Anschar Diamonds Blog

When influencer and gaming superstar Pokimane buys herself a diamond engagement ring, the internet takes notice. With a combined following of more than 30 million across Twitch, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, she’s one of the most visible creators in digital culture — and her latest jewelry purchase has sparked a lively debate about empowerment, self-expression and modern luxury buying behavior.



In a 73-second video shared across her social media channels, the Moroccan-Canadian creator — born Imane Anys — revealed a sparkling white gold and diamond bypass ring, sliding it onto her finger in a playful “self-proposal.” The tone is light, humorous and intentionally dramatic. Kneeling slightly toward the camera, she asks herself, “Will I be with me for the rest of my life?” before answering, “Yes, I have no choice.”



Pokimane explained that the idea emerged directly from her audience. After she mentioned admiring a ring in an earlier post, fans flooded her comments urging her to “just buy it” and not wait for someone else to make the moment happen.

Initially hesitant because the ring felt “like way too much to get for myself,” she came around to the decision while reflecting on a message that resonated with millions: “The person that you are engaged to the most in your entire lifetime is your damn self.”

But Pokimane also made it clear she hasn’t given up on romance. She hopes to be engaged one day — and is already planning to buy a “sick” diamond engagement ring for her future husband. “You guys know how much I love gift-giving,” she said, smiling.

The reaction from her community was immediate and mixed. Supporters called the move empowering, with many praising her for promoting emotional independence and self-care. “Promising that you’ll take care of yourself is HUGE,” one follower wrote. Others said they were inspired to buy their own milestone diamonds, with one user commenting, “You know what — you’re right. I’m gonna get myself one too.”

Not everyone approved. Skeptics questioned whether self-engagement crosses into self-indulgence.

Still, in the jewelry world, self-purchased diamond rings are far from new. The Diamond Producers Association’s “For Me, From Me” campaign, launched in 2019, formally embraced women as the natural diamond industry’s fastest-growing consumer segment. Research at the time showed that women buying for themselves accounted for one-third of US diamond jewelry sales — a share that has continued to rise as gifting norms evolve.

Pokimane’s video may be playful, but the cultural conversation it sparked is very real. Diamonds are no longer reserved for romantic milestones. Increasingly, they’re becoming symbols of achievement, autonomy and self-worth.

Credits: Screen captures via YouTube / pokimane.

For thousands of years before diamonds or emeralds dazzled Europe, one of the most prized gemstones was a vivid green mineral called variscite. Ancient communities treasured it for its luminous color and carved it into beads, pendants, bracelets and rings. But while archaeologists have long uncovered variscite jewelry across Western Europe, one question remained stubbornly difficult to answer: Where did these eye-catching green stones actually come from, and how did they travel so far from their points of origin?



A team of archaeologists and artificial-intelligence specialists from Spain and Portugal has now brought modern technology to this ancient mystery. Their newly published study combines traditional fieldwork with advanced chemical analysis and machine-learning tools to trace variscite artifacts back to their geological sources. The result is a clearer picture of prehistoric trade networks — and an unexpected story of how these green gems moved across Europe thousands of years ago.



Variscite, whose vibrant green color can range from pale mint and seafoam to deeper emerald hues, is naturally rare and was especially valued between the sixth and second millennia BC. Its color made it a symbol of status and personal adornment. Until recently, researchers could only make educated guesses about where a particular bead or pendant had originated. Mines in Encinasola, Gavà, and Aliste on the Iberian Peninsula were all considered likely sources, but the relative importance of each site was unclear.

The new research changes that. The team began by gathering more than 1,800 geological samples from known variscite deposits and comparing them with 571 artifacts recovered from archaeological sites across modern-day Spain and beyond. Each sample was analyzed using portable X-ray fluorescence, a non-destructive technique that measures the tiny chemical variations locked inside the stone.

These chemical fingerprints — slight differences in elements such as aluminum, phosphorus, and trace minerals — turn out to be unique enough to identify the mine of origin. But because the dataset was so large, the researchers used a machine-learning method called a random forest algorithm to find patterns no human could easily spot.

In simple terms, the AI learns the “signature” of each mine and then predicts where an ancient bead came from. The system achieved 95% accuracy, a remarkable level of precision for artifacts thousands of years old.

With the origins finally mapped, a new trade picture emerged. The study shows that the Gavà and Aliste mines were far more important than previously believed, while Encinasola played a smaller role. Even more surprising, variscite beads found in northern France likely traveled overland from northern Spain, crossing the Pyrenees along long-distance routes. Earlier theories had emphasized maritime trade, but the AI-driven analysis suggests that land-based exchange networks were significant and highly organized.

The project’s open-science framework — making all data and code freely available — sets the stage for future work. Researchers hope to apply the same approach to other materials, from amber to early metals, building a richer understanding of how beauty, craftsmanship and commerce shaped prehistoric societies.

