Edmonton-Based Jeweller Forges Historic Championship Ring for Women's Hockey Team
A remarkable piece of sports history has been crafted in Edmonton, as a local jeweller has created the championship ring commemorating the Minnesota Frost's back-to-back victories in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). Chau Lui, co-owner of the woman-owned Paris Jewellers, poured her heart and expertise into designing this significant symbol of female athletic achievement.
From Humble Beginnings to Championship Glory
"We grew up with very little, but we had a heart full of dreams, and I grew up seeing my mom work really hard," Lui shared, reflecting on her family's journey. This personal history of resilience and determination made the commission particularly meaningful for the Edmonton entrepreneur and her family-owned business.
A Ring Steeped in Symbolism and Story
The championship ring is a masterpiece of intentional design, telling the complete story of the Frost's remarkable season. Its most striking feature is a jagged purple icicled "F" formed with 26 purple amethysts, representing each player on the team. Additionally, 110 lab-created diamonds commemorate every goal scored throughout the championship year.
The side of the ring bears the engraving "BACK 2 BACK" alongside two Walter Cup trophies, celebrating the team's historic achievement of winning both the inaugural PWHL season and following it with another championship victory. Each ring is personalized with individual players' names and numbers, making them unique keepsakes for every team member.
Meaningful Coincidences and Powerful Messaging
In a beautiful alignment of symbolism, the team's purple color scheme coincides perfectly with the gemstone chosen for the ring. "Purple amethyst is the gemstone of strength, evolution and resilience," Lui explained. "I think that is just a testament of what they've done in women's sports."
The players received their rings during a private ceremony this week, marking a significant moment in women's hockey history. Frost general manager Melissa Caruso emphasized the deeper meaning behind these physical symbols, stating: "They symbolize teamwork, resilience and belief — both on and off the ice."
Building Legacy in a New Era of Women's Hockey
Caruso further elaborated on the ring's historical significance: "As we continue to establish the Frost's legacy in an incredible new era of women's hockey, these rings will be a piece of the history we're building and will be treasured by our players and staff for the special memories they bring back."
The PWHL, launched on January 1, 2024, has already made substantial impacts in professional sports. With eight teams across North America, the league has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women's hockey game. It was declared Sports Breakthrough of the Year by Sports Business Journal and ranked number one in Canada for corporate reputation in a Harris Poll.
A Personal and Professional Triumph
For Lui and her Edmonton-based company, being entrusted with creating this championship ring represents both a professional milestone and a personal triumph. Her family's own rags-to-riches story of immigration and success in Canada mirrors the determination and resilience celebrated in the ring's design.
The creation of these championship rings marks more than just another sports trophy — it represents the growing recognition of women's professional hockey, the power of female entrepreneurship, and the meaningful connections between athletic achievement and artistic craftsmanship. As these rings find their permanent homes with the Minnesota Frost players and staff, they will serve as enduring reminders of a groundbreaking moment in sports history, forged right here in Edmonton.
