Inside the Thunder’s Championship Necklaces Designed by Jostens
Chris Poitras, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Jostens’ Professional Sports Division, stands out as one of the most influential leaders in the world of championship jewelry. His work with winning franchises has helped define the visual language of triumph, including rings, pendants, and commemorative pieces that symbolize legacy for generations.
In an exclusive interview with LandonBuford.com, Poitras revealed a new perspective on one of Jostens’ most significant recent projects: the development of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship necklaces, which were created specifically for the wives and partners of the team. The pieces were gifted immediately following the team’s ring ceremony, sparking widespread admiration online, especially after Kourtney Kellar Hartenstein called the surprise ‘the best’ in a viral WAGTalk Instagram post.
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A Tribute to the Support System Behind Every Champion
An invisible support structure lies behind all grueling NBA seasons. Families, partners, and spouses assist players in navigating the emotional and physical demands of professional basketball. According to Poitras, the Thunder was aware of this truth from the beginning. The official championship rings design discussions naturally led to honoring those who supported the players daily. The necklaces were created as more than gifts. They were a declaration that championships are collective wins.
Designing a Piece Worthy of a Championship Legacy
Jostens designed every necklace to embody the spirit of the Thunder’s championship rings. The pendants incorporate the team’s colors, championship symbols, and signature aesthetic, while remaining elegant, wearable, and deeply personal. Customizing the back of each pendant with initials, dates, or heartfelt messages was an option for players, making each piece a meaningful keepsake. Poitras stressed that every detail was intentional, from the placement of stones to the composition of metals. The objective was to maintain the same elite standards as the team’s official rings while producing a stand-alone symbol of partnership and unity.
A New Standard in Appreciation
The Thunder’s decision to gift customized championship jewelry to its partners is a rare occurrence in professional sports, making it both innovative and culturally meaningful. Privately delivered by the organization to players, each pendant allowed them to surprise their partners in a personal and intimate way. Poitras’ reactions were both emotional and unforgettable. Partners felt seen. Players felt grateful. The Thunder demonstrated a powerful truth that championships go beyond the court. The franchise’s core values of gratitude, inclusivity, and shared achievement are reflected in this forward-thinking gesture. It’s essential for a franchise with a genuine vision to embrace recognition at this level, as Poitras pointed out. The Thunder didn’t just celebrate a championship. Everyone who made it possible was honored by them.
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