Do most mids get class rings?

[justdoit19]

Wow. Visiting the Dant if you don’t purchase? Now THATS marketing!

 

[usna1985]

As for going to the Dant, in the old days, the overwhelming majority of mids seemed so totally excited to get their rings that the very idea of not getting one was hard even to conceptualize. Thus, there was a sense of "What sane person would not want a ring?" Maybe not fair, but that's the way it was. I'm sure some folks bought rings because they were "supposed to" not because they wanted to -- but I also think it was a very small minority.

IMO, that view was in part due to the ring symbolizing being a member of an exclusive group -- your graduating class. Not better than any other group, just the symbol of membership. The other part was, as mentioned earlier, the reward / symbol of surviving USNA at a time when many great people did not. Today, it's rare for someone who wants to graduate not to do so. That was not the case when my class graduated.

 

[THParent]

I'll tell you that I would probably wear a ring from that place if I had ever had the chops to go through it, but that's just me.

The only thing I have on me every day is a beat up Captain of Marines coin I got from a friend when I made O-3. He isn't around anymore, so I think of him every morning when I put it in my pocket and wish he was.

I get it.

 

[cavubeat@rmy2021]

Anyone have pictures of the combat ring vs. the gold?

 

[Old Navy BGO]

I'll be honest.. I didn't even think it was an option not to get a ring back in the day. Perhaps it was just a rumor going back to OldRetSWO's day , but I also heard that you'd have to go explain to the 'Dant or 'Supe why you didn't want a ring, but I I never thought twice about it. Some people put a lot more time and effort into the design of their ring (they Class and Naval Academy Crests) are all the same, but there were many options on stones and other options. Mine is simple ... blue synthetic star sapphire. I rarely wear it .. usually for USNA functions/reunions. I find it very hard to type when I wear it.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Anyone have pictures of the combat ring vs. the gold?

They look exactly the same - just a slightly different color due to the difference in metals. It is still the USNA crest on one side and the
class crest on the other side. You can see my class crest pretty easily if you look for it.

 

[NavyHoops]

As for going to the Dant, in the old days, the overwhelming majority of mids seemed so totally excited to get their rings that the very idea of not getting one was hard even to conceptualize. Thus, there was a sense of "What sane person would not want a ring?" Maybe not fair, but that's the way it was. I'm sure some folks bought rings because they were "supposed to" not because they wanted to -- but I also think it was a very small minority.

IMO, that view was in part due to the ring symbolizing being a member of an exclusive group -- your graduating class. Not better than any other group, just the symbol of membership. The other part was, as mentioned earlier, the reward / symbol of surviving USNA at a time when many great people did not. Today, it's rare for someone who wants to graduate not to do so. That was not the case when my class graduated.

I agree with your sentiments. I am not as OG as some on here. But was around for much higher attrition. It was a symbol of we are making it. If you got the boot or resigned after you got your ring you could sell it back to off set any costs owed. So basically it was… only those who made it, have one. It was sense of pride that we had were on our to making it and eventually making it.

 

[justdoit19]

Anyone have pictures of the combat ring vs. the gold?

The left is combat, ‘every day’ wear. ‘Bancroft granite’. The right is his special event....although he purchased a stone from another jeweler, and they included diamonds set in on either side. So this image is the standard “placer” stone until his gem came in. Again, ways to save money. Some people get the main stone surrounded by diamonds. My guy didn’t like that look for himself.

I have another friend who has a stone from his grandfathers ring that he passed to him to use in his ring. And another friend who purchased a stone to match his fathers own stone.

Tons of ways to do this!

 

[justdoit19]

I agree with your sentiments. I am not as OG as some on here. But was around for much higher attrition. It was a symbol of we are making it. If you got the boot or resigned after you got your ring you could sell it back to off set any costs owed. So basically it was… only those who made it, have one. It was sense of pride that we had were on our to making it and eventually making it.

Do you guys remember the thread from a USMA person that was separating, and USMA required that they return their ring? That was fascinating....

The OTHER thing about these rings, is the whole “link in the chain” piece. These rings contain metal from those that have gone before. It’s really more than a ring...the symbolism, to me, of belonging to that group cannot be overstated imo. It’s not just a piece of jewelry. It has Metal from others, and is actually dipped in the water from the 7seas. In a ceremony. There is meaning there. Imo. Not better than any other group like stated already...not at all...just the brother/sisterhood of ‘GROUP USNA’.

 

[ders_dad]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses-I learned more about rings than I knew existed! My wife and I want DS to get a ring because 20 years down the road, he’d wish he did. What seems unimportant at 22 is not what’s important at 42. The level of young adult cynicism I sometimes get these days ... after this last 15 months... let’s just say it’s a bit unexpected from this young man.

 

[Capt MJ]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses-I learned more about rings than I knew existed! My wife and I want DS to get a ring because 20 years down the road, he’d wish he did. What seems unimportant at 22 is not what’s important at 42. The level of young adult cynicism I sometimes get these days ... after this last 15 months... let’s just say it’s a bit unexpected from this young man.

2/c is definitely the cynical year. They can’t wait for those useless 1/c to graduate and get out of their way so they can run the place the way it should be. They have strong opinions on the leadership skills of the Commandant and his staff and what’s wrong with USNA in general. That is stereotyping, of course, but we have heard it from generations of sponsor mids in the family and know it’s part of the maturation process. There is a sea change between 2/c and 1/c year.

