What are Herff Jones class rings? Herff Jones class rings are custom high school and college rings from Indianapolis-based Herff Jones, founded in 1920, made in Ultrium, Extreme Silver, Extreme AuRista or 10K–18K gold and backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
Last updated: October 2026 · Independent guide; not affiliated with Herff Jones
Key Takeaways
- Herff Jones was founded in Indianapolis on January 6, 1920, and has been owned by Atlas Holdings since October 2023 — Atlas Holdings
- Most Herff Jones rings are made of Ultrium, “a fine jeweler’s stainless alloy”; gold comes in 10K, 14K and 18K — Herff Jones FAQ
- A 2022 Herff Jones school price list started Ultrium rings at $289.95 and 10K gold at $599.95; 14K added 40%
- Rings take 4–10 weeks to make, and you can cancel within 72 hours of ordering
- Rings carry a Lifetime Limited Warranty with free resizing, plus a one-time Lost Ring Program — Herff Jones
- In 1996 the FTC found four makers, including Herff Jones and Jostens, held over 95% of US class ring sales — FTC
Who makes Herff Jones class rings?
Herff Jones class rings are made by Herff Jones, LLC, founded in Indianapolis on January 6, 1920, by Harry J. Herff and Randall H. Jones (Wikipedia). Alongside high school and college rings, it makes caps and gowns, diplomas, announcements and championship jewelry.
Ownership has changed several times. Carnation bought the company in 1974; it became fully employee-owned by 1995; it bought Varsity Brands in 2011 and later operated under that name; Bain Capital acquired Varsity Brands in 2018. In October 2023, Varsity sold the Herff Jones graduation business to Atlas Holdings, with Ron Stoupa as president and CEO.
Its jewelry has a long championship pedigree: through its subsidiary Dieges & Clust it made the Heisman Trophy, and it has made championship rings for the Indianapolis 500, the 2007 Indianapolis Colts and the San Antonio Spurs. Herff Jones also made medals for the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley.
Where does the class ring tradition come from?
The class ring tradition began with the United States Military Academy at West Point’s class of 1835, and spread to other service academies, military colleges and then high schools (Class ring). Today schools sign contracts with makers such as Herff Jones, Jostens and Balfour to supply rings with their own crests and mascots.
Etiquette says students wear the ring with the insignia facing themselves, as a reminder of the goal of graduating, and turn it to face outward after graduation. Many people wear a class ring on the ring finger of the right hand; check our ring size chart before ordering.
What metals do Herff Jones class rings come in?
Herff Jones class rings come in Ultrium, Extreme Silver, Extreme AuRista and 10K, 14K or 18K yellow or white gold. Ultrium is the most common and cheapest; gold costs the most and its price moves with the gold market.
| Metal | What it is | 2022 school list price* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrium | “A fine jeweler’s stainless alloy” (white) | From $289.95 | Lowest cost, everyday durability |
| Extreme Silver | Silver-toned alloy (composition not published) | From $399.95 | A precious-metal look for less than gold |
| Extreme AuRista | Yellow-toned alloy (composition not published) | From $399.95 | A gold color without the gold price |
| 10K gold | 41.7% gold, yellow or white | From $599.95 | Real gold at the lowest karat |
| 14K gold | 58.3% gold, yellow or white | 10K price + 40% | Richer color, heirloom value |
| 18K gold | 75% gold, select styles | Special quote | Top-tier rings |
*Base prices for the Century style on a 2022 Herff Jones Miami price list, before tax and options. Your school’s prices may differ. Metal descriptions come from the Herff Jones FAQ; gold percentages are standard karat definitions.
Gold rings hold some value as metal, while alloys like Ultrium do not. For more on how karats differ, see our guides to gold rings and white gold rings.
Which stones can you add?
Most Herff Jones class rings use a simulated birthstone or school-color stone as the center, with options such as cubic zirconia, star sapphires and side stones. Genuine stones and diamonds are available by quote from a sales representative.
Simulated stones are lab-made imitations, not the real gem, which keeps prices down. Our guides to birthstone rings and cubic zirconia jewelry explain the differences.
How much do Herff Jones class rings cost?
Herff Jones class rings typically cost from about $270 to $430 in Ultrium and from about $600 to $850 in 10K gold, before options and tax, based on published school price lists. Herff Jones does not publish a national price list, so prices vary by school and region.
A 2020–21 Herff Jones pamphlet for Plainville High School listed Ultrium base prices of roughly $269.95 to $409.95 by style, with 10K gold adding $420 on a Century XL ring (Plainville HS). Options such as extra stones, side panels and full-name engraving add to the price; initials inside the band are usually included.
Payment plans are often available, with final payment due before a school delivery event. Gold prices change often, so ask for a current quote rather than relying on these older lists.
How do you order a Herff Jones class ring?
