, this exhibit showcases the evolution of the Class Ring through its many variations of a common theme.
Which is the first US Military Academy to have class rings?
Ring Weekend is a tradition at the United States Military Academy where senior cadets are awarded their West Point class ring. West Point was the first American school to have class rings.
When do you Wear Your West Point ring?
Upon graduation, the ring is worn so that the West Point crest is closest to the heart. Ring Weekend is a tradition at the United States Military Academy where senior cadets are awarded their West Point class ring.
When was the last West Point ring made?
(Rings for the classes of 1925, 1926, 1928-1930, 1933, 1934, 1938 and 1939 were also made, but molds are no longer available to make copies.) Minatures are available for 1920, 1928, 1935, 1936 and 1938.