 

[VelveteenR]

I'm pretty sure all of our son's cohort chose to get both the battle and gold rings (USMA), and they wear them.


(On the right: Mom's matching necklace that he surprised me with at dinner after the Ring Ceremony)

Here he is "Pointing West" with his battle ring (he's so funny, right?)



I think I posted on another ring thread a while back that one cadet in his class designed a $13K ruby ring that got lost (stolen?) before graduation. It was insured, but ouch. Don't be that cadet.

 

[ProudDad17]

2/c is definitely the cynical year. They can’t wait for those useless 1/c to graduate and get out of their way so they can run the place the way it should be. They have strong opinions on the leadership skills of the Commandant and his staff and what’s wrong with USNA in general. That is stereotyping, of course, but we have heard it from generations of sponsor mids in the family and know it’s part of the maturation process. There is a sea change between 2/c and 1/c year.

Apparently that is not just a USNA thing. I remember some cynicism and "can't wait to be done" during 2/c year. 1/c year was much different.

 

[deepdraft1]

I think I posted on another ring thread a while back that one cadet in his class designed a $13K ruby ring that got lost (stolen?) before graduation. It was insured, but ouch. Don't be that cadet.

My son didn't insure his and it was stolen a couple years after he graduated [Kings Point]. The replacement cost was nearly double what he paid for the original ring.. ouch indeed! Here's his new one..

 

[Kierkegaard]

Do you guys remember the thread from a USMA person that was separating, and USMA required that they return their ring? That was fascinating....

The OTHER thing about these rings, is the whole “link in the chain” piece. These rings contain metal from those that have gone before. It’s really more than a ring...the symbolism, to me, of belonging to that group cannot be overstated imo. It’s not just a piece of jewelry. It has Metal from others, and is actually dipped in the water from the 7seas. In a ceremony. There is meaning there. Imo. Not better than any other group like stated already...not at all...just the brother/sisterhood of ‘GROUP USNA’.

For USNA as well we sign a contract that states we must return it for a refund if for some reason we do not graduate. I believe it also stipulates that we can’t sell it or give it away for someone else to wear it. Something along those lines at least. (I’d expect they are often kept as family heirlooms after a graduate passes away). A quick online search shows some Academy rings for sale on Ebay which definitely appears to violate the spirit of the ring tradition.

 

[Heatherg21]

For USNA as well we sign a contract that states we must return it for a refund if for some reason we do not graduate. I believe it also stipulates that we can’t sell it or give it away for someone else to wear it. Something along those lines at least. (I’d expect they are often kept as family heirlooms after a graduate passes away). A quick online search shows some Academy rings for sale on Ebay which definitely appears to violate the spirit of the ring tradition.

I would bet the majority of the ones on Ebay are the stolen ones. Sad. And also sad if it is a grad selling it IMHO.

 

[Capt MJ]

My son didn't insure his and it was stolen a couple years after he graduated [Kings Point]. The replacement cost was nearly double what he paid for the original ring.. ouch indeed! Here's his new one..

View attachment 9238

Please reassure me he has personal property insurance with a valuable property rider now! That was strongly suggested to me at OCS to protect uniforms, sports gear, music tech, jewelry, all my “stuff.”

 

[deepdraft1]

My son didn't insure his and it was stolen a couple years after he graduated [Kings Point]. The replacement cost was nearly double what he paid for the original ring.. ouch indeed! Here's his new one..

Please reassure me he has personal property insurance with a valuable property rider now! That was strongly suggested to me at OCS to protect uniforms, sports gear, music tech, jewelry, all my “stuff.”

Yes.. once bitten twice shy.. He now has Valuable Personal Property [VPP] coverage for his ring through USAA. As I recall it was pretty inexpensive.

 

[Capt MJ]

Yes.. once bitten twice shy.. He now has Valuable Personal Property [VPP] coverage for his ring through USAA. As I recall it was pretty inexpensive.

Best move I made back then. Covered stuff still at family home, in storage, in my car, in hotel rooms, overseas, wherever.

 

[NextGen89x2]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses-I learned more about rings than I knew existed! My wife and I want DS to get a ring because 20 years down the road, he’d wish he did. What seems unimportant at 22 is not what’s important at 42. The level of young adult cynicism I sometimes get these days ... after this last 15 months... let’s just say it’s a bit unexpected from this young man.

One more thought for you - DH and I both graduated USNA same year - both of us have class rings. I wear mine every day. I think I've seen him wear his once in 32 years. My synthetic and inexpensive stone is practically rounded, rather than faceted, by now. We were talking about this post and our rings and he offered that he doesn't feel the need for a ring at all - it's too big and uncomfortable and not something he normally wears. I wear mine hiking, kayaking, gardening, sailing - whatever we are doing. While DH might not care about his ring, his original USNA sailing sweatshirt has so many holes in it, it is more air than fabric. But it's still here and he still wears it and probably will for the next 30 years. It sounds like your DS can get a ring later if he so desires, and for now - maybe there is some other item he will take with him that will symbolize his class, his community and all of the experiences of the last 4 years.