Cubs fans have been snapping up their own championship rings, and the most expensive version sold out Friday morning.
A representative of ring manufacturer Jostens told Inc. that sales of Cubs-related jewelry have more than doubled that of any previous World Series winner after one week on the market.
Players received their official rings, made by Jostens with 108 diamonds and other gems and presented to them by 20 fans, on April 12. Fan rings were offered the same day online at the Cubs partner’s store at the Park at Wrigley.
“There is a significance to this championship,” said Chris Poitras, vice president of Jostens’ college and sports division. “That has really been something that has allowed fans — not only in that community but around the United States — to celebrate with some great items. And the ring and the jewelry piece of it has been unique.”
Most people have purchased the $499 deluxe ring in either 10-karat white gold or sterling silver. The top ring, which goes for $10,800 and includes 144 diamonds, 55 sapphires and 13 rubies, was listed as sold out on Jostens’ website Friday. Only 108 of those were made.
Jostens created the same number of ring-top pendants (essentially, the crown of the “108” ring attached to an 18-inch chain) at the same price, and about 25 were left late Friday afternoon, Poitras said. “Sales are fairly brisk on that.”
On Friday, Jostens tweeted a link to a $6,500 premium ring, which isn’t limited but has some key differences from the players’ official ring and the fan “108” ring. For example, the red “Cubs” and blue circle that form the bull’s-eye logo are made from solid, custom-cut stones. On the players’ rings, 33 rubies and 46 sapphires form the logo, which is surrounded by 108 diamonds on the bezel (the ring contains 214 diamonds at 5.5 karats).
Fan ring buyers can also have their name engraved on the side and a message inside the band.
“What I have been truly amazed by is there isn’t any commonality to it all, they really have been personal,” Poitras said. “I remember being in the store one night and a daughter walked in with her father who was in his mid-90s. He bought four rings: one ring for himself and three for each of his kids. … There were just so many unique personal stories of people wanting to celebrate with themselves, with their families.”