History and Highlights of Washington Redskins Super Bowl Jewelry for Collectors

The History of Redskins Jewelry

The Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders, have a long and storied history in the National Football League. As one of the league's oldest franchises, the team has accumulated a passionate fan base and plenty of memorable moments over the decades. For fans, Redskins jewelry has become a popular way to celebrate the team's legacy and show their pride and loyalty.

The Redskins were founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves. The name was changed to the Boston Redskins in 1933 before the team moved to Washington DC in 1937. Over their 90-year history, the Redskins have won five NFL championships including three Super Bowls. They have had dozens of standout players as well, from Hall of Famers like Sammy Baugh, Darrell Green, and Art Monk to more recent stars like Robert Griffin III.

Super Bowl Rings

Without a doubt, the crown jewels for any serious Redskins jewelry collection are Super Bowl rings. The team has won Super Bowls in 1983, 1988, and 1992. Getting an authentic player's Super Bowl ring is incredibly rare, but replica rings are popular for collectors and fans.

Super Bowl XVII in 1983 marked the Redskins’ first championship in 40 years. Running back John Riggins was the standout player and Super Bowl MVP. The rings featured a burgundy stone in the middle with the Super Bowl trophies on either side surrounded by diamonds. “World Champions” was inscribed around the top.

Their second Super Bowl win came in 1988 against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. Doug Williams orchestrated a historic 35-point second quarter to rout the Broncos. The Super Bowl rings had a diamond-covered Redskins helmet on top with the Lombardi trophies on either side and “World Champions” around the edge.

The team’s most recent Super Bowl victory was in 1992, thrashing the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in Super Bowl XXVI. Mark Rypien won MVP honors for his near-flawless performance. The rings featured three Super Bowl trophies surrounded by diamonds with each player’s name and number.

Championship Rings

Beyond the Super Bowl titles, Redskins fans also celebrate the franchise’s five NFL championships. They won back-to-back titles in 1937 and 1942 under Hall of Fame coach Ray Flaherty. Star players like Sammy Baugh were keys to those championship teams.

The team later won NFC Championships in 1972, 1982, and 1987. While Super Bowl rings are the most coveted, championship rings hold significance as well in Redskins jewelry collections. The designs vary for each one, often including the championship trophy surrounded by diamonds and stones in the official burgundy and gold colors.

Collectible Redskins Jewelry

Beyond the massive rings, Redskins jewelry comes in many collectible forms. Cufflinks, watches, bracelets, pendants, and earrings featuring the team's logo make for popular accessories. Many items incorporate real or faux diamonds in the official burgundy and gold colors. Signed memorabilia like autographed helmet replicas with jewelry also hold great value.

Rarities like game-used jewelry containing real stones or metal from old RFK Stadium are at the pinnacle for collectors. Lesser known players and coaches also have their own Redskins jewelry that sometimes makes its way to the public through card shows or auctions.

Vintage Redskins Jewelry

Vintage Redskins jewelry offers a nostalgic look back at the team’s past. Items from the team’s early days in the 1930s and 1940s are scarce, making them highly desirable to collectors. Memorabilia from standout players of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s is more accessible.

Signed jewelry and rings from Redskins greats like quarterback Sonny Jurgensen or wide receiver Bobby Mitchell have historical significance. Prices vary widely based on the player, condition, and provenance of the item. Game-worn vintage jewelry or NFL championship rings are the most covetable for serious collectors.

Authenticating Redskins Jewelry

Given the demand for Redskins memorabilia, buyers need to beware of potential fakes or counterfeit items. When searching for authentic Redskins rings or jewelry, focus on sellers with strong reputations and certified authenticity.

Hallmarks like the official NFL or team logos can help identify real jewelry. Comparison to catalog images of past Super Bowl or championship rings can also validate authenticity. Acquiring rings or jewelry directly from former players, their families, or reputable dealers is ideal.

Third-party authentication services like JSA, PSA/DNA, and Beckett can formally certify the authenticity of Redskins jewelry. This includes examining traits like style, design, materials, and provenance. Their certification often increases value substantially.

Spotting Fake Redskins Jewelry

Some clear signs of counterfeit Redskins jewelry include:

• Poor craftsmanship and low-grade materials
• Inaccurate or misspelled designs/inscriptions
• Modern era designs sold as "vintage"
• Evidence of tampering with hallmarks or logos
• Unrealistically low prices from suspicious sellers

Advances in manufacturing techniques also mean high-quality fakes are making their way to market. Scrutinizing details and only buying from reputable sources give the best protection.

Collecting Strategies

For serious collectors, focusing on a particular era or group of players is a common strategy. Building a collection around one of the championship teams or a specific position like quarterback can provide cohesion.

Collecting by style is also an option, like focusing exclusively on rings, signed helmets, or cufflinks. Having a wide range without a specific focus works too, letting you pursue intriguing items as they become available.

Setting a clear budget and sticking to it helps avoid overspending. Collectors should still expect to pay several thousand dollars at minimum for most authentic Super Bowl rings or high-end memorabilia.

Patience and persistence are also important. Some specific items only become available a few times a year, so staying engaged with the market is key. Building relationships with sellers can help collectors get first notice of new inventory.

Is Redskins Jewelry a Good Investment?

Like other sports memorabilia, Redskins jewelry offers both enjoyment for fans and real potential as an investment. The franchise's storied history and passionate collector base create solid demand.

Items linked to key moments or legendary players have the most value. Signed merchandise and game/championship rings are more likely to appreciate over time than mass-produced collectibles.

Factors like condition, rarity, player fame, and authentication all impact price. Taking good care of the jewelry and displaying it nicely maintains its worth. As with any investment, buyers need to research market values thoroughly.

In the end, Redskins jewelry lets fans celebrate the team's legacy while potentially owning a piece of history. For collectors willing to make the investment, it can be a meaningful and financially prudent way to cherish the burgundy and gold.

FAQs

How many Super Bowl rings do the Redskins have?

The Redskins have won three Super Bowls - after the 1982, 1987, and 1991 seasons. So there are three different Redskins Super Bowl ring designs from their franchise history.

What is a typical price range for a Redskins Super Bowl ring?

Authentic player Super Bowl rings can sell for anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the player and the ring's history. Replica rings are much more affordable in the $100 to $500 range.

Where is the best place to buy Redskins jewelry?

For authentic gear, focus on reputable sports memorabilia dealers who can provide documentation. Also look for items directly from former players or their families. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true on random resale sites.

Should Redskins jewelry be appraised for insurance?

It's a good idea, especially for valuable Super Bowl rings and other rare items. Having an official appraisal establishes a value for insurance claims if the jewelry was lost, stolen, or damaged.

How can you tell if Redskins jewelry is authentic versus fake?

Look for crisp, high-quality craftsmanship, proper team/NFL marks, and unique details matched to reference images. Authentication services like JSA and PSA/DNA can fully vet the item's legitimacy and provenance.