Blackhawks receive rings worthy of a champion

While the Chicago Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup in June was a thrilling achievement for a franchise that had gone 49 years without a championship, the rings they received to mark the accomplishment are stunning in their own right.

The complex ring crest features the iconic Blackhawks logo and recognizable Stanley Cup, fashioned in round brilliant and marquis cut diamonds against a background of 14-karat white gold. The diamond-covered top is framed on the left side by "STANLEY CUP" and on the right side by "CHAMPIONS" to record the Blackhawks' achievement.

They were handed out to players, coaches, equipment managers, trainers and medical staff Wednesday night during a private ceremony at a downtown restaurant. Included in the festivities was Kris Versteeg, who was traded to Toronto during the offseason.

Master jewelers at Jostens, which has produced championship rings for professional sports teams and athletes for over 60 years, collaborated with the Blackhawks to design and craft the rings.

One side design features seven baguette-cut rubies and two pear-shaped emeralds set in the shape of the Blackhawks' crossed tomahawks. The team logo is set against the background of a "C" formed in yellow gold and yellow diamonds to recognize the team's hometown and passionate fan base. Each ring is personalized with a player's name and respective number against an antique black background.

On the opposite side, a diamond-studded Stanley Cup and the 2010 season's motto: One Goal. The world famous cup is framed from top to bottom in fine detail with "Chicago Blackhawks" and the years 2010, 1961, 1938 and 1934 to document the team's championship history.

"We were honored to help the Chicago Blackhawks capture their story with a ring that reflects the team's memorable Stanley Cup season and their great tradition," said Chris Poitras, Jostens Director of Sports Marketing and Development. "Understanding the importance of the Blackhawks' iconic crest, Jostens' master jewelers took an innovative design approach to successfully detail important team symbols in a one-of-a-kind championship ring."

Intricate engraving on the inside of each player's ring adds to the distinctive design. The NHL shield and playoff team logos acknowledge the four playoff opponents and series' scores. The total weight of the championship ring is 91.0 grams and includes 404 diamonds and gemstones totaling approximately 8.00 carats.