Classy Rings

Some cheaper sentiment

West Point cadets started the practice of wearing gold class rings in 1835. But in recent years, high school and college students around the country have exchanged such rings as a symbol of "going steady." Now the price of the precious yellow metal is killing that golden tradition. Only about 40% of the estimated 2.5 million class rings expected to be sold this year will be gold. With the price of men's college rings at $200 or more, and women's at about $135, thrifty young lovers are turning to cheaper sentiment--stainless-steel rings, costing $50 to $100.

Last year, when the price of gold skyrocketed, leading class-ring companies were ready with nickel, chrome and stainless-steel substitutes. In an attempt to retain some glamour, manufacturers have given the alloys exotic trade names like Ultrium and Siladium. Salesmen now proudly point out that the gold substitutes resist tarnish or dents and will not leave rings around the finger. Says R. Lyman Wood, group vice president of Lenox Inc., an industry leader: "You can drop it or step on it. You can even wear it playing football."

Manufacturers are also seeking to get back some of the old rings because of the value of their gold. Ohio State's campus bookstore this month is offering $68.95 for a man's ten-carat gold ring if the money is used toward the purchase of a $95 Lustrium number. But if civilians are switching to stainless-steel bands, West Point cadets are not trading in their tradition. And at more than $300 apiece this year, their rings rival Montezuma's own.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so viewer discretion is required.