The creation of the Astros' first World Series championship ring was a "painstaking eight-week marathon of trial and error," and the end result consists of "3 ounces of white and yellow gold, 214 diamonds and a field of blue and orange sapphires," according to a front-page piece by David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The ring, presented to the team prior to their game last night against the Orioles, includes the "iconic orange and blue colors, the 'Houston Strong' motto that inspired the team ... the city skyline and the Commissioner's trophy." Minneapolis-based ring design firm Jostens College, Sports & Specialty Division VP & COO Chris Poitras said that Astros officials and designers went through "at least 10 permutations to come up the final model." Barron notes the Astros "plan over the next few days to distribute 1,332 rings, the second-largest team order" for Jostens, behind only the "1,900-plus ordered by the Cubs" for their '16 World Series title. Jostens also "produced 112 rings for sale to the public for $11,200 each." One of the 112 rings "will be auctioned, with the proceeds benefiting the Astros Foundation." Meanwhile, the player rings are "fashioned in 14-karat white gold with yellow gold accents, 214 diamonds totaling 10.55 carats, 16 blue sapphires and nine orange sapphires." The top of the ring "includes the Astros' 'H' logo, composed of 11 baguette diamonds to present 11 playoff wins, plus 101 diamonds -- one for each regular-season win." Fifty-six diamonds "encircle the top of the rings, representing 56 seasons" of MLB in Houston. The sides also "feature the player's name and number" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/4).
