At Smash Design, we love pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in the world of branded art. From ideation to execution, each project allows us to explore new materials, techniques, and challenges. That was certainly the case with the giant 2024 World Series championship ring we crafted for the Texas Rangers!
A Baseball First
The Rangers’ first World Series championship was a landmark achievement for the whole state of Texas that demanded innovation, precision, and a sparkle of magic. To create a giant ring fans could touch and interact with, we had to try out some new techniques that have never been done before.
The genesis of this extraordinary project came when the Texas Rangers contacted Smash Design online. Known for our expertise in turning dreams into tangible art, we were approached to create a monumental homage to their victory—a giant sculpture of the 2024 World Series championship ring. Although the Rangers’ marketing team was very coy, we don’t think it hurt that we had previously created two colossal championship rings for the Rangers’ hated rivals, the Houston Astros!
Client Objective: A New Level of Quality
With that in mind, we decided to make the Rangers’ ring our best yet. So we devised a twist with this project. Aiming for a new level of authenticity and grandeur, we wanted the sculpture adorned with real gems. This was a departure into unchartered territory for us. Incorporating actual, sparkling 3D gems into a championship ring sculpture was something that had never been attempted before. Rising to the challenge, we worked to incorporate custom-made glass gems to mimic the radiant beauty of real jewels. Glass was the material of choice due to its durability and resistance to fogging, a crucial attribute for an installation intended to withstand outdoor conditions and the test of time.
Challenges: Thinking Outside the Jewelry Box
In order to pull it off, we had to actually think like jewelers! Did you know that diamonds’ beautiful sparkle actually comes from their cut, with the pointy end being key to light refraction? We didn’t—but we learned! We actually set and polished all of the glass stones in the ring by hand.
Crafting the World Series ring sculpture was a complex endeavor, woven into our schedule amidst multiple ongoing projects. It demanded our unwavering attention and ingenuity, especially in calculating the precise sizes of the gems and carving the intricate inset recesses to house them. The crafting process spanned a few intense weeks, testing our skills and creativity to their limits. It was carved in styrofoam, hard-coated and sanded by hand, and then finished with automotive paint. Everything was designed using 3D models of the actual championship ring straight from the famous jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills, ensuring that our sculpture was a true-to-life representation.
The sculpture was engineered to endure outdoor conditions and stand the test of time and interaction. It can be touched by thousands of fans weekly for years and was constructed with durability and portability in mind, promising to be a lasting emblem of triumph and unity for the Texas Rangers community. You can see and touch the ring now at Globe Life Field—be sure to take a selfie with it!
The Finished Product: A Celebration for the Fans
Ultimately, this World Series ring sculpture is not just a testament to the Rangers’ spirit and ambition but also a landmark project for Smash Design that showcases our versatility, creativity, and commitment to excellence in the realm of giant sculpture and branded art. It stands as a testament to our capabilities and the extraordinary possibilities when vision meets craftsmanship in the world of custom sculpture and design.
As we celebrate this monumental creation, we look forward to embarking on more challenges, pushing the boundaries of design, and continuing to transform spaces and brands with our unique blend of creativity and technical prowess. If you’re in need of some unforgettably eye-catching 3D art, contact us today! We’re ready to get started.