World Series Rings and the Business of Championship Jewelry
The first World Series was played in 1903. The winning team received no rings. The modern tradition of elaborate, diamond-encrusted championship rings did not take shape until the mid-20th century.
The first World Series was played in 1903. The winning team received no rings. The Boston Americans were given pocket watches. The practice of awarding championship rings began informally in the early 20th century, with teams commissioning simple gold bands or pins for their players. The modern tradition of elaborate, diamond-encrusted World Series rings did not take shape until the mid-20th century, and by the 2000s, the rings had become as much a statement of organizational wealth as a symbol of achievement.
The design process begins shortly after the final out. The winning team works with a jeweler, traditionally Jostens or Tiffany & Co., though Balfour and other companies have also been involved. The team's front office collaborates on the design, which typically incorporates the team logo, the championship year, the player's name, and often references to specific achievements or milestones from the season. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other stones are set into gold or white gold settings.
The rings have grown larger and more extravagant over the decades. The 1927 Yankees received simple gold bands. The 2023 Texas Rangers received rings containing more than 400 stones. The cost per ring ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $40,000 for the most recent designs.
Who receives a ring is determined by the team. Players on the postseason roster receive them automatically. Players who were on the regular-season roster but traded or released before October usually receive one as well, though the ring may be a slightly smaller "staff" version. Coaches, trainers, front-office employees, clubhouse attendants, and in some cases team physicians, scouts, and even family members of the ownership group receive rings. The exact distribution varies by organization.
Some players keep their rings forever. Others sell. Financial difficulties, divorce, and personal preferences all contribute to rings reaching the auction market. A 1927 Yankees ring has sold for six figures. Modern rings from popular teams (the 2004 Red Sox, the 2016 Cubs) command premiums because of the emotional narratives attached to the championships.