Southern Jewelry News Jose Hess Design Launches Hockey Tribute Pin Celebrating Team USA’s Historic Gold Medal Wins

 In celebration of a landmark moment for American hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Jose Hess Design has introduced a revived Hockey Tribute Pin design, honoring the gold medal victories of both the U.S. women’s and men’s hockey teams. Designed as a unisex piece inspired by the form of a hockey stick, the commemorative pin blends sport heritage with the legacy craftsmanship of one of American jewelry design’s most influential figures.

The tribute pin connects a contemporary milestone in the sport with a historic moment in the brand’s own archives. In 1980, the late master goldsmith Jose Hess designed a special 14-karat gold and diamond hockey pin which was presented to the U.S. men’s hockey team during a press event in New York City, marking one of the earliest examples of a designer jeweler creating commemorative pieces tied to a major sports achievement.

Revived from the Jose Hess archives, this historic pin returns in the exact design created in 1980 for the U.S. Olympic hockey team for today’s collectors and fans. The unisex pin of 2026 is crafted in gold-plated sterling silver, echoing the look of Olympic gold medals, and is set with natural diamonds. The piece retains the sleek hockey-stick motif of the original while making the design more accessible through gold plating for a broader audience.

The launch also arrives at a moment when pins and brooches are experiencing a strong resurgence in fashion and jewelry. Across runways, red carpets, and retail, these versatile pieces have re-emerged as a key styling element for both men and women, worn on jackets, sweaters, hats, and bags. For jewelers, the category represents a growing opportunity as consumers rediscover the collectability and storytelling potential of statement pins.