Last week’s Magnificent Jewels sale at Christie’s New York dazzled collectors and historians alike, thanks in large part to the headline-grabbing success of the “Mughal Carved Emerald Necklace.” Estimated at $2 million to $3 million, the necklace sold for a staggering $6.2 million after a fierce bidding war, more than doubling its high estimate and cementing its place among the most important jewelry lots sold this year.



Dating back nearly 275 years, the necklace features five Colombian emeralds weighing a total of 1,178.50 carats. The centerpiece is a monumental 470-carat hexagonal emerald, intricately carved and bearing an inscription that reads “Ahmad Shah Durr-i Durran”—translated as “Pearl of Pearls.” Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the Durrani Empire, is a pivotal figure in South Asian history, and his name links this jewel to an elite lineage of imperial treasures.

Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry, emphasized the emerald’s historical magnitude: “This extraordinary provenance places the emerald alongside legendary treasures such as the Timur Ruby and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.”

Indeed, all three bear similar royal inscriptions, speaking to their shared trajectory through the Mughal and Persian courts, where power and gem collecting were tightly interwoven.

The necklace’s provenance adds to its mystique. It was part of the Mughal imperial treasury looted in 1739 by Nader Shah of Persia, whose conquest of Delhi resulted in one of the most dramatic transfers of wealth in history. Nader Shah’s haul famously included the Koh-i-Noor diamond, and now, it’s confirmed, this emerald necklace as well.

The piece was offered as part of the “Magnificent Mughal Jewels: Property from a Royal Collection” grouping, which realized a total of $14.8 million. Two other standout pieces also surpassed expectations:



The Mughal Antique Multi-Gem and Emerald Necklace, featuring nearly 800 carats of emeralds and intricate goldwork, fetched $5.56 million. This necklace carried a pre-sale high estimate of $3 million.



The Mughal Three-Strand Spinel and Natural Pearl Necklace, showcasing over 2,000 carats of spinels and historically inscribed gems, brought in $3.01 million, surpassing its pre-sale high estimate by just over $1 million.

The exceptional auction results reflect a growing global appetite for museum-quality jewels with royal provenance — especially those tied to South Asia’s imperial past. As Christie’s noted, these pieces are not only wearable masterpieces, but tangible links to empires long vanished, yet still glittering with relevance today.

Credits: Images courtesy of Christie’s, photography by Steven DeVilbiss.

Platinum is enjoying a powerful rally in 2025, recently topping $1,330 per ounce — a 10-year high and a 44% gain since the start of the year. The price surge has been fueled by rising industrial demand, supply constraints and renewed investor interest. Despite this momentum, platinum still trades at less than half the price of gold, which is currently valued at $3,335 per ounce.



This price disparity is striking, especially considering platinum’s former status as the more precious of the two. Back in March 2008, platinum reached an all-time high of $2,192 per ounce — more than double gold's price at the time. But while platinum has struggled to reclaim its historical premium, gold has soared, driven by its safe-haven appeal in times of global economic uncertainty.

Yet, for consumers shopping for fine jewelry, the story isn't so straightforward.

Platinum jewelry often carries a price tag equal to — or even higher than — gold jewelry, especially when compared to 14-karat gold. That’s because platinum is far denser and purer. A platinum ring is approximately 60% heavier than the same ring in 14K gold, and while 14K gold is only 58.5% pure, most platinum jewelry is 90–95% pure and alloyed with costly platinum-group metals, such as iridium or ruthenium. In contrast, 14k gold is alloyed with affordable metals, such as copper, silver or zinc.

In short, you may pay more for a platinum piece, not because the raw metal is pricier per ounce, but because there’s simply more of it — and it’s of higher purity.

Platinum is also prized for its durability, strength and hypoallergenic properties. Its density offers superior security for gemstones, and its resistance to wear makes it ideal for heirloom-quality pieces. Jewelers note that working with platinum requires more skill and heat than gold, which also adds to the craftsmanship cost.

