Choose the metal of the ring. Assess your budget and pick a ring within your price range. Select a simple sterling-plated ring for the lowest cost option, or buy an expensive platinum ring if you can afford it. You can also get a white or yellow gold ring and choose between a 10-karat, 14-karat or gold-plated ring.
Pick a stone. Select a stone in your school colors, like a ruby set in yellow gold for Arizona State University's maroon and gold colors. Look for a ring with your birthstone, such as a garnet for January. Decide if you prefer one large, center stone in the middle of the ring or several small stones placed along the band.
Look online for a ring matching your size as well as ideal metal and stone specifications. In a search engine, type your preferences, like “14k yellow gold ruby ring.” Find a ring that matches your budget and preferences.
Take the ring to an engraver and add emblems on the side. For a large-banded ring with a center stone, engrave symbols representative of your interests on the side of the ring. Engrave a tennis racquet if you played tennis or include drama masks if you performed in theater. You could also engrave the school mascot on one side of the ring and the school logo on the other side.
Engrave your graduation year on the ring. The date could be placed around the stone, on the side of the ring or inside the band.
Include a personalized message on the inside of the ring. Write a note of encouragement, like “Congratulations” or “You made it!” You could also engrave your name.