Every piece made by hand, to order, in our American workshopMade by hand, to order, in the USABegin a commission
Ahern & BruckerGoldsmiths

Submariner Edition · Dolphins

The Submarine Chief ring

Our Chief's ring with hand-carved 18k dolphins inlaid at each side — red gold to starboard, green gold to port.

  • Hand-carved 18k dolphins
  • Red to starboard, green to port
  • 8 additional pieces
  • CPO, SCPO or MCPO
Submariner Chief Ring, by Ahern & Brucker
Submariner Chief Ring — view 2, by Ahern & Brucker
Submariner Chief Ring — view 3, by Ahern & Brucker
Submariner Chief Ring — view 4, by Ahern & Brucker
Submariner Chief Ring — view 5, by Ahern & Brucker

Dolphins, carved by hand

The Submariner edition adds hand-carved dolphins to each side: inlaid 18k dolphins in red and green gold, or white gold dolphins on a red or green gold backing, set red to starboard and green to port. The anchor is 18k yellow gold with white gold letter caps, and the Submariner work adds eight pieces to the ring.

Number 001

The first Submariner Master Chief ring was made for a Master Chief who had searched for two years for a ring to mark thirty years in the Navy: a palladium band with an 18k anchor, stars, letter caps, two dolphins with their four posts and three back plates.

Guide prices · October 2024

Choose your metal and edition

Three editions, identical in construction. Only the gemstones differ.

Men's sizes 9½ – 10: price by metal and edition, US dollars
Men's sizes 9½ – 10Basic EditionNo gemstonesStandard EditionLab-grown ruby, diamond & sapphirePremium 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

“The quality, detail and craftsmanship is sure to guarantee this ring will be passed down from generation to generation as the most sought after heirloom in our family. … The ring with the Master Chief anchor and dolphins on the side is elegant and understated and one of a kind, just what I wanted. The ring has a substantial weight but is so smooth and well balanced it is a joy to wear. … Much cheaper rings can be found but this is a classic example of, "You get what you pay for", and I got every penny's worth.”
Craig K. — Submariner Master Chief ring No. 001, after thirty years in the Navy

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.

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No payment now. Bob confirms every detail and the price with you personally before Carol begins.

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 is palladium, and what platinum do you use?

Palladium is a white metal priced between sterling silver and 18k gold. Our platinum is PT950, a different metal from 18k gold; another grade can be used on request.

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.

Also made in our workshop

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