Anschar Diamonds Blog

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 Colombian emeralds. The stunning stone — set in a lavish ring — can be seen alongside legends like the Hope Diamond in the museum’s prestigious National Gem Gallery.

The Chalk Emerald was unearthed near Muzo, Colombia, a region renowned for producing the world's most prized emeralds. Long before Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1500s, Colombian emeralds were cherished by indigenous cultures for more than 1,000 years.

Following the Spanish conquest, these mesmerizing green stones quickly gained favor among European royalty and rulers across Asia, particularly the Mughal emperors of India, who helped fuel a robust gem trade between the New World, the Middle East and South Asia.

According to legend, the Chalk Emerald once adorned an opulent necklace belonging to a Maharani of Baroda, a princely state in India. Originally weighing 38.4 carats, the gem was acquired and recut by famed New York jeweler Harry Winston in 1959 to enhance its brilliance, resulting in its current 37.82-carat weight.

Winston then set the transformed emerald into a platinum and gold ring, surrounded by 60 pear-shaped diamonds totaling 15 carats.

New York entrepreneur Oscar Roy Chalk acquired the ring in 1962 for his wife, Claire. In a gesture of extraordinary generosity, the couple donated the piece to the Smithsonian in 1972, where it remains one of the museum’s most visited and admired treasures.

Emeralds, the most valuable variety of the beryl family, are renowned not only for their vivid color but also for their internal characteristics. These natural inclusions — affectionately called "jardin" (French for "garden") — are embraced by gemologists and collectors alike, as they give each emerald a distinct character and identity.

The word “emerald” traces its roots to the ancient Greek "smaragdos," meaning “green gem.” In addition to being May’s birthstone, emerald is also the traditional gemstone for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

Whether admired for its royal past or dazzling beauty, the Chalk Emerald remains a crown jewel among gemstones — and a timeless tribute to the lush green brilliance of May’s birthstone.

Credit: Photo by Chip Clark / Smithsonian and digitally enhanced by SquareMoose.

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 monk during a 2012 visit to Myanmar, Mraz shaped “Have It All” around the Tibetan blessing Tashi Delek, which loosely translates to “May you have auspiciousness and causes of success.” He opens the song with this phrase and builds upon it with a series of hopeful wishes for the listener — many directed especially toward young people.

He sings, "May you get a gold star on your next test / May your educated guesses always be correct / And may you win prizes shining like diamonds / May you really own it each moment to the next."

Mraz told Genius.com that the song helped him recover from a difficult time in his life. He described it as “a blessing disguised as a rap song,” designed to uplift and be shared forward — a kind of musical karma rooted in kindness and encouragement.

“Have It All” appears as the second track on Mraz’s sixth studio album, Know, which charted in 15 countries. The album reached #9 on the Billboard 200 in the US and #10 in Canada. The song’s official video — featuring more than 100 performing arts students from Mraz’s hometown of Richmond, VA — has earned more than 36 million views on YouTube.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mraz explained, “It’s honestly less about me and more about shining a light on tomorrow’s artists.” The video was created in partnership with two Richmond-based nonprofits, making it a true community collaboration.

Although born and raised in Virginia, Mraz launched his career in San Diego, where he became a staple at the famed coffeehouse Java Joe’s. He signed with Elektra Records in 2002 and went on to win two Grammy Awards (out of four nominations) and sell more than seven million albums worldwide.

In 2025, Mraz is still going strong. His “Still Yours” UK & EU Tour includes stops in Berlin, Stockholm and Oslo, and he’s also set to perform at Summerfest 2025 in Milwaukee, WI.

Now, take a moment to enjoy the joy-filled performance of “Have It All” in the official music video — a visual celebration of youth, community and hope. And if you’d like to sing along, the full lyrics are included below…

“Have It All”
Written by Becky Gebhardt, Mai Bloomfield, Mona Tavakoli, Chaska Lela Potter, Jacob Kasher, David Hodges and Jason Mraz. Performed by Jason Mraz, along with Chaska Lela Potter, Mai Sunshine Bloomfield and Rebecca Emily Gebhardt.

May you have auspiciousness and causes of success
May you have the confidence to always do your best
May you take no effort in your being generous
Sharing what you can, nothing more nothing less
May you know the meaning of the word happiness
May you always lead from the beating in your chest
May you be treated like an esteemed guest
May you get to rest, may you catch your breath

And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow

Well here’s to the hearts that you’re gonna break
Here’s to the lives that you’re gonna change
Here’s to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it

Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
You don’t need money, you got a free pass
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

Oh! I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all

May you be as fascinating as a slap bracelet
May you keep the chaos and the clutter off your desk
May you have unquestionable health and less stress
Having no possessions though immeasurable wealth
May you get a gold star on your next test
May your educated guesses always be correct
And may you win prizes shining like diamonds
May you really own it each moment to the next

And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow

Well here’s to the hearts that you’re gonna break
Here’s to the lives that you’re gonna change
Here’s to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it

Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
You don’t need money, you got a free pass
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

Oh, I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all

Oh, I want you to have it all
All you can imagine
All, no matter what your path is
If you believe it then anything can happen

Go, go, go raise your glasses
Go, go, go you can have it all
I toast you

Here’s to the hearts that you’re gonna break
Here’s to the lives that you’re gonna change
Here’s to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it
Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
You don’t need money, you got a free pass
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

Oh, I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all

Here’s to the good times we’re gonna have
Here’s to you always making me laugh
Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all



Credit: Screen capture via YouTube / Jason Mraz.

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 park so far in 2025.



DeCook was exploring the 37.5-acre plowed diamond search field with his family on April 21 when he noticed something glinting in the sunlight. At first glance, he thought he had spotted a metallic wrapper from a Werther’s Original caramel candy.

“Real shiny looking, kind of like a Werther’s candy wrapper,” DeCook told FOX 9 Minneapolis. “As you get closer to it, you can tell it’s a diamond pretty quick.”



What he found on his way down a hill south of the park’s south wash pavilion was not trash, but treasure — a blocky brown diamond with a metallic copper luster lying on the surface of the earth. DeCook remained calm as he picked up the stone and inspected it.

