The Official Graduation Collaboration to reimagine the University Ring
For more than a decade, Annotated Studios has collaborated with the University in an official design partnership to refine classic pieces of jewellery and put a fresh perspective on the Graduation Ring.
Crafted from timeless materials, each ring has been designed to reflect the time spent studying, blending individual accomplishment and memorable feelings with the history of the University. The close collaboration ensures that every item ordered raises money for the university.
Every ring in the collection is custom-made by hand, usually taking about eight to nine weeks. This offers customers the freedom to create their own unique ring, ensuring the fit and every detail is realised and specific to their personal style. The collection is in sterling silver and 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold to ensure they last a lifetime or more.
The Band Ring
Clean, considered and with an engraving that evokes a life long story.
Fresh and understated and with an engraving inspired by carvings into sandstone, the band ring differentiates itself from the collection for its fusion of simpler aesthetic sources. A ring that renews a perennial design: it is simple, modern and discreet, and yet manages to distinguish and celebrate your achievement.
Never crude, never loud, the band is an exquisite meeting of words and materials, imbued with your distinctive personality.
Combined with a subtle inside inscription these engravings will distil and honour your achievement.
Available in over 50 different combinations:
1_ Choose from four metals
2_Engrave on the outside with your university name, degree initials and year of graduation
3_Choose an optional stone to add a pop of colour
4_Engrave on the inside with a complimentary inside engraving
5_Choose from a range of optional bespoke options such as black rhodium plating or having a diamond set
The Seal Ring
A scaled-down design without sacrifice to sophistication.
This design is our "Staff Pick" the favourite of our design studio. The Seal can be worn on the any finger, but we favour the little one. It is an unpretentious design, with a versatile appearance that fits any occasion.
Available in over 10 different combinations:
1_ Choose from four metals
2_Engraved with the University's arms
3_Engrave on the inside with a complimentary inside engraving
4_Choose from a range of optional bespoke options such as black rhodium plating or having a diamond set
About the University's arms
The University's arms were adopted by the University around 1400 by which time a book was regarded as the appropriate central feature for a university. The heavy volume with clasps was useful in protecting its leaves and symbolical of its character as a treasure chamber of knowledge.
The origin of the three crowns is not known exactly but may be connected with Thomas Cranley, Warden of New College from 1389 to 1396 and Chancellor of the University in 1390, who adopted them for his personal use in c1386. They were also given by Richard II to Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, when he created him Duke of Ireland in 1386. Three crowns were also associated with King Edmund the Martyr, King Arthur and Jesus Christ.
The legend has had various forms. One of these, no longer in use, was Veritas Liberabit, Bonitas Regnabit, which may be translated as 'the truth will set (you) free, goodness will reign'. Veritas Liberabit may have been taken from the gospel of St John chapter 8, verse 32. The source for Bonitas Regnabit is unknown. Another legend previously in use was Sapientiae et Felicitatis, meaning 'of wisdom and happiness'.
The present legend, Dominus Illuminatio Mea (the opening words of Psalm 27, which may be translated as 'the Lord is my light'), was in at least occasional use by the second half of the 16th century. The current University device was designed in 1993.
The Signet Ring
Signet Rings, Reimagined - But Not Too Much. An all-time favourite.
The Oxford Signet Ring is intricately crafted and features in stunning detail the Oxford belted arms, your college (arms, year of founding & façade) and your year of matriculation or graduation.
Few pieces of jewellery can match the history of the signet. Of all designs of ring, it has been the one that has been worn continuously and that has maintained its symbolic value. From its earliest days, when few could write and the seals they bore were a distinguishing mark essential for governance and business, it has continued to endure. And in each age the signet has been reinterpreted; through the middle ages when heraldic shields and coats of arms were introduced, and on into the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when they became a symbol of gentlemanly ascensions to fortune by sword and wit and were venerated as heirlooms, to more recent reinterpretations when the signet has come to symbolise present-day moments of celebration and achievement.
Our signet design is firmly woven into these traditions. It stands above seasons and trends and continues to complement any occasion and style. In the spirit of our own times, our Graduation signet is simple, limiting the inscription to the bezel around the shield and the option of two discreet side panels referencing your degree on each shoulder of the ring. Utmost it has been designed to be beautiful and clearly express your achievement.
Available in over 10 different combinations:
1_ Choose from four metals
2_Optional side panels feature degree initials and year of graduation
3_Engrave on the inside with a complimentary inside engraving
4_Choose from a range of optional bespoke options such as black rhodium plating or having a diamond set
The Imperial Ring
Bold - and Just a Little Irreverent. Designed around a birthstone or gem that represents the University's colours
The history of the imperial ring dates back to the Roman times when it was used as a mark of honour and distinction. Unlike the signet, the imperial ring was always gold and set with a stone that had not been engraved. The shape of the ring, a circle reflecting endlessness, was also a sign of inviolable loyalty, and for centuries no ecclesiastical occasion was complete without the presence of the imperial ring.
Finally from the early 20th century, inspired by Art Deco and Modernism, the designs were revived and simplified: becoming more geometric, the lines clean and bold, the symbolism muted. So that eventually the rings themselves became valued for the meaning given them, not by interest groups, but by the individuals that wear them.
Our Imperial design, liberated from the rings traditional allusions, celebrates your achievement in the life and brilliance of the stone, while preserving the intrinsic qualities of its imposing classical shape, one recognizable to all generations.
The result it is a design that offers a rare fusion of colour and meaning.
Available in over 60 different combinations:
1_ Choose from four metals
2_Personalise the ring around a natural or synthetic gemstone
3_Optional side panels feature degree initials and year of graduation
4_Engrave on the inside with a complimentary inside engraving
5_Choose from a range of optional bespoke options such as black rhodium plating or having a diamond set