<P> The Ring itself is small and understated, designed as a constant reminder, rather than a piece of jewelry . The Rings were originally hammered manually with a rough outer surface . The modern machined ring design is unique, a reminder of the manual process . Twelve half - circle facets are carved into the top and bottom of the outer surface, with the two halves offset by one facet radius . </P> <P> The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer is the ceremony where Iron Rings are given to graduating engineers who choose to obligate themselves to the highest professionalism and humility of their profession . It is a symbol that reflects the moral, ethical and professional commitment made by the engineer who wears the ring . The ceremonies are private affairs with no publicity . Invitations to attend are extended to local engineering alumni and professional engineers by those who are scheduled to participate . For some schools, the invitation to witness the ceremony is open to anyone in the engineering profession, and non-obligated engineers may not participate in the ritual . Some graduating engineers choose to receive a ring passed on from a relative or mentor, giving the ceremony a personal touch . </P> <P> Based upon the success of the Iron Ring in Canada, a similar program was created in the United States, where the Order of the Engineer was founded in 1970 . The organization conducts similar ring ceremonies at a number of U.S. colleges, in which the recipient signs an "Obligation of the Engineer" and receives a stainless steel Engineer's Ring (which, unlike the Canadian Iron Ring, can be smooth and not faceted). The first such ceremony occurred on June 4, 1970, at the Cleveland State University under the supervision of Lloyd Chancy . </P>

Where does the iron for the ring come from