Then, turning to his brother Derek, who was also searching nearby, he called out with a grin, “Oh, you’re going to be mad once you see what I found!”

The diamond was later named “The Duke Diamond” in honor of DeCook’s dog. Though he has no immediate plans for the gem, it could be worth thousands.

DeCook’s find marks the 217th diamond registered at Crater of Diamonds State Park in 2025 and is the largest since the 7.46-carat Carine Diamond, discovered in January 2024 by a French tourist. The park, renowned as the only diamond site in the world open to the public, sees thousands of amateur prospectors each year.

According to park officials, recent heavy rainfall likely played a role in revealing The Duke Diamond.

“April has been a very wet month at the park, with more than 12 inches of rain,” said Assistant Park Superintendent Waymon Cox. “Rain washes away loose soil, exposing heavy rocks, minerals and diamonds on the surface.”

As for DeCook, his “candy-wrapper-turned-shimmering-diamond” will serve as a memorable memento of a sweet score on a sparkling day at the Arkansas park.

Credits: Photos courtesy Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park.

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 decades-old NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) data, suggest that some of the gold, platinum and other heavy metals in the universe may have been forged not only in neutron star collisions — as previously believed — but in rare, violent eruptions called starquakes on magnetars, a highly magnetic type of neutron star.

This groundbreaking research, led by Columbia University doctoral student Anirudh Patel and published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, changes our understanding of how some of the universe’s most valuable materials came to be. And it means that the ring on your finger or the chain around your neck might trace its roots back to a cataclysmic flare from the crushed core of a dying star.

After the Big Bang, the universe consisted primarily of hydrogen, helium and trace amounts of lithium. Heavier elements, such as iron, formed in the hearts of massive stars. But the creation of elements heavier than iron, such as gold or platinum, require extreme environments — the kind where atoms are bombarded with neutrons in rapid succession, a process called rapid neutron capture or r-process nucleosynthesis.

Until recently, astrophysicists believed that this process primarily occurred during kilonovas, the dramatic collisions of neutron stars. Such events were observed in 2017, providing definitive proof that gold and other heavy elements could be produced this way. However, these events are rare and occur relatively late in cosmic history — too late to explain how ancient stars, and by extension early planets, already contained heavy metals billions of years ago.



Enter the magnetar.

A magnetar is a type of neutron star with a magnetic field a thousand trillion times stronger than Earth’s. These stellar remnants are so dense that a teaspoon of their matter would weigh as much as a billion tons. On rare occasions, magnetars experience “starquakes,” when their crust fractures under magnetic stress. These eruptions — called magnetar giant flares — unleash enormous amounts of energy and, as this new study suggests, may eject neutron-rich material into space, where it cools and forms heavy elements.

Remarkably, Patel’s team found gamma-ray signals in archival satellite data from a 2004 magnetar flare that matched predictions for this heavy element formation process. Their work indicates that magnetar flares could contribute up to 10% of the galaxy’s supply of elements heavier than iron — including gold, platinum and uranium.

This discovery not only fills in gaps in our understanding of cosmic chemistry but adds depth to the story behind every gold or platinum object we wear. The necklace you treasure, or the heirloom ring passed down through generations, may contain material that was born in an event more explosive and ancient than our own Sun.

Looking forward, scientists hope NASA’s upcoming Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI), set to launch in 2027, will confirm these results by detecting the elemental signatures from future magnetar flares. With this new window into stellar alchemy, researchers are one step closer to fully mapping the cosmic origin of the elements — and unlocking more secrets hidden in the precious materials we cherish.

So the next time you admire a gold bracelet or platinum ring, consider this: You’re wearing a relic from one of the universe’s most powerful explosions, a piece of stardust forged in a cosmic quake over 10 billion years ago.

Credit: Upper illustration courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech. Lower illustration courtesy of ESA.

Two hikers traversing the Krkonoše Mountains in northeastern Czech Republic recently unearthed a remarkable stash of gold coins and jewelry — hidden for nearly a century. What began as a casual hike ended in the discovery of nearly 600 gold coins and an assortment of valuable personal items, now under the care of the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové.



The find began innocently enough. The hikers were at the edge of an overgrown field when they spotted a small metal can peeking out from a crevice in a moss-covered stone wall.



What they found inside the can were 598 gold coins meticulously arranged in 11 stacks, each wrapped in black fabric. Just a few feet away, they uncovered a second container — an iron box housing 10 bracelets, 16 cigarette cases, a powder compact, a comb, a silver-mesh purse, and a chain with a key, all crafted from precious metals.

The complete cache weighed more than 15 pounds and is valued at more than $680,000.

“This kind of find is extraordinary not only because of its volume, but also the variety and geographic spread of the coins,” said Miroslav Novák, head of the archaeological department at the Museum of East Bohemia, in a translated statement. “It was clearly not about the nominal value of the coins or what they could buy. Rather, it was deliberately hidden because it was a precious metal.”

Experts have dated the coins from 1808 to 1915, with some reissued in 1921 in what was then Yugoslavia. The gold pieces come from a broad swath of Europe and beyond, including France, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Romania, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and even North Africa. Curiously, coins from Czechoslovakia and Germany are absent, adding to the mystery.

Theories about the treasure’s origin abound. The Museum suggests that it may have been hidden by Jewish families or fleeing citizens during the Nazi occupation in the late 1930s. Others speculate it could have belonged to Germans fearing postwar expulsion in 1945, or perhaps someone protecting assets during the 1953 Soviet-imposed monetary reform in Czechoslovakia.

“There are a huge number of possibilities,” noted historian Martin Vesely of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in an interview with The New York Times. “Anything could have happened.”

Regardless of the true story, the find has captured public imagination and sparked interest among historians and archaeologists alike. The treasure carries historical significance that far exceeds its monetary worth.

Novák remembered his reaction to seeing the treasure for the first time.

“My jaw dropped,” he said.

The hikers are set to receive a 10% finder’s fee, and the Museum of Eastern Bohemia plans to display the trove to the public after further analysis.

Credits: Images courtesy of Museum of Eastern Bohemia.

