The NTH Ring (, first known as , also known as , , or ) is a ring worn only by graduates of the
Master of Science
A Master of Science (; abbreviated MS, M.S., MSc, M.Sc., SM, S.M., ScM or Sc.M.) is a master's degree. In contrast to the Master of Arts degree, the Master of Science degree is typically granted for studies in sciences, engineering and medici ...
in
engineering
Engineering is the practice of using natural science, mathematics, and the engineering design process to Problem solving#Engineering, solve problems within technology, increase efficiency and productivity, and improve Systems engineering, s ...
or
architecture
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and construction, constructi ...
programmes (formerly the ''
sivilingeniør'' or programmes), at the
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU; ) is a public university, public research university in Norway and the largest in terms of enrollment. The university's headquarters is located in Trondheim (city), Trondheim, with region ...
(NTNU), formerly known as
NTH (Norwegian Institute of Technology).
About 1,000 rings are sold per year.
Symbolism
The ring was designed by architectural student
Tormod Kristoffer Hustad, who won an international design competition for a symbol to represent the university in 1914.
The gold ball symbolises the globe, and the steel ring and posts represent the technology and scientific advances that "hold the Earth up".
Design and sale
The two components of the ring are made of 14 carat 585
yellow gold and
surgical steel (originally an iron alloy). As the metals have different melting points, they cannot be soldered or welded together, so the inner golden ring holds them together. Each ring is also individually numbered.
The ring is sold by two goldsmiths in
Trondheim
Trondheim ( , , ; ), historically Kaupangen, Nidaros, and Trondhjem (), is a city and municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. As of 2022, it had a population of 212,660. Trondheim is the third most populous municipality in Norway, and is ...
, Gullsmed Dahlsveen and Gullsmed Møller.
[{{Cite web , date=2015-08-02 , title=Norske studenter kjøper "vitnemål i gull" , url=https://e24.no/i/bK13PA , access-date=2024-01-07 , website=e24.no , language=nb] Gullsmed Dahlsveen had exclusive rights to production for over 50 years, and has been producing the ring since 1928.
Significance
Lise Lyngsnes Randeberg, a graduate of NTH, has said that the ring is a symbol of the completion of a long and challenging course of education and is particularly important for female engineers to show they can contribute professionally in a male-dominated environment.
See also
*
Class ring
In the United States and Canada, a class ring (also known as a graduation, graduate, senior, or grad ring) is a ring (jewellery), ring worn by students and alumni to commemorate their final academic year and/or graduation, generally for a high ...
*
Engineer's Ring
The Engineer's Ring is a ring worn by members of the Order of the Engineer, an American Fellow#Learned or professional societies, fellowship of engineers who must be a certified Regulation and licensure in engineering, Professional Engineer or gr ...
*
Doctoral ring
*
Iron Ring
*
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU; ) is a public university, public research university in Norway and the largest in terms of enrollment. The university's headquarters is located in Trondheim (city), Trondheim, with region ...
*
Norwegian Institute of Technology
The Norwegian Institute of Technology ( Norwegian: ''Norges tekniske høgskole'', NTH) was a science institute in Trondheim, Norway. It was established in 1910, and existed as an independent technical university for 58 years, after which it was ...
References
Rings (jewellery)
Academia in Norway
Norwegian University of Science and Technology