A World Series ring so enormous King Kong would have to see his jeweler to have it sized down was officially unveiled at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Friday.
The replica of the Astros' 2022 championship bling made its debut alongside the team's 2017 edition, providing an awesome photo op for fans entering the stadium from Texas Avenue.
The rings appear to be about three feet tall and match the design of the originals, stone for stone. Each ring stands upright on a circular blue platform on which fans can climb to pose with the ring.
The festive unveiling, which took place from noon to 3 p.m. prior to the game against the Seattle Mariners, included appearances by the Astros' dance team — the Coca-Cola Shooting Stars — as well as the Shuttle Crew, a group of marketing professionals that manned the prize wheel and other activities.
Fans attending the event also got a chance to pose with the actual 2022 World's Series Trophy, which was placed on a podium between the two giant-sized rings.
The Astros' social media team promoted the installation with a Facebook photo caption that simply noted, "The newest addition on Texas Ave. outside of Minute Maid Park." The post was punctuated by an Engagement Ring emoji and a Star Eye emoji.
Crafted by Jostens in 14-karat white and yellow gold and hand-set with 679 diamonds and sapphires, the actual 2022 World Series ring celebrates the Houston Astros’ memorable season and ultimate triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Each 2022 ring features 591 round diamonds, 11 baguette-cut diamonds, 22 emerald-cut diamonds, nine custom-cut orange sapphires, two round orange sapphires, one star-shaped orange sapphire, 42 round blue sapphires and one star-shaped blue sapphire. The total weight of all the gemstones is approximately 15.30 carats.
By comparison, the Astros’ 2017 World Series ring — also designed by Jostens — tells the story of the franchise’s first-ever championship using 225 colorless diamonds, nine orange sapphires and 16 blue sapphires set in 14-karat white and yellow gold. Each ring glitters with 10.40 carats of genuine gemstones.
The Astros' are currently vying for another run at the championship. The team is 70-55, just behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West.
Credits: Giant ring replica images via Facebook / Astros. Actual ring photos courtesy of Jostens.