Country music’s reigning queen of storytelling, Lainey Wilson, delivers a whimsical heartfelt ballad in “Counting Chickens,” the ninth track off her 2024 album Whirlwind. In true Music Friday fashion, we’re spotlighting this tune not just for its emotional pull, but for its glittering lyrical nod to a diamond — and, quite possibly, a wedding to come.



“Far as I know, you ain’t bought a diamond / You ain’t sat my daddy down and asked if it’s alright,” Wilson sings in the song’s very first line, setting the tone for a track that reads like a journal entry from someone a few steps ahead in a relationship. She admits to mentally fast-forwarding to a future filled with shared porch views, cross-stitched hearts and, yes, baby names.

In “Counting Chickens,” Wilson playfully confesses to dreaming about married life with boyfriend Devlin “Duck” Hodges, the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. At the time of the song’s release in August 2024, the couple hadn’t made it official. But in a sweet twist of fate, the proposal did come — in February 2025.

The engagement ring? A custom-designed, multi-stone cluster beauty that perfectly suits Wilson’s eclectic style. Featuring a bouquet of pear, marquise, oval and round diamonds, the ring is as multidimensional as her lyrics — romantic, vintage-tinged and unabashedly feminine.

The song closes with a wink and a punchline: “One chicken, two chickens, three chickens / Oh shoot, I think that’s a duck.” It’s a cheeky, not-so-subtle nod to Hodges, lovingly nicknamed “Duck,” and the final clue that the song is a musical love letter aimed straight at him. According to Wilson, Hodges took it all in stride — and was flattered.

While Wilson hasn’t spoken in-depth about "Counting Chickens," she has described Whirlwind as a deeply personal record, one born from a period of profound change and reflection following the meteoric rise resulting from the success of her 2022 album, Bell Bottom Country. Whirlwind is full of tender confessions and joyful anticipation, but “Counting Chickens” stands out for its sincerity and giddy hope.

Born in Baskin, LA, Wilson grew up immersed in country music, inspired by legends such as Buck Owens and Glen Campbell. From singing as a Hannah Montana impersonator to living in a Nashville camper trailer while chasing her dream, Wilson’s rise to stardom is a testament to grit and storytelling talent.

In fact, Wilson was named Variety magazine's Storyteller of the Year at the "Variety Hitmakers" event in December 2024.  Variety's executive music editor Jem Aswad praised her as one of the most important new voices in country music. 

Now a Grammy winner and CMA Entertainer of the Year, Wilson continues to charm fans with her blend of tradition and modern flair.

Please check out the audio track of Lainey Wilson performing "Counting Chickens." The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along...

"Counting Chickens"
Written by Dallas Wilson, Jon Decious, Lainey Wilson and Trannie Anderson. Performed by Lainey Wilson.

Far as I know you ain't bought a diamond
You ain't sat my daddy down and asked if it's alright
I don't mean to jump the gun on perfect timing
But if you brought up Vegas I'd be on a plane tonight

I'm already counting chickens pecking corn in our backyard
Hanging up a frame with both our names cross stitched in a heart
Might be off my rocker dreaming 'bout a hilltop front porch view
Baby maybe cart and horsing ain't the smartest thing to do
'Cause they ain't even hatched yet but my eggs are in one basket
And I'm loving counting chickens with you

Tell my heart to slow down but it's tripping
I can't help but be full steam ahead and halfway down the road
Boy I'd be fibbing if I told ya that I didn't
Have a laundry list of baby namеs that I saved in my phone

I'm already counting chickеns pecking corn in our backyard
Hanging up a frame with both our names cross stitched in a heart
Might be off my rocker dreaming 'bout a hilltop front porch view
Baby maybe cart and horsing ain't the smartest thing to do
'Cause they ain't even hatched yet, but my eggs are in one basket
And I'm loving counting chickens with you

Oh and I ain't tryna scare ya
Make you high tail fly the coop
But I'm counting on ya, baby
Hope you're counting on me too

I'm already counting chickens pecking corn in our backyard
Hanging up a frame with both our names cross stitched in a heart
Might be off my rocker dreaming 'bout a hilltop front porch view
Baby maybe cart and horsing ain't the smartest thing to do
'Cause they ain't even hatched yet but my eggs are in one basket
And I'm loving counting chickens with you
Yeah, I'm loving counting chickens with you

One chicken, two chickens, three chickens
Oh shoot, I think that's a duck



Credit: Photo by Ben Childers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

Mining giant Alrosa just announced the discovery of the largest gem-quality diamond ever unearthed in Russia. The remarkable 468.30-carat rough diamond, described as a “fancy amber” crystal, was recovered from the recently reopened Mir mine in Yakutia, a remote region near the Arctic Circle long renowned for its diamond-rich permafrost.



Measuring 56 x 54 x 22 millimeters (2.2 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches), the stone has been named “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War” in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.

Alrosa CEO Pavel Marinychev emphasized the symbolic importance of the timing, noting, “Nature gave us such an incredible find in this meaningful year. Therefore, we decided to name it in honor of such a significant event for our entire country.”

This extraordinary find ranks 44th on the Wikipedia list of the Largest Rough Diamonds ever mined, making it not only a national milestone but a globally significant addition to the pantheon of remarkable diamond discoveries.

The announcement comes shortly after another landmark achievement by Alrosa: the unveiling of the “New Sun,” the largest polished colored diamond ever produced in Russia.

Weighing more than 100 carats, the fancy vivid yellow gem was meticulously crafted over two years from a 236-carat rough originally discovered at the Ebelyakh placer deposit, also in Yakutia, about 3,800 km (2,400 miles) northeast of Moscow.

The 468-carat rough gem was recovered from the Mir mine, one of Russia’s most iconic mining sites, which resumed operations in 2024 after a seven-year closure following a devastating flood in 2017.

With an estimated $762 million invested in safety upgrades and infrastructure modernization, the mine’s reopening is expected to boost Alrosa’s annual production capacity to 2 million carats. Full production capacity is targeted for 2030, with operations expected to continue through 2048.

Alrosa produces 99.6% of Russia’s diamonds and nearly 30% of the world’s supply. Facing restrictions from Western markets, Alrosa has shifted its focus to Asia and the Middle East, with exports to Hong Kong soaring and Dubai emerging as a major hub for Russian stones.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Alrosa.

