Navy Chief Petty Officer Ring
From $2,271 · Guide price
US Navy Chief Rings
Navy Chief rings, made by hand for those who earned the anchor
Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief and Master Chief rings, built piece by piece in solid gold by Master Goldsmith Carol Ahern and made to your exact size.
- 18k gold fouled anchor
- USN letters capped, never plated
- 6 hand-set stones
- Made to order in the USA
How this ring began
In 2001 Carol made a ring for her uncle, Retired Navy Chief Patrick Ahern, who had looked for decades for one that properly represented his career. His brief was a ring that stood for the finest in American craftsmanship. That ring became our limited edition of Chief's rings, and it has been refined ever since.
Built, not stamped
Each ring is made by lost-wax casting and hand fabrication. The fouled anchor is 18k yellow gold; the USN letters are capped in sheet milled in our own shop from the same white metal as the band, not plated. A plate between anchor and base gives the emblem definition and a mirror backing.
The six gemstones — two rubies, two diamonds and two sapphires — are graded and matched by hand and set individually after casting, never cast in place. A Chief's ring in 18k weighs a little more than an ounce in a size 10½.
Choose your ring
Guide prices · October 2024
Choose your metal and edition
Three editions, identical in construction. Only the gemstones differ.
| Men's sizes 9½ – 10 | Basic EditionNo gemstones | Standard EditionLab-grown ruby, diamond & sapphire | Premium EditionNatural matched ruby, diamond & sapphire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling silver & 18k | $2,271 | $2,851 | $4,671 |
| Palladium | $5,145 | $5,725 | $7,545 |
| Platinum & 18k | $6,658 | $7,238 | $9,058 |
| Two-tone 14k gold | $6,891 | $7,471 | $9,291 |
| Two-tone 18k gold | $8,647 | $9,227 | $11,047 |
- Women's sizes 5 – 8
- Priced by metal on request. Standard stones add $400; Premium add $1,450.
- Side options (e.g. inlaid warfare badges) — men's
- + $1,100
- Side options — women's
- + $990
- Stars, each
- + $125
- Every ring is made to order, to your exact size.
- Final price depends on the size and weight of your ring and on gold and platinum prices at the time of your order.
- Premium stones are two rubies, two diamonds and two sapphires; other combinations are available.
- Shipping and insurance are added at cost.
- Current lead time is four to six weeks — please order well ahead of a pinning or retirement.
In their own words
“I could hardly believe my eyes when I opened the box that held my CPO RING. It took my breath away! … I received the ring as a gift from my family when I was recently promoted to Navy Chief. I wear the ring with great pride.”
“I just wanted to say that I have waited 10 years for this ring. I have looked at every chiefs ring on the market and was about to buy one of the others, until I saw yours online. … This ring even looked better than the pictures. I cant believe you could get such detail in a piece of jewelry. … Carol you are an amazing artist and should be commended on the fine works of art that you create for us.”
“This was a retirement gift to myself and when it came in the mail, I was shocked at how beautiful my ring is. The on-line photographs just don't do it justice! I am so proud to wear it on a daily basis. It is a reminder of 22 great years as a Hospital Corpsman. … I would recommend this to all my fellow CPOs! NAVY CHIEF, NAVY PRIDE!”
“I just got it today! Thank you so much, its beautiful! He loves it thank you. All of his groomsmen were very jealous…”
“The ring arrived to day and I have one word "STUNNING"!! It is far better then I expected. True a work of art. … The turn around was very fast too!”
Order request
Start your ring
Tell us the rank, metal and edition you have in mind and when you need it. Bob will reply personally to confirm every detail and the price. There's no payment and no obligation until you've agreed.
Rather talk? Text or call Bob on 503-501-7902.
Questions, answered
What is the difference between the Basic, Standard and Premium Limited editions?
Only the gemstones. The Basic Edition has none. The Standard Edition uses lab-grown stones, the best that can be made by man. The Premium Limited Edition uses natural, matched stones of the highest grade, which carry a substantial premium. Otherwise the rings are identical.
What gemstones are used, and how large are they?
A standard set is two rubies, two diamonds and two sapphires. For a size 10 ring each stone is 3 mm and weighs about 10 to 12 points. Our diamonds are VS G at the lowest; VVS D to E and hearts-and-arrows VVS1 D/E are available, the latter at roughly twice the price. We use an SI stone only if it is the customer's own and of great sentimental value.
What metals are the anchor and letters?
Every anchor is 18k yellow gold. The USN letters are capped in the same white metal as the ring: platinum on a platinum ring, palladium on a palladium ring. This can be changed on request.
What if I advance in rank?
We will replace your emblem with the new one and refinish the ring to new condition for a nominal charge.
How long does a ring take?
Our most recently stated lead time is four to six weeks; at busier times we have quoted six to eight. New badges and insignia take longer. Please order well ahead of your date; we can occasionally accommodate a rush.
How is payment handled, and what does it cost beyond the ring?
We accept personal check, bank wire and PayPal. There is no charge for checks or wires; checks need time to clear. PayPal fees are passed on at our cost, and credit card transactions carry a 2.5% charge. There is no sales tax in Oregon. Earlier price lists included USPS Registered Priority Mail; the most recent lists shipping and insurance separately.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. We can divide the price into three or more equal monthly payments without interest, and ship the ring when the balance is paid.
Also made in our workshop