Following the directions of the Griffins’ unique design, Terryberry produced a blockbuster ring to commemorate the team’s Calder Cup championship. To capture the organization’s first 1 Calder Cup, the Griffins followed a long and arduous process that covered 100 games: 76 regular seasons contests on the way to a Midwest Division title, and 24 playoff games – just two fewer than the maximum – to eliminate Houston, Toronto, Oklahoma City and Syracuse. To commemorate this championship, Grand Rapids-based Terryberry relied on a long and time-honored process to create the rings that were awarded to Griffins 3 players, coaches and staff, as well as Red Wings hockey operations personnel. Twenty-five Terryberry employees worked on each ring, which feature 73 gemstones set in and around the base, and spent up to 15 hours producing each ring over a two-week period. 1. Before production of the ring began, the actual design is mapped out in CAD. This allows Terryberry to create a gemstone map, along with other details, to ensure the look of the final piece adheres to the unique Griffins specifications. 2. Personalized inserts are created so that each ring can be customized for the recipient, including their last name and jersey number or position. 3. Rings are formed in wax prior to the casting process. 4. Wax versions of the Griffins’ rings are set into a tree 30
Photos by Randy Cleves
2
4
formation as part of the casting process. 5. Casting gold comes in the form of small round pellets, which melt quickly to ease the casting process.
5
6
7
8
6. The casting process uses space created by wax to produce cavities that are filled with precious metal. 7. Flasks full of white investment are put into the casting oven for an extended period of time and heated to more than 1,000 degrees. 8. Terryberry uses heat to manipulate rings and ensure a sensational finished product. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2013 Calder Cup Champions