Class ring sales have increased from last fall, according to Mike Merritt, regional manager of Balfour. Balfour handcrafts class rings for students who have completed at least 60 hours of coursework at the University.
“Last fall, our nationwide sales were down 30 percent or more, while N.C. State’s only dropped 5 percent. This fall, sales at State are actually up 20 percent from last year.” Merritt, who has been selling the official University rings for five years, said “N.C. State is in the top 12 in the entire country in buying class rings.”
Merritt said he attributes the increase to high expectations for this year’s football team and a great sense of loyalty to the University. Balfour also offers a lifetime warranty, as well as a “wear as you pay” plan. The student pays a minimum deposit of 20 percent of the total cost by credit card, and the remaining balance is divided into up to six equal payments.
Merritt declined to release exact data but said Balfour sold about 1,000 rings last year which range from $305 to $1095.
Merritt said students are waiting longer to buy their rings than in the past, which could have to do with the economy.
“As soon as a student had junior status, they would order immediately.” Merritt said. “We’ve definitely noticed that students are waiting longer until they’re seniors. Seniors want the ring on their hand for job interviews.”
Some students said they doubt the rings are worth the price.
“They cost more than I think they’re worth,” Kelley Boyett, a sophomore in communication said. “I don’t need a ring to prove I got my degree, I have a diploma for that.”
Wes Hazelgrove, a junior in communication, said high tuition, rent, and low wages would lead him to take the $700 he would spend on a ring and put it towards housing and food instead.
For others, economic factors had no impact on their decisions.
“It’s not something I’d wear every day, regardless of the economy.” Keeshan Ganatra, a junior in communications media said. “It’s not worth the money for how much I’d wear it.”
Matthew Porter, a senior in international studies viewed a class ring as an investment.
“The economy fluctuates, but a class ring lasts forever,” Porter said.