High-Class Investment: How Much Do Graduation Rings Cost?
Engagement and wedding rings are known to be expensive investments, but how much do graduation rings cost? Use this guide to find the best deals.
Books, tuition, room and board. A lot of things come to mind when you think about the cost of a college education.
But what about the cost of graduation rings?
Besides your diploma, a college graduation ring is a perfect way to memorialize your recent accomplishment.
Unfortunately, if you're like 69% of college students that are drowning in debt, you don't want to break the bank on your graduation ring.
The good news is, you don't have to!
Keep reading to discover our guide on the cost of college graduation rings and how to get the most for your money.
How Much are Graduation Rings Worth?
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. "They" must've been talking about the beauty of a graduation ring.
The value of a graduation ring lies in what it means to you, not what it's worth as a piece of fine jewelry.
What memories does it hold? What accomplishments does it represent and memorialize?
These are what make graduation rings valuable -- not the price tag. But, at some point, you have to consider the cost of your graduation ring.
The average college graduation ring costs anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand! The good news is, you don't have to take out another college loan to purchase a high-quality ring.
The big-name brands in college rings charge upwards of $600 for silver rings and over $300 for brass, alloy, and other low-quality materials.
Most of Class Rings Museum's quality rings are priced under $300. This includes our gorgeous sterling silver rings with gold or rose gold plating.
Additional Features Mean Additional Costs
Like with any customized piece of jewelry, the more you personalize it, the more you pay.
Most graduation ring designs allow for a certain number of engravings and a gemstone as part of the base price. Additional features like engraved dates and symbols or upgraded materials will cost more.
Dates, Names, and Symbols
Most graduation rings include the student's name, the school's name, and the year of graduation as part of the standard design package.
Athletes often add their jersey number, position, or a symbol of the school mascot. The more engravings you want, the more expensive the ring will be.
You may also need to choose a larger ring design to accommodate these add-ons. Traditional graduation rings are large, bulky, and a popular option among men.
Females who choose these rings generally order them as keepsakes or wear them on a chain as a necklace.
If you want a more sleek and elegant graduation ring, opt for a fashion design that looks more like an engagement ring than a Super Bowl ring.
Just remember that these fashion designs offer limited space for engravings. Your initials might work best on these thinner bands.
Gemstones
A large gemstone at the center of your graduation ring is similar to an engagement ring -- the size and color matter. If you want to make a statement with your graduation ring, choose a large gemstone that represents your college's colors.
Birthstones are another popular choice for graduation rings.
The base price of most graduation rings includes several gemstone colors to choose from. Upgrades in quality and clarity may come with an additional cost.
The shape of the gemstone is usually determined by the style you choose and shouldn't affect or increase the price.
Coating
Our standard college graduation rings are sterling silver. This material is stylish and durable.
If you prefer an added flair, you can choose gold or rose gold plating for any graduation ring. These options add personality and a more delicate touch.
Certain coatings will compliment your gemstone color best. Sterling silver brings almost any color to life, while gold and rose gold look especially striking with darker blues, purples, and reds.
You may also want to consider your skin tone when choosing a material and gemstone color.
Resale Value of Graduation Rings
Believe it or not, there's a market for selling and buying old graduation rings.
You might be wondering, "Why would anyone want my graduation ring?" This is especially true if the ring in question is personalized with your name, initials, or other special dates and symbols.
First off, like any jewelry, certain materials and gemstones gain value over time. Some people purchase old graduation rings simply for the appraisal value of the jewelry itself.
Class rings made of high-quality materials or ones with real gemstones can resell for equal value. Vintage rings are especially valuable and sought-after.
College-ties and allegiance run deep. For some people, purchasing a class ring from their Alma Mater holds special meaning -- even if it has someone else's name and graduation date on it.
Some college students regret not purchasing their own graduation rings and search for ones from their graduating year and university.
It's important to remember that buying a graduation ring is an investment in your personal accomplishments and memories. It shouldn't be done in the hopes of making a quick buck several years down the road.
Graduation Rings Are Worth Their Weight in Gold
Or should we stay gold-plated sterling silver?
For some graduates, money is no object when discussing graduation rings. Your class ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry you'll ever buy.
It represents both your college career and your personality. But if you're like most recent graduates, you have your fair share of student loans and debt. That's why buying an affordable graduation ring makes the most sense.
Class Rings Museum offers graduation rings that fit both your budget and your unique style. Choose a design, material, and engravings that memorialize your accomplishments and capture your personality.
Browse our products and feel free to reach out so we can help you customize the graduation ring of your dreams!