Turnback Tuesday looks back at the tradition of the high school ring.
The image is of a 1947 Derby High School ring. The wearing of a class ring dates back to 1835 when it was believed the U.S. Military Academy at West Point had the idea of visually displaying the unity among their group.
Past school rings either had an enamel or stone centerpiece with the school name and crest as well as the graduation year. Today's rings are available with many choices to personalize.
According to the “Complete Book of Etiquette” while you are a student you wear the ring with the insignia facing you to remind yourself of the goal of graduation. After graduation you turn the ring around and let others see it. It acts as a badge of honor.
The Derby ring has a red center stone with the image of a clipper ship - the same image used on the cover of many Derby High School yearbooks over the years.
This ring is a recent donation to the Library by the Brady Family.
Thanks to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
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