Spring is a time for gardening, blossoms, and baseball. At American college and universities, it is also a time for commencement ceremonies. Students are recognized for their scholastic achievements as faculty and staff close out another academic school year. Family and friends applaud the graduates and celebrate their success. Students show their pride in having accomplished special status by wearing various commencement accessories bestowed by their institution and outside organizations: stoles, pins, medallions, and honor cords abound as students cross the stage with varying degrees of color and flair. Although it is interesting to observe the quantity and diversity of "academic bling," one has to wonder how a student can earn so much. How much does it cost? With so many students wearing it, is it really that special? (Contains 4 tables.)