The reigning world champion Seattle Seahawks sported new Super Bowl rings when they took the field against the Green Bay Packers, kicking off their season with a resounding win.
As for the ring itself, here are a few facts about the serious stunner by Tiffany’s: the Seahawk is made up of 65 round brilliant diamonds, with a neon-green tsavorite for its eye (the rare garnet is found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Madgascar). Another 87 pave-set diamonds are the bird’s backdrop. Some 12 diamonds glitter on the bezel, and a band of 40 blue sapphires encircles the table
This is Tiffany’s seventh ring. Jostens has designed 30 rings.
GIA Exhibit Developer McKenzie Santimer shared her thoughts on the ring: “It’s a real work of art. Setting 87 diamonds of various sizes on the table required considerable craftsmanship. Engraving the Space Needle, city skyline, and the small Lombardi Trophy on the ring’s side, shows the thought that went into personalizing the piece. It is a symbol of the team and Seattle – and a product of real thought and creativity.”
Numerous little details make the ring a highly symbolic piece of jewelry. Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
The inside of the ring has several special messages. There’s the final score of the big game: Seattle, 43; Denver, 8. The “12th Man” is a tribute to the team’s famously vocal and enthusiastic fans. “Leave no doubt 24/7” was a team motto.
Special messages line the inside of the ring. Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Coach Pete Carroll, key players, Team President Peter McLoughin, and General Manager John Schneider helped design the ring. Some 400 were made, which were given to team employees. Manufacturing time for each ring was 45 hours.
Max Unger, starting center for the team (jersey number 60), told GIA how the ring was presented:
“The coolest part was simultaneously receiving the rings with all my teammates. We were all seated by position group at our tables, and the rings were hidden in the table centerpieces. As soon as they told us where the rings were, the entire team got to experience the unveiling at the same time.”
Unger adds some last thoughts: “The ring is a symbol of a major accomplishment in sports. I have other rings from college, but none come close to the significance of this one. It’s something that will only get sweeter with time.”
Curious about the history and lore behind Super Bowl Rings? Don’t miss this related post on big ring bling.
Mount Rainer looms over Century Link Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
