Iconic Jewelry Brands Also Make Some of the World's Most Coveted Trophies

No matter who you're backing for Super Bowl LIII, everyone can agree that the Vince Lombardi trophy is a work of art. In fact, this iconic award has been designed and produced by Tiffany & Co. since 1967, making it one of the most recognizable American pieces to grace any mantle, awards case, or vault.

But you don't have to be a professional athlete or actor to appreciate the beauty of a world-class trophy. Below, we take a look at a few of the incredible awards created by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Chopard—as well as a few of their most iconic wearable pieces—and admire the craftsmanship from these storied jewels in all materials, shapes, and sizes.

Vince Lombardi Trophy

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(Image credit: Getty Images | The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams fight for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIII.)

According to Tiffany, the company was commissioned to produce the trophy for the very first Super Bowl in 1967. Although the design has always featured a regulation-size football in kicking position, it was renamed in 1970 for the late Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, who led the Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowls.

Senior Director of Tiffany & Co. Dean Jansen, notes, “Tiffany & Co. takes pride in creating trophies that help athletes celebrate their triumphs. Through unparalleled design, superior craftsmanship and the finest materials, the Vince Lombardi trophy has been capturing the spirit of victory for over 50 years.”

Founded in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is responsible for the creation of numerous trophies, team rings, and awards spanning the fields of tennis, baseball, horse racing, and beyond. After nearly two centuries, it's clear that Tiffany's storied designs have permeated American culture, and is reflected in many of our favorite individual pieces pictured below.

Triple Crown Trophy

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(Image credit: Getty Images | New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller presents Penny Chenery with the Cartier Triple Crown trophy after her horse Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes in 1973.)

The Cartier Triple Crown Trophy is a three-sided vase, each face equally representing the three jewels of the crown to signify the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. Although no longer in use, Cartier was first commissioned by the Thoroughbred Racing Association to create the Triple Crown Trophy in 1950, as pictured above. 

Below, you may recognize some of Cartier's more recent designs: the Love Bracelet, Panthère de Cartier Ring, and the iconic Tank Watch. 

Palme d'Or

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Chopard | The Palme d'Or has been crafted by the Maison Chopard since 1998.)

Even the most amateur of film buffs will recognize the Palme d'Or, awarded to the best film at the Cannes Film Festival, including Taxi Driver (1976), Pulp Fiction (1994), and The Tree of Life, (2011). 

Last year marked two decades that the Maison Chopard has been producing this elegant trophy, which, according to the jeweler, is "meticulously made each year with Fairmined-certified ethical gold in its Haute Joaillerie ateliers." Notably, as of July 2018, Chopard began using exclusively ethical gold in its watch and jewelry creations, including the items below. 

Bonus

Did you know there is a special award presented at Cannes to two young actors called the Trophée Chopard? It was founded in 2001 and has been won by a number of today's biggest stars including Shailene Woodley, Ezra Miller, John Boyega, and Anya-Taylor Joy.

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(Image credit: Getty Images | Actors Shailene Woodley and Ezra Miller won the Cannes Film Festival Trophee Chopard in 2012.)

And, because all beautiful trophies deserve an equally remarkable case, check out the precision painting on the 35th America's Cup Trophy travel trunk made by Louis Vuitton.

A photo posted by on

If you're ready to be dazzled by more fine jewelry, we've got you covered: 

11 Classic Jewelry Trends That Never Lose Their Popularity

47 Everyday Jewelry Pieces to Buy When You're Bored

The Engagement Ring Style that Will Look Best on Your Finger

Drew Elovitz
Director of Content Strategy

Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously at Who What Wear as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.