Nearly 2,000 carats of historic Colombian emeralds will be in the spotlight on June 17, as Christie’s New York presents "Magnificent Mughal Jewels: Property from a Royal Collection."



Steeped in dynastic prestige and displaying extraordinary craftsmanship, the three museum-worthy pieces — each with Mughal royal provenance — will offer collectors a rare chance to own a piece of South Asian imperial history.

Leading the collection is the "Mughal Carved Emerald Necklace," estimated at $2–3 million. Comprising five extraordinary Colombian emeralds with a total weight of approximately 1,150 carats, the necklace is anchored by a singular 470-carat carved gem inscribed with the name of Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the 18th-century Durrani Empire and a figure intimately tied to the Mughal legacy.

According to Christie's, the inscription itself mirrors those found on two of history’s most fabled gemstones — the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Timur Ruby (actually a red spinel) — connecting this piece to a lineage of legendary jewels that traversed empires through conquest and diplomacy.

The Mughal obsession with emeralds — particularly those of Colombian origin — stems from their rich color, spiritual symbolism and the exotic trade routes that brought them from the New World to the subcontinent. Beginning in the 16th century, these emeralds journeyed from Colombian mines, through Spanish traders, and into the hands of Indian emperors who regarded them as symbols of power and divine right.



The second piece from the Royal Collection is the "Mughal Antique Multi-Gem and Emerald Necklace," also valued at $2–3 million. Featuring nearly 800 carats of Colombian emeralds, the necklace exemplifies the Mughal court’s distinctive taste for richly saturated gemstones set in intricate goldwork. These emeralds, like their counterparts in the first piece, would have arrived in South Asia during the height of Mughal influence, a period marked by flourishing arts, architecture and gem carving techniques.



Rounding out the collection is the "Mughal Three-Strand Spinel and Natural Pearl Necklace," with a pre-sale estimate of $1–2 million. With more than 2,000 carats of vibrant red spinels and eight historically inscribed stones, this necklace offers a unique record of Mughal power. Inscriptions bear the names of emperors such as Babur, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, as well as earlier rulers, such as Muhammad ibn Tughluq. These inscribed gems reflect the tradition of immortalizing ownership and legacy through lapidary art — transforming the necklace into both adornment and archive.

According to Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry, the offering “honors the remarkable history and royal provenance of the Mughal Empire,” marking a cultural milestone in the world of jewelry auctions. Proceeds from the sale will benefit charitable causes, extending the legacy of these regal masterpieces into the present day.

The jewels will be available for public viewing in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York, ahead of the live auction on June 17.

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

The 10.03-carat “Mediterranean Blue” lived up to its pre-auction hype at Sotheby’s Geneva on Tuesday, selling for an impressive $21.3 million following a fast-paced, live-streamed bidding war.



Introduced as Lot 602 at 6:50 p.m. local time (12:50 p.m. EST), the Fancy Vivid Blue diamond headlined the evening sale. Two phone bidders engaged in a spirited three-minute exchange that included 13 individual offers.

Bidding opened at 9 million Swiss francs (approximately $10 million) and advanced rapidly in increments of 500,000 francs. At the 14 million franc mark, the pace slowed, with bids increasing by 200,000 to 300,000 francs before auctioneer Quig Bruning brought down the hammer at 15 million francs (about $17.9 million).



Including buyer’s premium and fees, the final price came to 17.86 million Swiss francs—equivalent to $21.3 million, or $2.12 million per carat. The identity of the winning bidder has not been disclosed.

Ahead of the sale, Sotheby’s spotlighted The Mediterranean Blue for its exquisite cushion shape, exceptional size, clarity, and vivid saturation. With a pre-sale estimate of $20 million, the house positioned the stone alongside the world’s most iconic blue diamonds.

That elite list includes the 15.1-carat “De Beers Cullinan Blue” ($57.5 million, Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2022), the 14.6-carat “Oppenheimer Blue” ($57.5 million, Christie’s Geneva, 2016), and the 12.03-carat “Blue Moon of Josephine” ($48.5 million, Sotheby’s Geneva, 2015).

“The Mediterranean Blue represents one of nature’s rarest gems,” said Bruning, Head of Jewelry for Sotheby’s Americas & EMEA. “Any vivid blue diamond is a discovery worth celebrating, but one as entrancing as this—especially over 10 carats—is a newsworthy event.”

In its Monograph, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) described The Mediterranean Blue as “a complete indulgence of the senses.”

The diamond received the highest possible color grading for a blue diamond from the GIA and was classified as Type IIb—a category that represents less than 0.5% of all diamonds.

The Mediterranean Blue was cut from a 31.94-carat rough diamond unearthed in 2023 at South Africa’s famed Cullinan Mine. Following a meticulous six-month planning and cutting process, the stone was transformed into a cushion modified brilliant.

Blue diamonds owe their remarkable hue to trace amounts of boron within the diamond’s carbon lattice. Scientists believe they form at extreme depths—around 400 miles below the Earth’s surface—approximately four times deeper than most other diamonds.

Credits: Images courtesy of Sotheby’s; screenshot via sothebys.com.

As the world turns its eyes to St. Peter’s Square this Sunday, a centuries-old tradition will unfold before a global audience. During his inauguration Mass on May 18, Pope Leo XIV — the first American-born pontiff — will receive the Fisherman’s Ring, a powerful and enigmatic symbol of papal authority and humility that has intrigued theologians, historians and jewelers for generations.



The Fisherman’s Ring, or Anulus Piscatoris, dates back to at least the 13th century. Historically used as a signet to seal papal documents, it bears the image of Saint Peter — himself a fisherman by trade — casting a net from a boat, a direct reference to Jesus’ call for his apostles to become "fishers of men." Etched with the new pope’s Latin name, the ring today is more ceremonial than functional, but its spiritual weight remains. (The image, above, is an AI-generated illustration of what Pope Leo XIV's ring might look like.)



