Back to Class Rings & Jewelry

    Ring Care and Cleaning

    Care and Cleaning of your Herff Jones Class Ring

    Your ring has been carefully sized. Since temperature and exercise often affect the size of your finger, we recommend that you wear your ring at least two (2) weeks before you consider a change in the size of the ring. Your ring may feel strange at first – that is normal. Within two (2) weeks, however, it should feel as comfortable as your favorite apparel.

    Even the purest of gold or silver jewelry will tarnish or discolor if subjected to harsh cleaning materials, acids, or alkalis. Your ring will return to its original luster if polished with a good silver cleaner or washed with a mild soap. Finish by buffing with a soft cloth.

    • TO PRESERVE THE BEAUTY AND LUSTRE OF YOUR RING, clean it with a mild detergent in lukewarm water and then rinse. Dry with a soft cloth. Do not use any brush, sharp instruments or rough cloths for cleaning.
    • TO PROTECT YOUR RING FROM PERMANENT DAMAGE, avoid any contact with mercury or harsh acids. It will be permanently discolored. Be sure to remove your ring before coming into contact with these harmful chemicals.
    • TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST BREAKAGE OR NICKS, always remove your ring before engaging in sports or heavy labor. Quality gemstones and precious metals cannot stand abuse of this nature. Treat your ring as you would any fine jewelry. But remember, when you remove your ring, store it carefully and do not leave it unprotected.
    • SOME PERSONS HAVE A REACTION BETWEEN THEIR SKIN OILS AND JEWELRY, which results in a black colored smudge on their skin. This condition can generally be avoided by cleaning the jewelry more frequently as described above.

     

    Additional Resources

    The MIT Brass Rat

    Every college ring tells a story, but for some institutions, that story is part of a beloved tradition. Learn about MIT’s Brass Rat dating back to 1929.

    Keep Reading

    The History of Class Rings

    The history of class rings, or fellowship rings, can be traced as far back in time to ancient Egypt where certain sects would wear matching rings to show their connection to a particular cause, class or religion.

    Keep Reading

    Birthstone Meanings

    Each month has a stone, but don’t let your birthday limit you. Use these legends to pick the stone that speaks to you.

    Keep Reading