Class Ring = Bling Bling?

Scott Hardie | July 30, 2001
Today I found my father's class ring. I recognized it immediately since I've seen it so many times in my life, but it was still quite a shock.

In the summer of 1996, my father lost his class ring. It was gold and stamped with the University of Pittsburgh logo and symbol, and had a small diamond mounted in the center. My father got the ring as his class ring, and he also wore it as his wedding ring since he didn't want to have two rings. Certainly, when he lost it that summer, he was devastated, and fruitlessly searched everywhere. He replaced it, but the following January, he died.

We lived in that house for twelve years and finally sold it, though I still have some of the furniture, including the white armchair in which my father sat for at least two decades. Earlier tonight, I was groping around under the chair looking for something else, when, by chance, I felt something hard and round. I pulled it out and was quite surprised to see the gold ring. It was a little bit scruffed, but it was also thirty-five years old. The fact that my father had dropped it into the folds of the chair, where it had remained for five years until my discovery tonight, hit me right away, and also amused me a great deal. We've moved that chair so many times in the years since that it's a real wonder how it didn't fall out sooner.

I guess I'll call my mom about it tomorrow and ask her permission, but I'd like to sell it. Honestly, I already have heirlooms that I'm keeping from my father, so I understand the concept of mementoes. Since he lost this ring before he died, I certainly never expected to see it again, let alone keep it. I could also use the money right now. ;-)

Am I wrong to sell it? When I look at the ring, I think of how much my father wanted it back and how sad he was that it was gone, but you know what? He's dead now. I don't believe in an afterlife (not a religious one anyway), so he can't want it any more. And I don't want it, either. Unless my mother wants it (very unlikely), I think I should sell it and get some money. I don't know how much it's worth when it has a university and a year stamped on it, but it is real gold, with a real diamond. Hmmm.

Kelly Lee | July 30, 2001
Scott and Kelly are eatin good tonight!

Scott Hardie | July 31, 2001
My mom said that I could keep it or sell it. She didn't want it. Hmm. I guess I'll have it appraised while I'm in St. Charles this week.