College Graduation Class Ring?

Q: i got a high school class ring, and i still wear it (class of '90), perhaps because i was very fond of the time i spent in high school (i went to the nc school of science and mathematics, a public magnet boarding school in nc)...in fact, my best friend from hs is still my best friend now. i got a "traditional" sort of one, with my birthstone in it. i once thought i'd lost it and went into a massive panic...even if i didn't wear it, seeing it reminds me of a time when i was young and thought i'd manage to finish my phd in 6 years and gos traight to a faculty position...ahhh, those were the days!

A:I bought a high school class ring - it was the thing to do and it was only 21 bucks. However, I hardly wore it after high school, then lost track of it. A few years ago an old boyfriend who'd been weeding out drawers found it and mailed it to me.I didn't even remember giving it to him. So it lies in a jewelry box as a memento, but I'd never wear it. I never got a college ring because I remembered the fate of the h.s. ring, plus I had better use of my ring fingers planned -- as in engagement ring? Even if you never marry, you'll probably want to wear fine jewelry instead of an academic ring. My advice - save your money. I have a high school ring and a college ring. My HS ring is 10K white gold, with the school symbol on one side, band on the other, and a green stone. I got it my jr. year, and wore it until about my freshman year in college. It's still a lovely ring, and I will treasure it. My college ring (for the University of Pennsylvania) is also 10K white gold, but has a flat front with the school seal engraved into it (it's a signet). I love it, and have been wearing it constantly on my right hand since I got it about 2 Thanksgivings ago. it's very simple and elegant, and looks nothing like your typical "high school ring" with a stone, like other rings that were offered to us as well. I would

recommend getting a ring. my HS one is great for memories, and my Penn one represents a great education in both a BA (earning this month!) and my graduate school. I didn't want one either, and don't regret not getting one for a second. I suggest getting one that doesn't look like a typical high school ring. You might consider getting a "regular" ring that will commemorate your graduation to you but will be far more wearable. When I turned 21, for example, I got a thick, gold band (which was actually intended to be a man's wedding ring). It's very wearable and I like the fact that people can't tell that it has any special significance to me at a glance.