Morgan Park
High School
Championship Rings
Case Study
the case
Project Background: In 2017, the Morgan Park High School boys basketball team won the Illinois Class 3A state title. Due to financial constraints, the team was unable to afford championship rings. The community rallied to raise funds, but additional support was needed to meet the goal.
Objective: To design and provide championship rings for the Morgan Park High School boys basketball team, celebrating their victory and fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community.
Design Inspiration: The design was inspired by the Green Lantern rings, symbolizing strength, unity, and the power of community. The aim was to create a nontraditional and distinctive piece that would resonate with the team's identity and achievements.
Material Selection:
Black Cobalt: Chosen for its durability and modern aesthetic, representing resilience and endurance.
Stones: Green and orange stones were selected to match the team's colorway, ensuring the rings reflect Morgan Park High School's spirit.
Central Design Elements:
Basketball Hoop: The centerpiece features a basketball hoop with a diamond-like stone, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in basketball.
Color Integration: Surrounding the hoop are green and orange stones, creating a vibrant and eye-catching design.
Engravings and Personalization:
Side Engravings: One side of the ring features a mustang, the school's mascot, along with "MORGAN PARK 2017," commemorating the year of their triumph. The other side is engraved with "player's name and team record.
the case
study
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In 2017, the Morgan Park High School boys basketball team won the Illinois Class 3A state title. However, the team faced a significant challenge: they didn't have enough funds to purchase championship rings to commemorate their victory.
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Despite the community's efforts to raise money, there was still a shortfall. Recognizing the importance of celebrating the team's hard-earned success, I decided to step in and cover the remaining costs. Additionally, I took on the task of designing the rings, marking my first foray into jewelry design.
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My wife brought the situation to my attention through an article about the school's predicament. Inspired by the community's dedication and the team's achievement, I collaborated with Jostens, a distinguished name in jewelry design, to create unique championship rings for the team. Hannibal Burress also contributed to the cause, and his support was greatly appreciated.
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I drew inspiration from the Green Lantern rings, aiming for a nontraditional design. The rings were crafted from black cobalt and featured stones that matched the team's colorway—green and orange. The central design included a basketball hoop with a diamond-like stone, surrounded by green and orange stones. One side of the ring was engraved with a mustang and "MORGAN PARK 2017," while the other side featured the player's name and team record.
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Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the community, Hannibal Burress, and Jostens, the 2017 Morgan Park High School Basketball team received their well-deserved championship rings. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and the lessons I learned about jewelry design from Jostens have stayed with me.
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I extend my heartfelt thanks to Jostens for their invaluable assistance throughout the process. Congratulations to Coach Irvin, the team, the community, and the city of Chicago for this remarkable achievement.
Design
Philosophy
The design of the Morgan Park High School championship rings was inspired by the Green Lantern rings, symbolizing strength, unity, and the power of community. The goal was to create a nontraditional and distinctive piece that would resonate with the team's identity and achievements.
The rings were crafted from black cobalt, chosen for its durability and modern aesthetic. This material not only provides a sleek and sophisticated look but also represents resilience and endurance, qualities that the team demonstrated throughout their journey to the state title.
To honor the team's colors, green and orange stones were incorporated into the design. These stones were carefully selected to match the team's colorway, ensuring that the rings would be a true reflection of Morgan Park High School's spirit and pride.
The centerpiece of the ring features a basketball hoop with a diamond-like stone, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in basketball. Surrounding the hoop are green and orange stones, creating a vibrant and eye-catching design that celebrates the team's victory.
Each ring is personalized with engravings that highlight key aspects of the team's identity and accomplishments. One side of the ring features a mustang, the school's mascot, along with "MORGAN PARK 2017," commemorating the year of their triumph. The other side is engraved with "player's name and 26-6," recognizing each team member and the team's impressive record.
The design process was a collaborative effort with Jostens, whose expertise in jewelry design provided invaluable guidance. The lessons learned from this collaboration have left a lasting impact, enriching the understanding of jewelry design and craftsmanship. These lessons included the importance of precision in design, the significance of material selection, and the value of incorporating meaningful symbols and personalization to create a truly unique and memorable piece.
The rings are not just a symbol of victory but also a testament to the power of community support.
The collective efforts of the community, Hannibal Burress, and Jostens made it possible for the team to receive these rings, celebrating their hard-earned success and fostering a sense of unity and pride.
The rings are not just a symbol of victory but also a testament to the power of community support.
The Morgan Park High School championship rings are more than just symbols of victory; they embody the strength, unity, and community spirit that propelled the team to success.
Crafted from durable black cobalt and adorned with green and orange stones, the rings reflect the team's resilience and pride. The personalized engravings and intentional design elements, inspired by the Green Lantern rings, celebrate the team's identity and achievements.
These rings are a testament to the power of community support and the lasting impact of coming together to celebrate hard-earned success. Congratulations to the 2017 Morgan Park High School Basketball team, Coach Irvin, and the entire community for this remarkable achievement.
Adventure Awaits…
with love + imagination
-MR. TOMONOSHi!