Tiffany & Co. has been designing the Vince Lombardi Trophy, given annually to the victorious team since the inaugural Super Bowl in 1967. Oscar Riedener, a former vice president of Tiffany & Co., sketched the original idea on a napkin while visiting Pete Rozelle, the then-NFL commissioner, in 1966.
For over forty years, Tiffany & Co. has been responsible for the Super Bowl trophy, which has become an emblem of the zenith of American football success. The NFL relies on the history of committed craftsmanship of the brand, hence the jeweler gets recognition by connecting its brand with a nationally known sporting event.
Tiffany & Co.’s Super Bowl Trophy: Manufacturing Details
The delicate process of making the Vince Lombardi Trophy takes around four months and requires about 72 hours of hard work. Crafted by a crew of six master craftsmen at Tiffany & Co.'s Cumberland, Rhode Island, hollowware facility.
The first step is shaping the sterling silver (92.5% silver and 7.5% copper) sheets into the shape of a standard-sized football using a lathe. To avoid cracking when shaping, it is essential to maintain a consistent thickness. To keep the football's pliability, the two halves are warmed, or annealed, before being connected.
The trophy gets its signature sheen once it has been polished after its initial shape. Additional elements, including the NFL shield, are engraved afterward. At its finished height and weight of 8.75 pounds, the product is 22 inches tall.
Tiffany & Co.’s Super Bowl Trophy Cost
Approximately $50,000 went into making the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The assessed value, nevertheless, is close to $10,000. Factors like skill, materials, and brand connection are to blame for the disparity between manufacturing cost and appraised value.
Final Thoughts on Tiffany & Co.’s Super Bowl Trophy
Among athletic trophies, the Vince Lombardi Trophy is special as the victorious team keeps it every year. Following the presentation, the trophy is returned to Tiffany & Co. so the winning team may have information etched on it.
The trophy, in a nutshell, is an embodiment of history, artistry, and fashion. Created by Tiffany & Co. using a meticulous technique that has been fine-tuned for decades, it represents success in American football.