What to Know About Herff Jones Class Rings in South Carolina

Herff Jones is the largest class ring manufacturer in the United States, and their rings are the standard choice at most South Carolina high schools and colleges

Herff Jones has made class rings since 1879 and supplies rings to schools across South Carolina, from Clemson and the University of South Carolina to public high schools in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia. When your school orders class rings, there is a strong chance they are working with Herff Jones, either directly or through a school-approved vendor. The company handles everything from design consultation to delivery, and students typically order through a school-sponsored event or online portal rather than contacting Herff Jones independently.

Class rings from Herff Jones come in multiple metals—traditional gold, white gold, and silver-tone options—and can be customized with your school's seal, graduation year, and personal engravings inside the band. The rings are built to last and are designed to be worn for decades after graduation. Most South Carolina schools hold a ring day or ordering period in the fall or winter, and delivery typically happens in the spring before graduation.

Key Takeaways

• Herff Jones class rings are ordered through your school, not purchased directly from the company, and your school sets the ordering dates and pricing.
• Rings come in gold, white gold, and silver-tone metals with customizable engravings and your school's official seal.
• Ordering usually happens during a designated school event or online window, with delivery several months later.
• If you miss the school ordering period, you can still order directly from Herff Jones, though pricing and delivery timelines may differ.
• Class rings are insurable items, and many families add them to homeowner's or renter's insurance policies after delivery.

How the school ordering process works

Your school's class ring coordinator or student council typically schedules a ring day—usually a single day or a week-long window in the fall or early winter—when students can view samples, select their ring style, and place orders. At this event, a Herff Jones representative or school staff member will help you choose your metal, stone color (usually a birthstone or school color), and any personal customizations. You will pay a deposit that day, usually between $50 and $150, with the balance due when the ring arrives.

The school receives a group discount because they are ordering many rings at once, which keeps individual prices lower than if you ordered alone. After the ordering window closes, the school submits all orders to Herff Jones, and the company manufactures the rings over the next two to four months. Delivery to the school typically happens in late spring, and students pick up their rings at a designated time or have them mailed home.

Customization options and pricing

Herff Jones offers several customization choices that affect the final price. The metal type is the biggest factor: gold rings cost more than white gold or silver-tone options. You can also choose a stone—usually a birthstone or your school color—to set in the top of the ring. Inside the band, you can engrave your initials, graduation year, or a short personal message at no extra cost.

Pricing varies by school and by the specific ring design your school has chosen. A basic Herff Jones class ring typically ranges from $200 to $600 depending on metal and stone, though some premium designs or larger stones can cost more. Your school's ring coordinator will provide exact pricing during the ordering period. Some schools offer payment plans so you do not have to pay the full amount upfront.

What to do if you missed the school ordering window

If you did not order during your school's designated period, you can still order a Herff Jones class ring directly through the company's website or by phone. You will need to know your school name, graduation year, and which ring design your school uses. Ordering directly means you will not receive the school group discount, so the price will be higher than if you had ordered with your class.

Direct orders also take longer to arrive—typically six to eight weeks instead of the two to four months for school orders. You will need to pay the full price upfront rather than in installments. If your school has already placed its group order and rings have been delivered, Herff Jones can sometimes create a matching ring, though you should contact them as soon as possible to confirm availability.

Caring for and insuring your class ring

Class rings are durable, but they benefit from basic care. Remove your ring before swimming, showering, or doing heavy work, as chlorine and harsh chemicals can damage the finish and loosen stones. Clean your ring periodically with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If a stone becomes loose or the band gets bent, Herff Jones and most jewelry repair shops in South Carolina can fix it, though repairs are not covered under warranty and will cost extra.

Many families add their class ring to a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy once it arrives. Because class rings are valuable and sentimental, insuring them protects against loss, theft, or damage. Contact your insurance agent to add the ring to your policy—you will likely need the receipt and a photo of the ring. The cost to insure a class ring is usually modest and depends on the ring's value and your policy's deductible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I order my class ring?

Most schools have a short window—usually a few days after ring day—during which you can cancel or modify your order. After that, your order goes to Herff Jones and changes become difficult or impossible. Check with your school's ring coordinator about their specific cancellation policy before ordering.

What if my ring arrives damaged or does not fit?

Contact your school's ring coordinator or Herff Jones directly with photos of the damage. Herff Jones will repair or replace damaged rings at no cost if the damage occurred during manufacturing or shipping. If the ring does not fit, Herff Jones can resize it, though resizing may take several weeks and could have a small fee depending on how much adjustment is needed.

Can I order a class ring years after graduation?

Yes. Herff Jones can make a class ring for any graduation year, and you can order it at any time after graduation. You will order directly from Herff Jones rather than through your school, and you will pay full price without a group discount. Delivery takes six to eight weeks.

Are Herff Jones class rings real gold?

Herff Jones offers rings in 10-karat gold, 14-karat gold, white gold, and silver-tone options. The gold options are real gold, not plating. Silver-tone rings are typically made of a durable alloy and are not solid silver. Your school's ring coordinator can explain which metals are available for your school's ring design.

What happens if I lose my class ring?

If your ring is insured through your homeowner's or renter's policy, file a claim with your insurance company. If it is not insured, you can order a replacement directly from Herff Jones, though you will pay full price. Some people choose not to replace a lost ring, while others order a new one years later as a keepsake.