The Ring is Here
everything you need to know
Order → the ordering schedule and Herff Jones' ordering link
Design → the design of the ring and its hidden easter eggs
Gallery → a photo gallery of the ring in it's various materials and finishes
Delivery → the venue and details of Ring Delivery
Committee
The Ring Committee, or RingComm for short, comprises a committee of 12 MIT students who design their class’s Brass Rat and organize relevant events, including Ring Premiere and Delivery.
Katrina Li
Co-Delivery Chair
Course 8, 15
Burton-Conner
Bellevue, WA
History
we are the 97th brass rat
The tradition of the Standard Technology Ring, better known as the Brass Rat, began in the spring of 1929 when senior class president C. Brigham Allen assembled a team of 3 students from the classes of 1930, 1931, and 1932 to design an Institute approved ring. While deliberating over whether the ring should feature the Great Dome or the beaver, the first RingComm looked to the now-famous defense of the beaver by Lester Gardner, class of 1897. After considering the kangaroo and the elephant for MIT’s mascot, Gardner says that the Institute Committee landed on the beaver, whose “habits are peculiarly our own. The beaver is noted for his engineering, mechanical skills, and industry. His habits are nocturnal. He does his best work in the dark.”
Since then, the Brass Rat has undergone quite a few alterations. The bezel, shank, and seal were overhauled, the Boston and Cambridge skylines were added to the sides of the ring, and Premiere and Delivery were introduced in the late 20th century. The ring has been found on the John Harvard Statue, a cannon stolen from CalTech, and the finger of Tony Stark. Despite nearly a century of change, the Brass Rat remains at its core a celebration of our time at MIT.
FAQ
What if I can't make it to Delivery?
See the Delivery page for details.
What if I received my ring but have questions or need it resized?
Herff Jones will be on campus in the Student Center W20, Room 401, 11:00am - 4:00pm Monday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 7.
Additionally, please refer to the Herff Jones MIT warranty.
What if I missed Premiere?
We will be recording the event, but in order to preserve the secret of the Premiere tradition will not be distributing the video. If you want to see the recording, please come to Ring Ordering in W20 after Premiere. We will be playing the presentation on loop for people to watch while they wait in line.
Additionally, we have decided to hand out any leftover gift bags on a first come first serve basis at Ring Ordering. Finally, we will be doing giveaways all day on Sunday and to the first people who arrive on Monday-Wednesday. So please, come to Ordering to get some free merch!
Can I make changes to my order after it's been placed?
Yes! See details on the order page.
What's a companion ring?
If you purchase a gold ring, you may purchase an Utrium companion ring for $92.50 off, bringing the price of an Ultrium ring to $92.50 and Ultrium PVD to $222.50. Your ultrium ring is worn every day, while your gold ring is worn to all of your special occasions and alumni events.
How many students buy a ring?
Data from the class of 2025: 98% of the class buys a ring. 74% buy a gold and companion ring together. Of gold ring purchases, 80% are yellow gold, 10% are white gold, and 10% are rose gold. Of gold ring purchases, 50% are 14K, 20% are 18K, and 30% are 10K. Less than 5% of the class purchases an extreme silver ring. With gold + companion ring purchases, most keep their gold ring natural, as Ultrium always has an antique finish.
What does the ring look like?
See the design of the ring and a photo gallery of various materials and finishes.
Who manufactures the Brass Rat?
RingComm has been working with Herff Jones to manufacture the Brass Rat for the last decade. The rings are produced at Herff Jones' site in Rhode Island.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you would like more information, you can email us at brassrat-2026@mit.edu, or contact our Herff Jones representative, Jeff Quirk, at jpquirk@herffjones.com, (401) 383-0028. Also, follow us on Instagram!