Over time, the ring has come to represent the divine authority conferred upon the pope as the successor of Saint Peter. Traditionally cast in gold, Pope Leo XIV's predecessor chose an alternative metal as a statement of humility. Pope Francis famously opted for a recycled gold-plated silver ring, emphasizing simplicity over splendor.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is known for his pastoral sensibilities and academic background in canon law. All eyes will be on the ring finger of his right hand this Sunday, as the world gets its first glimpse at the material and design he has chosen for his Fisherman’s Ring (also known as the Piscatory Ring).

Observers say Leo XIV’s ring maintains the traditional Saint Peter motif but features additional engravings — waves and fish — that suggest a pastoral emphasis and nod to prophecies about spiritual renewal. Vatican watchers speculate that these symbols may signal a return to core Gospel values, reminiscent of Pope Francis’s legacy.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic traditions involving the Fisherman’s Ring is its destruction upon a pope’s death. In a solemn ritual performed in front of the College of Cardinals, the Camerlengo — keeper of the papal household — destroys the ring with a ceremonial silver hammer. This act symbolizes the end of the pope’s authority and ensures no future documents are fraudulently sealed in his name. Pope Francis’ ring was destroyed just weeks ago, following his passing on Easter Monday.

For the jewelry world, the Fisherman’s Ring is a masterclass in meaning layered over metal. Though its monetary value may be speculative — some say upwards of $500,000 — its spiritual and historical significance is priceless.

Credits: AI-generated conceptual image of the Fisherman's Ring by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3. Pope Leo XIV photo by Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

You’ve booked the flight, packed your favorite outfits, and picked the perfect accessories — but should your best jewelry make the trip? A new study from Jewelers Mutual reveals that more travelers are saying “maybe not.” With lost earrings, stolen necklaces and misplaced rings all too common, nearly 80% of travelers now turn to “travel jewelry” as a stylish, safer solution.



Nearly 80% of travelers who wear jewelry on trips now opt for “travel jewelry” — pieces chosen specifically to reduce the chance of losing valuable or sentimental items. This trend is especially popular among younger adults and women, signaling a shift in how travelers balance style with security.

This doesn’t mean people are leaving all valuables at home. Engagement and wedding rings remain among the most frequently worn items while traveling. In fact, 52% of travelers wear their engagement ring on trips, and about 50% wear their wedding band.

Of respondents who claim to have lost jewelry, 38% lost the item near a body of water, such as a beach, pool, ocean or lake. The Jewelers Mutual study reveals that earrings are the most frequently lost and stolen items, while beaches and hotel rooms top the list of places where jewelry goes missing.

Thefts most often occur in hotel rooms and restaurants. Necklaces are the most commonly left behind jewelry item, often forgotten in lockboxes or safes.

Alarmingly, nearly half of respondents who lost jewelry while traveling experienced such losses multiple times. This underscores the importance of secure storage and travel habits.

Tips for TSA and Travel Security

Traveling through airport security with jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated. Most small items, such as rings or delicate necklaces, won’t set off metal detectors, so wearing them is usually fine. However, larger metal pieces might trigger extra screening. If needed, travelers can ask TSA officers for a private screening to ensure discretion and security.

To minimize risk and to keep jewelry organized, travelers should consider the following:

Keep jewelry in your carry-on bag — never in checked luggage.
Avoid placing jewelry directly in TSA bins, where it’s easy to forget or misplace items.
Use a zippered pouch or structured travel case to prevent damage and tangling.
Store earrings in pill cases and lay necklaces flat to avoid knots.

While traveling with jewelry is common, experts agree it’s safest to leave high-value items at home. When doing so, use a secure storage method like a safe or lockbox. According to Jewelers Mutual, insured consumers are more likely to adopt these secure practices.

The study also found that travelers with dedicated jewelry insurance are more likely to take protective measures. Unfortunately, many rely on homeowners’ policies, which often offer insufficient coverage for travel scenarios. Specialized jewelry insurance can offer broader protection, including international coverage and accidental loss.

The Jewelers Mutual study was conducted in February 2025 via an online survey through Qualtrics and represents the experiences of 1,500 adults in the US aged 20+ who were responsible for making insurance decisions in their household and owned at least one piece of fine jewelry.

Credit: Image via BigStockPhoto.com

The age of flashmob proposals, viral engagement stunts and extravagant surprise reveals may be drawing to a close — at least if Gen Z has anything to say about it.



A new wave of "quiet proposing" is reshaping the jewelry industry and the traditional expectations surrounding engagements. Less about spectacle and more about shared intention, this trend reflects the core values of a generation (born 1997 through 2012) intent on authenticity, communication and equality.

According to a recent survey by British jeweler Diamonds Factory, more than 50% of engagement ring shoppers in 2025 are now accompanied by their partners. The days of one partner secretly selecting a ring in hopes of getting it just right are fading fast. Instead, Gen Z couples are leaning into a more collaborative approach, ensuring the ring reflects both taste and intention.

This shift marks a major cultural moment. Where Millennials and Gen X often celebrated grand proposals engineered for "likes" and applause, Gen Z is quietly rebelling against that narrative. Many young couples are saying "no thanks" to lurking photographers and Instagram-perfect lighting, opting instead for personal moments that carry deeper meaning.

“It’s not that romance is dying,” says Ella Citron-Thompkins, jewelry expert at Diamonds Factory. “Rather than rejecting love, Gen Z is redefining it — favoring intimacy and shared decisions over performance. Quiet proposing is about creating a private, intentional memory instead of putting on a show.”v
The motivations behind this change are multi-layered. Financial prudence plays a role — many Gen Zers are grappling with student debt, rising rents and economic instability, making lavish gestures feel out of step.

But the heart of the trend lies in emotional alignment. Couples are more likely to discuss marriage beforehand, aligning on timing, values and even ring design long before the actual proposal.

For Micaela Beltran, a Gen Z entrepreneur, the choice was easy. “We worked with an independent designer and created a ring together," she told Newsweek. "No staged moment, no surprise audience — just a decision that felt true to us.”

Her sentiment echoes across the generation: love doesn’t need to be loud to be real.

And the jewelry industry is taking note, as the demand for custom-designed rings is growing and more couples are visiting showrooms together. In fact, Diamonds Factory's survey revealed that only 18% of ring shoppers now go solo.

