Time to order my Senior ring. The price of gold suddenly has me feeling ill...

Well, last semester I battled my way through 12 hours of engineering course work in one of the hardest semesters I've ever had. I got a 4.0 for the semester. All A's, and something wonderful happened. I finally had enough hours to order my Aggie Ring. Getting this ring is everything to an Aggie. It is unchanged since 1894 and it is one of the most recognized class rings in the nation. The male ring is very large, very heavy, and made of solid 10K or 14K gold. Obviously the price varies with the price of gold. The recent price increases in gold have increased the price of the ring in 10K from $550 (2 years ago) to a mind-blowing $772.00 (And that's a reduced price because the Association of Former Students pays HALF the cost! It's a $1500 ring!), and I still have to pay tuition and fees and have money to eat. Well, my coin budget just went to $0.00 as I start shifting every spare dollar to the "ring fund." If I'm going to order the ring this semester I have to order it by February 8. If I don't order it this semester and the price of gold continues to rise then the price of the ring will go up again. I suddenly really, really, REALLY hate the price of gold...

(Picture of a ring attached below)

Symbolism:

Shield at the top of Ring: Illustrates protection of the good reputation of the alma mater.

13 Stripes in shield: Symbolizes the 13 original states and the intense patriotism of graduates and undergraduates of A&M.

5 stars in shield: Refers to the phases of development of the student: mind or intellect, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise, and integrity of character.

Eagle: Connotes agility and power, and ability to reach great heights and ambitions.

Proudest Member of the Fightin Texas Aggie Class of 2009, signing off. WHOOP!