So while platinum may currently trail gold in commodity markets, platinum’s great look, toughness, purity and performance keep it a precious — and practical — choice for fine jewelry.

Credit: Photo by Chip Clark / Smithsonian; U.S. Geological Survey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

In a monumental development that could reshape the global gold industry, China announced the discovery of a “supergiant” gold deposit beneath the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County, Hunan province.



Estimated at a staggering 1,000 metric tons of gold ore — and potentially more — the discovery could eclipse South Africa’s South Deep Mine, long considered one of the world’s largest known reserves.

Valued at approximately $83 billion, this central China discovery may be the most valuable single gold deposit ever recorded. Using advanced 3D modeling and deep-core sampling, geologists identified more than 40 gold veins stretching to depths of 6,600 feet (2,000 meters). Preliminary models now suggest the deposit could extend even deeper — to nearly 9,800 feet — and hold as much as 1,100 tons of gold ore.

Adding to the excitement is the exceptionally high ore grade. Some samples returned readings of 138 grams (about 5 ounces) of gold per metric ton, nearly 17 times higher than what’s typically considered high-grade in the gold mining industry.

“Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold,” Chen Rulin, a lead geologist with the Hunan Province Geological Bureau, told Chinese state media.

The discovery comes amid a wave of gold exploration successes in China, with over 2,000 tons reported across the country in the past six months.

The Wangu field deposit is likely to further solidify China's position as the world's top producer of gold. According to 2023 statistics published by the World Gold Council, China accounts for approximately 10% of global output.

Experts believe that the true impact of the Hunan province gold discovery will unfold over years, as deeper exploration confirms the full scale and viability of the deposit.

As gold continues to play a central role in the jewelry industry, investment markets and national reserves, China’s golden dragon under Hunan may well define a new era in global mineral wealth.

Credit: Illustration by The Jeweler Blog using Microsoft’s AI image generator.

As the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada's Northwest Territories enters the final stretch of its operational life, it continues to surprise with dazzling discoveries—none more unexpected than a vivid purple diamond recovered just weeks ago. Weighing 0.45 carats, the rare gem stands out for its striking hue, a dramatic departure from the white and occasional yellow stones Diavik is known for.



Rio Tinto, the mine’s operator, revealed the find in a social media post in late May, describing it as a “unique discovery” and “pleasant surprise.” Scientifically significant and symbolically poignant, the purple diamond serves as a brilliant reminder that nature still has secrets to share — even from a mine that has delivered more than 140 million carats since opening in 2003.

Colored diamonds make up less than 1% of Diavik’s total output. Among those, purple is the rarest hue of all.

Experts attribute the purple hue to trace hydrogen elements or distortions in the diamond’s crystal lattice— a formation anomaly caused by immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth’s mantle. These same lattice defects give purple diamonds their distinctive and elusive coloration.

Rio Tinto classified the rough purple diamond as “makeable,” indicating it has the right proportions and clarity to be cut into a single polished gem. While Rio Tinto has yet to announce the stone’s future — be it auction, private sale or museum display — the discovery has already captivated collectors and scientists alike.

This isn't the first time Diavik has delivered a showstopper in its twilight years. In April of this year, the mine revealed a massive 158.20-carat yellow diamond — one of the largest ever unearthed in Canada. That find echoed Diavik’s legendary 2018 discovery of a 552.74-carat yellow diamond, which was later cut into the 204-carat “Dancing Sun” and sold at Christie’s for nearly $5 million.

With commercial production at Diavik slated to end in early 2026, these final discoveries feel like nature’s encore — unexpected treasures from a remote sub-Arctic mine that continues to defy expectations. Harsh terrain, extreme temperatures and two decades of mining have not dulled Diavik’s capacity to astonish.

Credit: Purple diamond image via Facebook / Diavik Diamond Mine.