This shift isn’t just about changing who buys the ring — it’s redefining the entire engagement narrative. Gen Z is setting a new tone: proposals aren’t performances, they’re conversations. And in that quiet space, a more meaningful commitment is taking shape.

Credit: Photo via BigStockPhoto.com.

As Pope Leo XIV received the Fisherman's Ring during his inauguration Mass on Sunday, May 18, he was visibly moved, pausing to gaze at the ring before clasping his hands in prayer. This profound moment underscored the immense responsibility he now bears as the 266th successor to St. Peter.



The Vatican’s Office for Liturgical Celebrations has since released close-up images of the newly crafted ring, igniting interest among both ecclesiastical scholars and jewelry lovers alike.



The Fisherman's Ring, or Anulus Piscatoris, is a significant symbol of the papacy, traditionally featuring an image of St. Peter casting his net, representing the Pope's role as a "fisher of men." Historically, the ring served as a signet to seal papal documents, a practice that ceased in 1842. Today, it remains a potent emblem of the Pope's authority and his commitment to shepherding the Catholic Church.



Pope Leo XIV's ring continues this tradition, depicting St. Peter — the fisherman Apostle and first Pope — casting his net, keys in hand, a scene drawn from the Gospel accounts where Christ charges Peter to be a "fisher of men." This motif, engraved in high relief, symbolizes not just evangelization, but continuity: a visual bridge between the Church’s foundation and its present mission under Pope Leo XIV. The ring also bears Pope Leo XIV's name inscribed on the inside of the band, personalizing this sacred emblem.



On the reverse side of the ring face, revealed for the first time in Vatican images, is the personal coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago. The coat of arms presents a compelling fusion of theological depth and personal identity. The left side features a fleur-de-lis, evoking purity and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The right side displays a flaming heart pierced by an arrow resting on an open book — an emblem rooted in the Augustinian tradition. This symbol, taken from St. Augustine’s Confessions, speaks to the transformative power of divine love and sacred scripture, both of which have clearly shaped Pope Leo’s spiritual journey.

The emotional weight of receiving the Fisherman's Ring during Sunday's Mass was evident in Pope Leo XIV's demeanor, reflecting his deep awareness of the spiritual and pastoral responsibilities entrusted to him. This moment resonated with many, highlighting the continuity of the Church's mission and the personal commitment of its new leader.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic traditions involving the Fisherman’s Ring is its destruction upon a pope’s death. In a solemn ritual performed in front of the College of Cardinals, the Camerlengo — keeper of the papal household — destroys the ring with a ceremonial silver hammer. This act symbolizes the end of the pope’s authority and ensures no future documents are fraudulently sealed in his name.

Credits: Ring images courtesy of The Vatican’s Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. Inauguration image by U.S. Department of State, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Welcome to Music Friday, when we spotlight songs that feature jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, we’re revisiting Lauv’s poignant 2018 single, “Bracelet,” a tender tribute to a relationship that slipped away but left behind one unforgettable keepsake.



In “Bracelet,” Lauv uses a simple piece of jewelry to capture the complexity of heartbreak. The song opens with a stark confession: “I used to have you, now I have this bracelet / I let you go but baby I’m gonna wear it / Until I don’t need to / Until I don’t need you.”

It’s a moment of emotional honesty that sets the tone for the track. Lauv isn’t ready to let go, and the bracelet becomes a symbol of both memory and mourning. He even contemplates throwing it away, yet always pulls back.

“That don’t mean that I don’t need to keep you wrapped around my wrist,” he sings, highlighting how jewelry often becomes an emotional anchor in the aftermath of lost love.

“Bracelet” appears as the 15th track on Lauv’s conceptual album I Met You When I Was 18 (The Playlist), a collection of coming-of-age songs written during his time in New York City. Lauv described the project as an evolving narrative, chronicling his early adulthood, first serious relationship and personal growth.

“This is my life, it’s a playlist,” he told Billboard. “It’s an ongoing thing… piecing together this chapter of my life when I was in New York.”

Born Ari Staprans Leff in San Francisco in 1994, Lauv’s stage name is a tribute to his Latvian heritage (“Lauv” means “lion” in Latvian) and a nod to his own name. Ari means “lion” in Hebrew, and fittingly, he’s a Leo. His musical journey began early with piano and viola lessons, though he gravitated to guitar by age 11 and later studied jazz and electronic music.

As a student at New York University’s music technology program, Lauv began to hone his emotional, minimalist pop style. A difficult breakup in 2014 catalyzed his songwriting, and by 2015 he had released his debut EP Lost in the Light. His career took off quickly and, by 2017, he was opening for Ed Sheeran. Lauv is currently touring South Korea and Taiwan.

Lauv’s music often explores themes of love, identity and vulnerability, and “Bracelet” is a perfect example. With its blend of synth-driven production and raw lyricism, the song captures the lingering pain of letting go — and the way one small piece of jewelry can hold a world of meaning.

Please check out the official audio track of Lauv performing “Bracelet.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Bracelet”
Written by Andrew Goldstein, Ari Leff and Michael Pollack. Performed by Lauv.

Didn’t know what I wanted
I’ll admit that
Still don’t know what I wanted
I’ll be honest, I’m not ready to let you go

I walk down memory lane late at night
I end up losing my way every time
I wake up missing you more
Oh why did I say goodbye?

I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I let you go but baby I’m gonna wear it
Until I don’t need to
Until I don’t need you

All I know is I can’t face it
I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I let you go but baby I’m gonna wear it
Until I don’t need to
Until I don’t need you

Anyway I could toss it
I’ll admit that
That don’t mean that I need to keep you wrapped around my wrist
oh no

I walk down memory lane late at night
I end up losing my way every time
I wake up missing you more
Oh why did I say goodbye

I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I let you go but baby I’m gonna wear it
Until I don’t need to
Until I don’t need you

All I know is I can’t face it
I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I let you go but baby I’m gonna wear it
Until I don’t need to
Until I don’t need you

And another day is passing by
Oh I still need you
Oh I still need you
And another day is passing by
Oh I still need you
Oh I still need you
All of these melatonin tears I cry
Oh I still need you
Oh I still need you

I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I let you go but baby I’m gonna wear it
Until I don’t need to
Until I don’t need you

All I know is I can’t face it
I used to have you, now I have this bracelet
I let you go but baby I’m gonna wear it
Until I don’t need to
Until I don’t need you

I walk down memory lane late at night
I end up losing my way every time
I wake up missing you more
Oh is it goodbye?

