What Josten's Offers and How to Order Class Rings and Jewelry in South Carolina
Josten's is a national jeweler that specializes in class rings, letterman jackets, and school jewelry
Josten's is a company that makes and sells class rings, graduation jewelry, and school-related keepsakes. If you're a high school or college student in South Carolina, you've likely seen their displays at school events or received a catalog in the mail. They work directly with schools to offer rings and jewelry customized with your school's name, mascot, and graduation year.
Josten's operates through school-sponsored ordering events rather than retail stores. Your school's class officer, student council, or guidance counselor coordinates the ordering period, usually in the fall or winter before graduation. During that window, you can view samples, choose your ring style, select stones and engravings, and place your order.
Key Takeaways
- Josten's class rings are ordered through your school during a set ordering period, not purchased at a store.
- You can customize your ring with your school name, mascot, graduation year, and personal engravings on the inside.
- Josten's also offers graduation announcements, thank-you cards, and other school jewelry beyond class rings.
- Payment is typically made at the time of order, and rings arrive several months later, usually before graduation.
- If you miss the school ordering period, you may still order directly through Josten's website or by contacting their customer service.
How class ring ordering works at your school
Your school schedules a specific window—often called "ring day" or "class ring ordering"—when Josten's representatives come to campus or when order forms are distributed. During this time, you can view ring styles, try on sample rings in different sizes, and choose your customization options. A Josten's representative or your school's class officer will help you fill out your order form with your selections.
You'll choose the ring style (traditional, modern, or sport designs), the metal type (gold, silver, or two-tone), your stone color, and any engravings for the inside of the band. You'll also provide your graduation year, school name, and any personal text you want included. Once you submit your order and payment, Josten's manufactures your ring and ships it to your school, typically arriving within three to four months.
Customization options for your ring
Josten's rings come in several base styles, and you can modify almost every element. The face of the ring displays your school name and mascot, along with your graduation year. The sides of the band often feature additional school symbols or athletic logos if your school offers them. Inside the band, you can add a personal engraving—usually your initials, a date, or a short phrase.
You'll also select the stone that sits at the center of the ring. Options typically include birthstones, school colors in synthetic stones, or diamond alternatives. The metal finish can be high-polished, brushed, or two-tone (combining gold and silver). Some students choose to add their sport or club affiliation to the ring face if Josten's offers that option for your school.
Other Josten's products beyond class rings
While class rings are the main product, Josten's also produces graduation announcements, thank-you cards, diploma frames, and school jewelry like pendants and bracelets. Many schools coordinate these orders at the same time as ring ordering, so you can purchase your announcements and other keepsakes in one transaction.
Josten's also makes letterman jackets and school spirit wear for some South Carolina schools. Ask your class officer or school counselor whether these items are available through your school's Josten's ordering period.
What to do if you miss the school ordering deadline
If your school's ordering window has closed, you can still order directly from Josten's. Visit their website or call their customer service line to place an order. You'll need to know your school name and graduation year, and you may have fewer customization options available than during the official school ordering period. Direct orders typically take longer to arrive than school-coordinated orders.
Some schools also hold a second ordering period later in the year for students who missed the first deadline. Check with your guidance counselor or class officer to see whether your school offers this option.
Pricing and payment
Class ring prices vary depending on the style, metal type, and stone you choose. A basic ring typically costs between $150 and $300, though more elaborate designs or premium metals can cost more. Josten's usually offers payment plans during the school ordering period, allowing you to split the cost into two or three payments rather than paying the full amount upfront.
When you order through your school, payment is collected at the time you place your order or shortly after. If you order directly from Josten's outside the school period, you'll pay when you submit your order online or over the phone.
Caring for your class ring after it arrives
Once you receive your ring, treat it as you would any fine jewelry. Store it in a safe place when you're not wearing it, and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. If your ring becomes loose or the stone shifts, Josten's can repair it—contact their customer service for information about repair options and costs.
Many students wear their class rings throughout college and beyond as a keepsake of their high school years. Over time, the metal may develop a patina or the stone may loosen slightly, but these are normal signs of wear and can usually be addressed with professional cleaning or repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a Josten's class ring if I'm homeschooled or attend a private school?
Yes. Josten's works with private schools and some homeschool groups to coordinate ordering. Contact Josten's directly to ask whether your school or homeschool organization has an account with them, or to explore options for ordering a custom ring with your school name or homeschool group name.
What if my ring doesn't fit when it arrives?
Josten's can resize your ring if it's too large or too small. Contact their customer service with your order number and ring size, and they'll provide instructions for sending your ring back for resizing. There is usually a fee for this service, though some schools cover it as part of the ordering program.
Can I change my order after I've submitted it?
If you order through your school, contact your class officer or the Josten's representative immediately—changes may be possible if your order hasn't been sent to the factory yet. If you've ordered directly from Josten's, call their customer service line right away. Once manufacturing has begun, changes become difficult or impossible.
Do I have to order a class ring?
No. Class ring ordering is optional, and many students choose not to purchase one. Your school will not require you to order a ring to graduate. However, if you decide later that you want one, you can still order directly from Josten's after graduation.
What happens if I lose my class ring?
Josten's can make a replacement ring using your original order information, though you'll pay a new ring price rather than a discounted replacement fee. Keep your order confirmation and receipt in a safe place so you have the details if you need to reorder.