AnnaKubat

Before some Marian girls get married, they wear something extra special on their right hand ring finger. No, not a wedding band but a signet ring.

 A signet ring, also commonly known as a class ring, is a longstanding tradition not only at Marian but all across the United States. 

These rings originated in 1835 at the United States Military Academy at West Point (According to Levy’s Fine Jewelry). They were used to build unity in the graduating classes and as a way to remember the students’ time there. 

However, in recent years, the purchase of these rings at Marian has seemed to decrease. 

Mrs. Michelle Delisi ‘74, assistant to the principal, said that “in the past 10 years, I have seen a huge decline in the popularity of the class ring.” Delisi organizes communication for students on how to purchase the rings. 

Marian partners with Josten’s, an American company that specializes in graduation products and memorabilia. 

“Back when I graduated, rings were a huge thing. I think almost all girls had one,” Delisi said. 

Now, only 47% of girls, according to a survey of 83 students, have bought a signet ring or are planning on purchasing one. 

Sophomore Molly Kizer said, “I have heard some people talking about them but it doesn’t seem to be super traditional anymore.”

Part of this seems to be the price. 

“The rings do cost a lot. They were expensive when I got mine back in high school and they still are today,” said Delisi. 

According to Josten’s website, the cheapest option is around $340, while the priciest is around $1,600. Now, this does depend on the kind of metal the ring is made of, but this is still a high price for a somewhat out-of-fashion piece. 

Unlike Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, who fundraises for their class rings, Marian does not provide them on their own accord. 

However, Marian has fundraisers for other events, such as Walk-A-Thon, and also has more students, making it much less attainable to buy every person a ring. 

If people already feel obligated to donate to other events, it may be unfair to ask them to donate to a new cause for something as simple as a ring.

Another part is that they seem to have lost the tradition. The rings don’t mean much and become more of a shiny object than one of extreme importance. 

Fifty years ago, there was a Mass to bless the rings. However, this excluded those without them and was discontinued. 

As only around half the student population has a ring, it may seem as though they aren’t an important part of the history of Marian. 

However, Audrey Van Dyke ’22 said, “I do think they are part of the Marian tradition and I think it is a really cool way that we (the students) can remember our time at Marian. When I was studying abroad, I actually saw another girl wearing a Marian ring and I instantly knew I had to go ask her what year she graduated. It was so cool to find that connection even in another country.”

Although they seem like they are going out of style, Delisi said that “interestingly enough, I have had a few alumnae call in recent years to see if they could buy a ring after they had already graduated.”  

“I have noticed people with them and I have heard more excitement about them this year,” said Kizer about the sale of rings this year. 

As Marian continues to grow, so does the strength of certain traditions. Although rings aren’t the most popular one, they are still a way that students can value their Marian experience.

“I think the rings are a physical reminder of all the special memories I have from Marian and all of the things I learned there,” Van Dyke said. 

Whether students buy a ring or not, signet rings are a way to recognize the sisterhood of Marian. The tradition truly never graduates.