(Bye, Bye, Bye, Bye)
(Bye, Bye, Bye, Bye)
Missing you more oh why?



Credit: Photo by Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

This June, one of the most storied gems in auction history will once again take center stage as Christie’s presents "The Blue Belle" — a 392.52-carat sapphire and diamond necklace — at its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York. Scheduled for June 17 at Rockefeller Center, this historic event marks a rare reappearance of the world’s most valuable blue sapphire, a little more than a decade after it stunned the jewelry world with a record-breaking sale.



Discovered in 1926 in Pelmadula, Ratnapura — Sri Lanka’s famed “City of Gems” — The Blue Belle is a cushion-shaped Ceylon sapphire of exceptional color and clarity. The gem’s journey is as rich as its hue: originally owned by renowned Colombo-based jewelers O.L.M. Macan Markar & Co., it was sold in 1937 to British industrialist Lord Nuffield.

Rumors swirled that the sapphire was intended as a gift for Queen Elizabeth on her coronation day in May of that same year, but the presentation never occurred, and The Blue Belle quietly vanished into private collections.



It wasn’t until 2014 that The Blue Belle — then known as the "Blue Belle of Asia" — reappeared, captivating collectors at Christie’s Geneva. That year, the necklace shattered records by achieving $17.3 million, easily eclipsing its presale estimate of $6.9 to $9.9 million and becoming the most expensive sapphire ever sold at auction.

As Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry, memorably announced at the time, “The private collector… is now the new owner of the most valuable sapphire in the world.”

In 2025, The Blue Belle returns to the spotlight with a more conservative estimate of $8 million to $12 million. Despite the lower forecast, the significance of the sapphire remains undiminished.

Kadakia emphasizes, “Sapphires of this caliber are extraordinarily rare. This remarkable stone must be considered among the most prestigious colored gemstones to appear on the market in many years.”

The necklace itself is a masterwork: The Blue Belle is the centerpiece of a majestic diamond necklace featuring nine tassels adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. Each tassel terminates in a larger oval-cut diamond.

Reports from leading gemological institutes, including SSEF and Gübelin, have certified the sapphire as untreated, confirming its natural brilliance and further elevating its rarity.

Credits: Images courtesy of Christie's.

A small gold ring set with a red gemstone — likely a garnet — has been unearthed in Jerusalem’s City of David, providing new insight into the coming-of-age rituals of ancient residents. Dating back approximately 2,300 years to the Early Hellenistic period, the ring is the second of its kind discovered in less than a year from the same archaeological site, further supporting theories of its symbolic role.



Excavated under the guidance of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Tel Aviv University, the artifact was discovered beneath the floor of a large residential building believed to have housed affluent inhabitants. Alongside the ring, archaeologists uncovered a cache of jewelry, including bronze earrings, a gold earring adorned with a horned animal motif and a delicately decorated gold bead.

What makes this latest discovery especially compelling is the context in which the ring was found. Researchers believe that such jewelry was purposefully buried as part of a rite of passage, a Hellenistic-era custom wherein betrothed girls would place their childhood belongings — including treasured adornments — into the foundations of a new home. This symbolic act marked a profound transition from childhood into adulthood, reinforcing identity, familial roles and cultural belonging.



"The fact that two such rings were discovered in close proximity and from the same archaeological stratum significantly strengthens our assumption that these were part of a known cultural practice,” said Dr. Marion Zindel, the IAA archaeologist who examined the ring. “They may have belonged to children or adolescents preparing for marriage and adult life.”

Fashion during the Early Hellenistic period reflected a blend of Eastern and Mediterranean influences, largely due to the expanded trade networks following Alexander the Great’s conquests. Garnets and other vibrantly colored gemstones set in gold were prized for both their beauty and symbolic value, indicating a family's wealth and cosmopolitan tastes.

Rivka Lengler, an excavator who was present during the discovery, described the moment the ring was found: “At first, we thought it might be modern — something dropped recently. But the craftsmanship and the context made it clear: this was ancient. It was a deeply moving experience. You really feel history in your hands.”

Credits: Recent ring discovery, photo by Eliyahu Yanai, City of David. Previous ring discovery, photo by Asaf Pery, City of David.

When the New York Liberty clinched their long-awaited first WNBA championship in October 2024, they didn’t just make history — they inspired a masterpiece. The team’s iconic seafoam green and black color palette became the foundation for one of the most uniquely symbolic championship rings in sports.



Designed by Jason of Beverly Hills in collaboration with Brooklyn-based twin sisters Dynasty and Soull Ogun of L’Enchanteur, the ring features rare paraíba tourmalines and striking black diamonds — stones chosen not just for their beauty, but for what they represent.

“Color was everything,” explained Soull Ogun to bkmag.com. “The Liberty’s seafoam green opened the door for us to incorporate paraíba, which is incredibly rare, vibrant and powerful. And the black diamonds? That’s New York grit. That’s every hard-fought win.”

In a moment 28 years in the making, the New York Liberty finally secured their first WNBA championship in 2024. And earlier this month, the team celebrated that historic achievement at Barclays Center in Brooklyn — not only by raising a banner to the rafters, but by unveiling an impressive memento of an epic season.

“This wasn't just a ring, it was a responsibility,” said Jason Arasheben, founder of Jason of Beverly Hills. “The New York Liberty waited 28 years for this moment, and we knew the jewelry needed to reflect every ounce of that journey.”

The twins’ artistic vision helped him do just that. Known for their storytelling in fashion and jewelry, Dynasty and Soull brought a deeply personal and symbolic lens to the project.



Soull Ogun told bkmag.com that the design began with the Liberty’s torch logo, which was “made to spill over the edge” of the ring — turning a familiar icon into something bold and reimagined. But the centerpiece of their vision was the leaf rising from concrete, a poetic tribute to the Liberty’s resilience.

