Tradition and custom also dictate the wearing of the class ring. Prior to graduation, the Class Ring is worn with the Class Crest closest to the heart signifying the closeness of the class. After graduation, the ring is worn with the Academy Crest closest to the heart signifying closeness with the Academy. A small problem arose with the admission of women in that the man's ring is too large for the female hand and a miniature version would connote engagement. The ring companies developed an appropriate size for the women graduates.
Miniatures are reproductions of class rings made smaller to wear as engagement rings.
They symbolize the same ideals, customs, and traditions as class rings and are given not in a sense of parting with the ring, no more than a man would part with his class ring, but, rather, as an engagement ring for one who will share in army life the ideals, traditions and customs that the class ring symbolizes. It should never be given with any lack of discrimination, and only with a full appreciation of what the pin represents to the Corps and West Point. It was traditional that plebes would prepare a skit for the first dinner after the First Class received their rings. The theme revolved around the plebes inspection and admiration of the new rings and the faux destruction of the table commandant's ring. The event actually made one plebe a legend in his own time.