Welcome to Music Friday, when we spotlight songs that sparkle with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals. Today, we rewind to 1970 and revisit a classic Jackson 5 hit that features a very young Michael Jackson grappling with young love — and a not-so-loyal sweetheart — in “The Love You Save.”



Twelve-year-old Michael sings about giving a promise ring to a girl who just can’t stop chasing other boys, even as they grow up. The lyric: “When we grew up you traded / Your promise for my ring / Now just like back in grade school / You’re doin’ the same old thing.”

Released in May 1970, “The Love You Save” became the third of four consecutive No. 1 hits for The Jackson 5 that year, joining “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” These songs remain staples in Jackson 5 medleys and greatest-hits collections.

The song opens with a bold “Stop!” — widely believed to be a nod to “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes. That 1965 hit was also released by Motown, the label that launched The Jackson 5. Supremes frontwoman Diana Ross famously helped introduce the group to a national audience.

Interestingly, the original lyrics for “The Love You Save” were about traffic safety. Songwriters Berry Gordy Jr., Deke Richards, Freddie Perren, and Alphonso Mizell — known as The Corporation — reworked the theme into a playful warning about reckless romance. Only the title and the clever line, “Darling, look both ways before you cross me,” survived from the original.

The Jackson 5 lineup — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael — would go on to sell more than 100 million records, with their infectious energy and family harmonies captivating audiences around the world.

And here’s a fun lyrical twist: Midway through the song, Michael names four of his rivals — Isaac, Benjii, Alexander and Christopher. But look closer: he’s referencing Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell and Christopher Columbus. Smart and catchy.

Enjoy this vintage performance of “The Love You Save” from The Ed Sullivan Show. The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along!

“The Love You Save”
Written by Berry Gordy Jr., Deke Richards, Freddie Perren and Alphonso Mizell. Performed by The Jackson Five.

Stop, you better save it
Stop, stop, stop, you better save it, woo
Do do do do do …

When we played tag in grade school
You wanted to be it
But chasin’ boys was just a fad,
You crossed your heart, you’d quit

When we grew up you traded
Your promise for my ring
Now just like back in grade school
You’re doin’ the same old thing

Stop, the love you save may be your own
Darlin’ take it slow
Or some day you’ll be all alone
You better stop
The love you save may be your own
Darlin’ look both ways before you cross me
You’re heading for a danger zone

I’m the one who loves you
I’m the one you need
Those other guys will put you down
as soon as they succeed

They’ll ruin your reputation
They’ll label you a flirt
The way they talk about you
They’ll turn your name to dirt, oh.

Isaac said he kissed you, beneath the apple tree
When Benji held your hand he felt electricity
When Alexander called you, he said he rang your chimes
Christopher discovered you’re way ahead of your time

Stop, the love you save may be your own
Darlin’ take it slow or some day you’ll be all alone
You better stop
The love you save may be your own
Darlin’ look both ways before you cross me
You’re headed for a danger zone

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on…

“S” is for save it
“T” is for take it slow
“O” is for oh, no
“P” is for please, please don’t go

The love you save may be your own
Some day you may be all alone
Stop it
Save it girl
Baby, ooh
You’d better stop
The love you save may be your own
Please, please or some day, some day baby
You’ll be heading for a danger zone
(All alone)

I’m the one who loves you
I’m the one you need
Those other guys will put you down
As soon as they succeed

Ooh, stop, the love you save may be your own oh baby
You better stop it, stop it, stop it girl or someday you’ll be all alone

The way they talk about you
They’ll turn your name, turn your name
Stop, the love you save may be your own
Don’t you know, don’t you know
Some day baby you’ll be heading for a danger zone



Credit: CBS Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

For some, the dreaded Friday the 13th is a day to forgo big decisions and stay safely at home. For April Schmitt, the date now carries an unforgettable twist — one marked by heartbreak, hope and a restored faith in humanity.



After a grueling 17-day work stint in Los Angeles, Schmitt finally returned to Pittsburgh on Friday, June 13. Her journey home had already been riddled with delays and missed connections, but the real trouble began at baggage carousel B at Pittsburgh International Airport.