Order a Herff Jones class ring online or at an in-school ordering event: choose a style, metal, stone and side designs, get sized, pay a deposit, then wait 4–10 weeks for production.
- Get sized: by a representative at school, a local jeweler, or the Herff Jones RightSize app.
- Know the cancellation window: you can cancel until midnight of the third business day after ordering; the minimum deposit may be forfeited.
- Plan for delivery: senior rings are usually mailed home; underclass rings may be handed out at a school event.
- Size changes: possible before production starts; after that, the ring can be resized free once it arrives.
What does the Herff Jones class ring warranty cover?
The Herff Jones Lifetime Limited Warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials, and includes free resizing, replacement of broken simulated stones, finish restoration, cleaning and polishing, and a grad-year change while you are still in school (Herff Jones FAQ).
The separate Lost Ring Program offers a one-time replacement of a lost or stolen original ring at a discount tied to current precious-metal values. Claims go through Herff Jones warranty services at 800-451-3304 (Herff Jones). Repairs take about 4–6 weeks and full remakes 8–10 weeks.
How do Herff Jones class rings compare with Jostens and Balfour?
Herff Jones, Jostens and Balfour are the three best-known US class ring makers; your choice is usually set by which company holds your school’s contract, though you can buy from another maker for a custom ring.
| Herff Jones | Jostens | Balfour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1920, Indianapolis | 1897, Owatonna, Minnesota | 1913, Attleboro, Massachusetts |
| Class rings since | Founding | 1906 | 1922 (high school rings) |
| Owner | Atlas Holdings (2023) | Platinum Equity (2018) | Balfour & Co. |
| White alloy | Ultrium | White Lustrium | Celestrium |
Details come from Wikipedia’s entries on Jostens and Balfour. Compare the same style in the same metal across makers: alloys vary in color and hardness, and warranties differ in what they cover.
Want something one-of-a-kind instead? A jeweler can make a custom ring with genuine stones; men looking for a heavier design can also browse men’s diamond rings.
How do you care for or sell an old Herff Jones class ring?
Clean a class ring with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and send it to Herff Jones warranty services for resizing or refinishing. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can dull colored stones and alloys.
Old gold class rings, especially 10K and 14K, are often sold for their scrap gold value; alloy rings are worth little as metal. Check the karat stamp inside the band, then read our guide to selling a ring before you accept an offer. For regular cleaning, see our ultrasonic cleaner guide — but avoid ultrasonic cleaning on rings with simulated or glued stones.
How we researched this guide
This guide draws on Anthony Chege’s 20 years in the jewellery trade, checked against Herff Jones’s own FAQ and warranty pages, Atlas Holdings’ 2023 acquisition notice, a 1996 FTC ruling and published Herff Jones school price lists from 2020–2022. Herff Jones doesn’t publish national prices, so treat the figures as examples. Diamond Rings Info is independent and not affiliated with Herff Jones.
Frequently asked questions about Herff Jones class rings
How much does a Herff Jones class ring cost?
Published school price lists show Herff Jones rings from about $270 to $430 in Ultrium and about $600 to $850 in 10K gold before options and tax. 14K gold adds about 40% over 10K, and 18K is quoted individually.
What is Ultrium?
Ultrium is Herff Jones’s most common class ring metal, described by the company as a fine jeweler’s stainless alloy. It is white, durable and the lowest-cost option.
Does Herff Jones have a lifetime warranty?
Yes. Herff Jones class rings come with a Lifetime Limited Warranty covering defects, with free resizing, simulated-stone replacement, finish restoration and cleaning, plus a one-time Lost Ring Program.
How long does a Herff Jones class ring take?
Production usually takes 4 to 10 weeks depending on the style and options. Repairs take about 4 to 6 weeks and remakes 8 to 10 weeks.
Can I cancel a Herff Jones class ring order?
You can cancel until midnight of the third business day (72 hours) after ordering. The minimum deposit may be forfeited.
Who owns Herff Jones now?
Atlas Holdings acquired the Herff Jones graduation business from Varsity Brands in October 2023. Herff Jones is based in Indianapolis, where it was founded in 1920.
Is Herff Jones or Jostens better for class rings?
Both are long-established makers with similar styles and lifetime warranties; the main differences are their alloys (Ultrium vs White Lustrium), pricing and which company holds your school’s contract. Compare the same style and metal side by side.
Are Herff Jones class rings real gold?
Only if you choose 10K, 14K or 18K gold. Ultrium, Extreme Silver and Extreme AuRista are alloys, so check the stamp inside the band.
Get the size right first
Use our ring size chart before you order, and browse more guides at Diamond Rings Info.
Anthony Chege is a gem and jewellery dealer with 20 years’ experience sourcing, grading and selling diamonds, gold and coloured gemstones. He writes for Diamond Rings Info on rings, metals and buying.