Jostens, the leading provider of high-end custom jewelry for professional sports teams, today delivered the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Championship Ring at Wrigley Field, ushering in a new era for Cubs baseball. The ring commemorates the Cubs' historic 2016 season and celebrates the team's World Series victory.
The rings were presented to the players by 20 fans, serving as honorary "Championship Ring Bearers," who were selected from more than 1,500 video nominations by family members, co-workers and friends in the offseason.
"Jostens is truly honored to partner with the Chicago Cubs as the official jeweler and designer of this historic World Championship Ring," said Chris Poitras, Jostens Division Vice President, College & Sports. "We felt that we had a great responsibility, not only to the Cubs organization, but to Cubs fans around the world, to create a once-in-a-lifetime ring. This iconic piece of jewelry uses stunning craftsmanship to tell the unforgettable story of the Cubs' World Series victory, which now takes its prominent place in history."
"It was truly an honor to help design the first World Series ring in franchise history, and our family is thrilled to reward those who contributed to this long-awaited championship," added Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. "It's fitting the players who completed the greatest journey in sports were presented with their rings by some of the greatest fans in all of sports this evening."
The Chicago Cubs World Championship Ring is made from 14-karat white gold. Its top features the traditional Cubs bullseye logo, masterfully crafted from 33 custom-cut genuine red rubies that are surrounded by 72 round white diamonds, all within a circular perimeter made up of 46 custom-cut, genuine blue sapphires. The bezel is surrounded by 108 round white diamonds lifting the Cubs logo to victory and signifying the end of a historic 108-year championship drought. Overall, the ring contains 214 diamonds at 5.5 carats, 3 carats of genuine red rubies and 2.5 carats of genuine sapphires.
One side features the player's name set atop the iconic W Flag, which is created from 31 round white diamonds and a fire blue corundum understone that forms the "W." Silhouette images of Wrigley Field's bricks and ivy surround the flag and the player’s number, which sits below the flag.
The other side features the year 2016 above the iconic Wrigley Field façade and Marquee, displaying the message "CUBS WIN!" A silhouette of the World Series Trophy sits below the Marquee with a large round white diamond set in the center, signifying the 2016 World Series victory. Two princess-cut diamonds flank the trophy, representing the team's two previous World Series titles. Wrigley Field's bricks complete the background.
On the palm at the bottom of the outer band is the team’s rally cry, "WE NEVER QUIT." On the inside of the ring is a custom triple arbor that features the local date and time the championship was won – "11-3-16, 12:47 am" – and the series scores and logos of the three teams the Cubs defeated on their epic journey to becoming 2016 World Series Champions. An image of the infamous goat representing a supposed franchise curse is included on the inner band.
Jostens is also proud to partner with the Cubs on a brand new retail store concept for sports collectibles and memorabilia. The Jostens Store at The Park at Wrigley is a first-of-its-kind partnership between a professional sports team and a jewelry manufacturer that provides a retail shopping experience for fans, offering heirloom-quality jewelry items and other sports memorabilia. The store will feature collections for all members of the Cubs family. Fans can shop for exclusive items that commemorate the Cubs' World Series victory, including the Limited Edition "108 Ring" – of which there are only 108 available, and include many of the elements featured in the Player's Championship Ring. The collection of rings, pendants, bracelets, cufflinks, charms, paperweights, apparel and other keepsakes includes items across all price points to allow every fan to share in the Cubs 2016 World Series Championship.
The Jostens Jewelry Store at The Park at Wrigley opened to fans this evening immediately following the ring ceremony, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Fans from around the country can also view the collection and order 24/7 online at www.jostens.com/cubsfan.
Founded in 1897, Jostens has produced championship rings for professional sports teams and athletes for more than 60 years. In addition to collaborating with the Cubs, Jostens has partnered with other Chicago-based teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, creating a total of 11 rings for those organizations.
About Jostens
Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, Minn., Jostens has produced championship rings for college and professional sports teams and athletes for more than 60 years. The business is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channel, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company’s products include yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments. Jostens is a subsidiary of Newell Brands and can be found online at www.jostens.com.
About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, Jostens®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Waddington and Yankee Candle®. For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play.
This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company’s website, http://www.newellbrands.com.