“As I went to retrieve my bag from the carousel, my hand got stuck between the suitcase and the edge of the carousel,” she told CBS News Pittsburgh. “It pinched my hand, so I pulled it back quickly.”

She walked away in a daze, but halfway home, a sickening realization hit: her engagement ring’s 1.25-carat center diamond — a stone she's cherished for 33 years — was gone.

“I looked down and my ring was without a diamond. It was devastating,” said Schmitt. “I literally felt sick to my stomach.”



She raced back to the airport and began scanning the floor in desperation. Soon, four members of the airport’s maintenance crew joined the search. Electrician Steve Turkaly and stationary engineer Tom Riordan led the charge, navigating what Riordan called “a labyrinth of steel.” For 90 minutes, they crawled over, under, and even inside the carousel, but the diamond remained hidden.

Schmitt went home empty-handed — again.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Despite the day’s hectic flight schedule, the maintenance team refused to give up. After four more hours of meticulous searching — including scraping under the conveyor with two paint sticks taped together — they hit paydirt. Literally.

They found the diamond.

Schmitt was stunned. “My jaw dropped. I was ecstatic. I couldn’t get to the airport quickly enough,” she told CBS News Pittsburgh.

The ring not only carries profound sentimental weight, it's also remarkably tied to the date that so many fear. Her husband proposed on Friday, March 13, 1992, and they wed later that year, on Friday, November 13, 1992. Losing the stone on another Friday the 13th seemed cruel. Finding it? Nothing short of miraculous.

“It restored my faith in humanity,” she said. “These men didn’t know anything about me, but they were committed to doing the right thing.”

See CBS Pittsburgh's three-minute report here…

Credits: Screen captures via YouTube.com / CBS Pittsburgh.

A 647-carat rough diamond, recently unearthed from the Douradinho riverbed in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, has been confirmed as the second-largest diamond ever found in the country — and the 25th largest globally. Valued at approximately $3 million, the brown-hued stone has captivated the gem world and reignited interest in the mineral-rich region of Coromandel. (Conceptual graphic is not the actual diamond.)



The discovery, made in late May by artisanal miners working alongside formal mining operations, has caused a wave of excitement in Coromandel, a rural town of 28,000 with a deep-rooted mining heritage.

“Everyone was euphoric,” said a municipal spokesperson. “It’s been a long time since a diamond of this size was discovered. Our land is very rich.”

Brazil, once the world’s top diamond producer from the 18th through mid-19th centuries, now accounts for less than 1% of global diamond output. Most of its production comes from alluvial sources like the Douradinho riverbed. While the country has faded from its historical prominence, major finds such as this offer tantalizing reminders of its latent geological wealth.

This 647-carat diamond ranks second to Brazil's famed 726.6-carat President Vargas diamond, discovered in the same region in 1938.

On a global list, Brazil's new find ranks 25th, just behind the 650-carat "Jubilee" from South Africa and just ahead of the 620-carat "Sefadu" from Sierra Leone.

The find has sparked renewed interest among geologists and industry insiders in the Alto Paranaíba region, particularly Coromandel and neighboring towns like Romaria and Estrela do Sul. Experts believe the area may still harbor untapped deposits capable of producing world-class stones.

According to local news outlet Click Petróleo e Gás, the newly found stone already has been sold to an undisclosed buyer.

For Brazil’s mining community, this discovery isn’t just a financial boon — it’s a symbol of potential yet to be fully realized, buried beneath the riverbeds and hills of one of the country's most storied gemstone regions.

Credit: AI-generated conceptual image of the 647-carat diamond by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3.

A dazzling artifact of royal history steps into the spotlight today at Christie’s New York, where the Magnificent Jewels sale will feature the extraordinary Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond — a 10.38-carat fancy purple-pink kite-shaped diamond believed to have once belonged to Marie Antoinette’s daughter, Duchess Marie-Thérèse of Angoulême.



