For centuries, gold has symbolized wealth, beauty and permanence. But its origins lie not just in the Earth's crust or the ingenuity of ancient metalworkers — they go back more than 10 billion years, to some of the most violent and mysterious events in the universe. New findings from a team of astrophysicists, based on […]
What looked like a shiny piece of litter turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime treasure for one Minnesota man at Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. David DeCook, a longtime visitor to the park from Stewartville, MN, recently made headlines after discovering a stunning 3.81-carat brown diamond — the largest found at the […]
Welcome to Music Friday, where we highlight feel-good songs that feature jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in their lyrics or title. This week, we revisit Jason Mraz’s 2018 hit, “Have It All,” a bright, life-affirming anthem packed with positivity, wisdom — and a lyrical nod to diamonds. Inspired by a spiritual encounter with a Buddhist […]
A stunning representation of May’s official birthstone, the 37.8-carat Chalk Emerald stands out for its unparalleled combination of size, clarity, lush green hue and royal provenance. This exquisite gemstone, now housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, boasts the deep, velvety green color that is the hallmark of the finest […]
Ham, a 30-year-old performance artist from Maryland, has been garnering attention across major cities for his unique method of raising funds to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Alma. His platform? Quite literally, a small box on a street corner. His attire? Just underwear and socks. His mission? To crowdsource enough money to purchase […]
Mother’s Day 2025 is shaping up to be another strong season for jewelry sales, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Jewelry remains a top choice for gift-givers, with spending on the category expected to total $6.8 billion — outperforming special outings ($6.3 billion), gift cards […]
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in 2013, he immediately signaled a new papal era — one rooted in humility, modesty and simplicity. Nowhere was this more evident than in his choice of the papal ring. Rather than commissioning an ornate, solid gold Fisherman's Ring as tradition dictated, Pope Francis opted for a recycled […]
Welcome to Music Friday when we spotlight songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, we’re visiting Gwen Stefani’s heartfelt track “Rare,” in which the pop icon compares her longtime partner — country superstar Blake Shelton — to a sparkling sapphire. Originally released in 2016 as the final track on […]
In the world of gemology, few treasures rival the rarity and allure of a flawless diamond. But for entomologist Gianpiero Fiorentino, an equally thrilling find came not from the depths of the Earth, but encased in ancient fossilized tree resin: a 16-million-year-old “dirt ant” preserved in pristine Dominican amber. “Dirt ants are rare finds in […]
The average amount US consumers are spending on bridal/engagement jewelry has increased to $5,493 in 2025, up 2% from 2023, according to new research released by The Plumb Club. According to the survey, quality leads the way in purchase decisions, outperforming traditional motivators, such as price, design, uniqueness or even brand. The study revealed a […]