Two styles of CU class rings will be on sale at the book store Friday. (CU Independent/Aly Daughtry)
Looking to get some shiny new bling? For juniors and seniors at CU, the time is now.
On Friday, Oct. 16, Balfour sales representative Annette Denucci, will be selling class rings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the CU Bookstore in the UMC.
Denucci believes by buying a ring, students show pride in their school.
“The whole idea behind the ring is that you are proud of where you come from,” Denucci said. “It’s something they can pass on to their kids.”
According to the CU Bookstore Web site, students who have completed at least 60 credit hours and are recognized as a junior, senior or 2nd year graduate student are eligible to purchase a class ring. The rings are also available to CU alumni.
“Today an alumnus bought two rings,” Denucci said. “That’s what we hope for, for parents to come by and buy one, so there are no limits.”
Students and alumni can choose between two styles of rings: the traditional bubble-top and the signet ring. Each depicts the CU logo and an image of Ralphie in front of the Flatirons. Students, alumni, and faculty all had input on the design, said Denucci.
With the sleek design, Denucci believes there is a different prestige associated with college class rings as well.
“[Compared to high school rings] it’s not even the same, now practically everyone graduates from high school, but not everyone graduates from college,” said Denucci.
Prices start at $325 for a premium silver ring and go as high as $825 for a 14-carot gold ring, Denucci said.
But the present economic situation has put a strain on most students’ wallets.
“With the economy, sales are down,” Denucci said, “also with the cost of gold so high, we are seeing a lot go to the premium silver.”
To better accommodate students’ budgets, Denucci explained, Balfour offers the “Wear as You Pay” plan whereby the customer pays a $75 down payment, receives their ring, and then pays interest-free monthly installments until the purchase is made.
Balfour also offers free resizing, refinishing and a lifetime warranty, according to the CU Bookstore Web site.
Despite Balfour’s many offers, some students find the class ring unnecessary.
“I probably wouldn’t get one, there’s no need for it,” said Kelly Miller, a 20-year-old junior physiology and psychology double major.
Julie Conant, a 29-year-old junior integrative physiology major, agrees with Miller.
“I never thought about needing a class ring, I’m not a traditional student and I don’t think I need the memento,” Conant said.
For more information on purchasing a class ring, visit the CU Bookstore Web site at http://cubooks.colorado.edu/s-11-college-rings.aspx.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Rose Heaphy at Josephine.heaphy@colorado.edu.