Estimated to fetch between $3 million and $5 million, the stone is set in a remarkable ring designed by legendary jeweler Joel Arthur Rosenthal, known professionally as JAR.



The diamond’s journey is as glittering as its appearance. According to historical accounts and Christie’s own provenance records, Queen Marie Antoinette carefully wrapped her most treasured jewels and entrusted them to her coiffeur, Léonard Autié, on the eve of her ill-fated 1791 flight from Paris during the French Revolution. These heirlooms — including rubies, pearls and diamonds —were quietly shipped to Vienna for safekeeping, though the queen and King Louis XVI never escaped.

Among the jewels believed to have reached Austria was this magnificent pink diamond, which was later passed down to Marie Antoinette’s only surviving child, Duchess Marie-Thérèse, and eventually to her niece, Duchess Marie-Thérèse de Chambord. A will from Queen Marie Theresa of Bavaria later referred to the diamond as “a pink solitaire diamond from Aunt Chambord,” confirming its long-held royal provenance.

In 1996, the diamond resurfaced at auction in Geneva, offered by a member of a European royal family. Then set in a hair ornament presented in a velvet case bearing the Austrian Imperial Warrant, the gem disappeared from public view for nearly 30 years — until now.



Today, it reemerges transformed. Commissioned by the current owner, JAR has masterfully reimagined the diamond into a ring that blends heritage with haute design. The centerpiece stone rests beneath a fleur-de-lis crafted from 17 diamonds, a subtle nod to its French royal roots. It sits atop a double pavé diamond band rendered in blackened platinum — signature touches from the elusive Parisian jeweler known for his exclusivity and artistry.

“This is more than a jewel,” says Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelry at Christie’s. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of European history, brought forward into modern elegance by one of the greatest jewelry designers of our time.”

Graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a natural Fancy Purple-Pink with SI1 clarity, the stone was likely unearthed in India’s fabled Golconda region, the source of some of the world’s most legendary diamonds.

As the hammer falls later today at Rockefeller Center, collectors and connoisseurs alike will be watching closely. The Marie-Thérèse Pink is not only a rare gem by nature — but also a glittering bridge between the grandeur of the French court and the artistry of contemporary haute joaillerie.

Credits: Jewelry images courtesy of Christie's. Illustration of Marie Antoinette by The Jeweler Blog using Microsoft’s AI image generator.

After months of sparkling speculation spawned by carefully framed Instagram posts, Dua Lipa has officially confirmed her engagement to British actor Callum Turner. The 29-year-old Grammy-winning pop icon shared the news in a recent British Vogue cover story, where she not only expressed her excitement about this new chapter, but also revealed the heartwarming story behind her unconventional, now-famous engagement ring.



“Yes, we’re engaged,” she told British Vogue. “It’s very exciting.”

Turner, 35, reportedly designed the custom ring with thoughtful input from Lipa’s inner circle, including her sister Rina and a handful of her closest friends.

“I’m obsessed with it,” Lipa said. “It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well.”



Fans first spotted the ring in a December 2024 Instagram post captioned “january things,” where Lipa casually flaunted the diamond-studded band in an in-car selfie. Since then, the bold design has made regular appearances — whether on tour, at the Met Gala or in her glam-filled photo dumps.

The ring itself is a striking departure from traditional celebrity sparklers. Industry insiders describe it as featuring a round brilliant or old European-cut diamond, likely between 3 and 4 carats, set low in a semi- or full-bezel mount on a thick, yellow gold cigar band.



The design has been praised for both its originality and its durability — perfect for someone constantly on the move. Estimated valuations range widely, from $65,000 on the low end to over $250,000, depending on diamond quality.

Lipa, long known for her bold and fashion-forward aesthetic, is no stranger to unconventional choices, and her ring is no exception. Described by some as Etruscan- or gypsy-inspired, the chunky gold band reflects her “gold girl” persona — often seen layering vintage pieces with high-fashion favorites.