“Concrete is such a heavy, dense material, and then you have this delicate leaf of life growing through it,” she said. “That’s our story, being from 'The Concrete Jungle,' and I feel like that’s the story of the New York Liberty.”



The symbolism runs deep throughout the ring. The leaf features 28 paraíba tourmalines (a perfect match to the Liberty's official seafoam green team color), representing the team’s 28-year journey. The “Y” in “NY” holds 11 black diamonds for the Liberty’s playoff victories, and 32 points of black diamond acknowledge their regular-season wins. A single diamond set in the WNBA championship trophy honors their inaugural title. More than six carats of white diamonds reflect the six years of ownership by Joe and Clara Wu Tsai — visionary leaders behind the franchise's revival.



Adding a unique twist, the ring’s top opens to reveal hidden crown earrings, designed by Arasheben. “This is the first time we've done earrings inside the ring,” Jason noted. The idea, according to Soull, was to give players an everyday token of their triumph — “a piece of that championship they can wear all the time.”

The inside of the ring holds even more personal touches: engraved jersey numbers of the 2024 roster, a miniature basketball court detailing each playoff series, and the Liberty’s rallying cry—"We All We Got! We All We Need!"

From its textured surface to the cracks representing the team's challenges, every inch of the ring was meticulously crafted. Dynasty and Soull, whose work often explores transformation and resilience, made sure this piece honored not just a win, but a journey.

“A diamond in the rough, also growing from the concrete,” they said. “That’s the Liberty. That’s Brooklyn.”

As CEO Keia Clarke noted during the unveiling, “This ring is a tribute to every fan, every player who believed in the New York Liberty and shared in our unforgettable 2024 title run.”

Indeed, the ring is more than a memento — it’s a symbol of perseverance, unity, and a dream realized in the heart of Brooklyn. It honors the past, celebrates the present, and gleams with the promise of more championships to come.

Credits: Images by Jason of Beverly Hills, courtesy of The New York Liberty.

Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, we turn our spotlight on Lady Gaga’s “Blade of Grass,” a tender and haunting ballad inspired by her own love story.



The story begins in Gaga’s own backyard, where she and tech entrepreneur Michael Polansky shared a quiet moment discussing the idea of marriage. “He said to me, ‘If I ever proposed to you, how do I do that?’” Gaga recounted. “And I said, ‘Just get a blade of grass from the backyard and wrap it around my finger.’” True to her words, Polansky did exactly that when he proposed on April Fool’s Day 2024.

But the modest blade of grass wasn’t the only ring Polansky had planned. He also presented Gaga with a breathtaking oval-cut diamond ring, estimated to be worth up to $2 million. The stunning sparkler features a 10-carat center stone set on an 18-karat white and rose gold pavé band, accented with natural pink ombré diamonds and a hidden white diamond halo.

Still, it was the symbolic blade of grass, cast in resin to preserve its sentiment, that touched Gaga most deeply. “I love them both,” she told The Howard Stern Show audience, “but the blade of grass, you can’t replace something that has a meaning like that.”

That deeply meaningful moment was the inspiration behind “Blade of Grass,” a love song Gaga co-wrote with Polansky. The lyrics echo the intimacy of the moment: “Come on and wrap that blade of grass / Around my finger like a cast… / Come on and wrap that blade of grass / And we’ll make it last.”

In interviews, Gaga has described the song as “a love song between the two of us” that also serves as a reflection on the journey it took to find love. The song is rooted not only in joy, but also in memory — the same backyard where the proposal took place was also the site of her late friend Sonja Durham’s wedding, held shortly before Durham’s passing in 2017. “Blade of Grass” becomes, then, a poignant tribute to the bittersweet nature of love, life and remembrance.

"Blade of Grass" was featured as the 13th track on Gaga's chart-topping 2025 album, Mayhem. The album charted in 32 countries and claimed the #1 spot on both the US Billboard 200 and the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. At the Little Monster Press Conference hosted by Spotify, Gaga singled out “Blade of Grass” as her favorite song on the album, not only for its beauty, but for the deeply collaborative and emotional experience of creating it.

Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta in 1986, is no stranger to emotional songwriting and show-stopping talent. Since the release of The Fame, her 2008 debut studio album, featuring mega-hits like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” she has reinvented herself across genres and mediums. Alongside her musical accomplishments, Gaga has earned 14 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes and an Academy Award — cementing her status as one of the most versatile and lauded artists of her generation.

Whether it’s symbolically wrapped in platinum, diamonds or a blade of grass, love — like music — shines brightest when it comes from the heart.

Please check out Gaga's live performance of "Blade Of Grass" from Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along…

"Blade of Grass"
Written by Lady Gaga, Andrew Watt, Mike Lévy and Michael Polansky. Performed by Lady Gaga.

Lovers kiss in a garden made of thorns
Traces of lonely words, illusions torn

You said, "How does a man like me love a woman like you?"
I said, "Hold me until I die and I'll make you brand new"

Come on and wrap that blade of grass
Around my finger like a cast
'Cause even though the church burned down
I'll be your queen without a crown
I've been so lonely in this field
Fighting a battle with no shield
Come on and wrap that blade of grass
And we'll make it last

This is the lawn of memories I mourn
I fall into your eyes, shelter from storm

You said, "How does a man like me love a woman like you?"
I said, "Hold me until I die and I'll make you brand new"

Come on and wrap that blade of grass
Around my finger like a cast
'Cause even though the church burned down
I'll be your queen without a crown
I've been so lonely in this field
Fighting a battle with no shield
Come on and wrap that blade of grass
And we'll make it last
Come on and wrap that blade of grass
And we'll make it last

I'll give you something
Yeah, it's no diamond ring
The air that I'm breathing
Forever's not enough
A song we'll both sing
Yeah, it's not the same thing
Yeah, it's not the same thing
Forever's not enough

Come on and wrap that blade of grass
Around my finger like a cast
'Cause even though the church burned down
I'll be your queen without a crown
I've been so lonely in this field
Fighting a battle with no shield
Come on and wrap that blade of grass
Wrap that blade of grass
Wrap that blade of grass
And we'll make it last
Come on and wrap that blade of grass
And we'll make it last



Credit: Photo by Justin Higuchi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.