United States Military Academy class ring

The cadets of the United States Military Academy first began the practice of wearing class rings in 1835.

However, a negative social-networking connotation also associates with the term, in that the term "implies that if there is a discussion in progress, the senior (West) Pointer need only knock his large ring on the table and all Pointers present are obliged to rally to his point of view.

"[5] Cadets choose their ring several months in advance, selecting everything from size, color, and stone.

Some cadets opt to "inherit" pieces of rings from other family members or mentors who have also graduated from West Point.

Students can pick out items for family members made to resemble their class ring such as cufflinks, pendants, and pins.

All these items of jewelry bear the same markings as the top of the ring: the words "West Point", the year the Cadet graduated (e.g., West Point 2005), and stones matching the cadet's class ring.