The couple met in 2023 and were first seen publicly together in early 2024. They became Instagram-official by the time Lipa headlined Glastonbury in July 2024. According to Lipa, their relationship grew organically after a chance meeting at London’s River Café, followed by another serendipitous run-in in Los Angeles.

“We were reading the same book,” she recalled, calling the moment “a sign.”

As for wedding plans? Not yet. Lipa is currently on her "Radical Optimism" world tour while Turner is filming new projects.

“I’ve never been someone who’s really thought about a wedding, or dreamt about what kind of bride I would be,” she told Vogue. “All of a sudden I’m like, ‘Oh, what would I wear?’”

Until then, Lipa’s stunning gold ring will do all the talking — an elegant symbol of love, intention and personal style.

Credits: Images via Instagram / dualipa.

Welcome to Music Friday, where we spotlight songs that celebrate jewelry, gemstones, or precious metals. Today, we shine a light on Duawne Starling’s heartfelt ballad, “With This Ring,” a moving wedding anthem in which the acclaimed gospel artist pens and performs his own vows.



Released in 2001 as the title track of the compilation album With This Ring, Starling’s song captures the essence of marital commitment. With lyrics that elevate the symbolism of a wedding band beyond its physical form, Starling describes the ring as a “circle of trust” — a token of faith, love and enduring devotion.

He sings, “With this ring / With this circle of trust / I confess that I must be in love / With this vow / I can promise you now / to be more than you’ve ever dreamed of.”

Starling’s soaring tenor and honest lyrics resonated deeply with couples seeking a spiritual and personal soundtrack for their wedding day. The success of With This Ring inspired a sequel album in 2002, With This Ring… Forever I Do, featuring more inspirational love songs by various Christian artists.

Starling’s journey into music was deeply personal. Born in Petersburg, VA, in 1970, he turned to music for solace after his father passed away from cancer when Starling was just seven years old.

“Music became my sanctum, my escape,” he later said.

Before launching his solo career, Starling spent more than a decade touring and recording as a background vocalist with legends, such as Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Patti Austin, Kelly Price, and BeBe & CeCe Winans. But he waited until he felt spiritually ready before stepping forward as a soloist. That moment came in 2004, when he released his debut solo album, Inside Out, which firmly established him in the gospel and contemporary Christian music communities.

Beyond music, Starling has worn many hats: model, actor, television and radio host, ordained elder and mentor. In 2011, he was honored to perform “We Shall Overcome” at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC.

With a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Howard University, Starling has said that his life’s purpose is empowering others through authenticity, compassion and faith.

“My gift is God’s tool,” he once said. “I always speak from the place of truth.”

Please take a moment to check out the audio track of Starling’s beautiful performance of “With This Ring.” It’s a testament to the power of love, faith and the enduring symbol of the wedding band. The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“With This Ring”
Written and performed by Duawne Starling.

With this ring,
With this circle of trust,<

I confess that I must be in love.
With this vow,
I can promise you now,
to be more than you’ve ever dreamed of.
With my heart in your hand,
and faith in His plan,
and with patience to last a lifetime,
I offer you everything,
With this ring.

With my mind,
with each thought I’m inclined,
to cherish you more everyday,
With my soul,
I’m completely yours,
You’re the answer to all that I’ve prayed.
With my heart in your hand,
and my faith in His plan,
and with patience to last a lifetime,
I offer you everything,
With this ring.

If perfect is something that people can be,
and heaven is more than just a fantasy,
then I am in heaven and you’re perfect to me.

So with my heart in your hand,
and faith in His plan,
and with patience to last a lifetime,
I offer you everything,
With this ring.

With my heart in your hand,
and faith in His plan,
and with patience to last a lifetime,
I offer you everything,
Be mine for eternity, yeah,
please say you’ll stay with me,
With this ring.

With my ring, Will you stay.
I’ll love you forever,
and ever, and ever and ever.



Credits: Screen capture via YouTube.com.