And while the ancestors who wore variscite couldn’t have imagined artificial intelligence, their cherished green gemstones are now helping scientists tell a very modern story: how technology can illuminate the human connections of the distant past.

Credits: Photo of Smithsonian specimen by Jstuby at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of gold and variscite 2nd century AD earrings by Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Visitors to Rockefeller Plaza will see a renewed holiday glow this year as the famous Prometheus statue — often billed as the fourth-most recognizable statue in the US and the most photographed artwork in New York City — has just emerged from an extensive regilding. The restoration, completed in time for the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight (Dec. 3), returned the 18-foot, 8-ton bronze figure to its original brilliance using 23.75-karat gold leaf.



Hidden for weeks behind a massive dropcloth, Prometheus received what Marc Roussel, principal conservator on the project, described in The New York Times as “a lot of work” — and not merely a touch-up. The team from New York-based Roussel Art Conservation first stripped away the statue’s weathered coating, revealing the raw bronze beneath. They then brushed on a yellow-tinted epoxy primer that cures overnight. Only then did the delicate gilding begin: an astonishing 20,000 sheets of gold leaf, each just 0.0002 inches thick, applied meticulously by hand. Working section by section, gilders followed a subtle grid pattern to avoid a patchwork effect.

“You’re not just taking a leaf and putting it anywhere,” principal gilder Bill Gauthier explained to The Times.

After each panel was completed, the team gently buffed the surface with lamb’s-wool cloths dipped in ice water — an ancient technique that coaxes the whisper-thin sheets to adhere cleanly without tearing or dulling the finish. Amazingly, 20,000 sheets of gold leaf weigh less than a pound. At recent market prices, the gold value is approximately $60,000.



Prometheus has undergone several regildings during his 91-year tenure at Rockefeller Center, but the statue’s backstory is as fascinating as its modern upkeep. Created by sculptor Paul Manship and unveiled in 1934, the work depicts the Greek Titan who stole fire for humanity — a symbol that resonated with the Center’s guiding theme of “New Frontiers and the March of Civilization.” John D. Rockefeller Jr., reportedly dissatisfied with the original bronze patina, insisted on gilding to emphasize the figure’s dramatic motion.

The model who helped inspire that motion wasn’t an artist, dancer or actor, but a young New Rochelle lifeguard named Leonardo Nole. As reported by Talk of the Sound and recounted in Nole’s later writings, the 26-year-old was paid $1 an hour to hold a challenging, airborne pose for months — though he claimed he mostly worked with Manship’s assistants.

Encircled with zodiac signs and inscribed with the ancient Greek text “Prometheus, teacher in every art, brought fire to mankind,” the gilded Titan continues to embody human creativity, knowledge and aspiration.

According to nbc.com, Prometheus at Rockefeller Center is regarded as the fourth most recognizable statue in the United States after the Statue of Liberty, Lincoln Memorial and Mount Rushmore.

With his radiant new finish unveiled for the 2025 holiday season, Prometheus once again lights the way — both metaphorically and, now, more brilliantly — over Rockefeller Plaza’s iconic rink.

Credits: Close-up photo by Michael Slonecker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Night shot by Nan Palmero from San Antonio, TX, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

A rare moment in the world of high jewelry electrified Christie’s London on Tuesday, when Fabergé’s 1913 Imperial Winter Egg achieved a staggering £22.9 million ($30.2 million) — setting a new world auction record for any Fabergé object. The dazzling result followed an intense three-minute bidding war that had collectors in the room and on the phones vying for one of the most celebrated Imperial Easter Eggs ever created.



Bidding opened at £17 million before vaulting upward in rapid increments. Multiple international bidders remained engaged as the price hit £19 million, prompting a brief but breathless pause. Then, a final flurry of competing bids culminated in a decisive £19.5 million offer from a collector seated in the saleroom. With the premium and fees, the price rose to £22.9 million. Christie’s confirmed that the successful buyer has elected to remain anonymous.

“This result sets a new world auction record for a work by Fabergé,” said Margo Oganesian, head of Christie’s Fabergé and Russian Works of Art. “It reaffirms the rarity, brilliance and enduring cultural significance of this masterpiece.”



The Imperial Winter Egg is widely regarded as Fabergé’s most artistically original creation. Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the 1913 piece channels the ethereal fragility of a Russian winter.

Its design was conceived by Alma Theresia Pihl, one of the only female designers to work in Fabergé’s St. Petersburg workshops — and today recognized as one of the firm’s most innovative artists. Only 25 at the time, Pihl was inspired by frost patterns crystallizing across her workshop window. She translated these fleeting ice formations into a jewel-encrusted language of snowflakes and shimmer that still feels modern more than a century later.



Carved from rock crystal as thin and clear as glass, the egg is overlaid with 4,500 rose-cut diamonds set in platinum. It rests on a sculpted rock-crystal base that resembles a melting block of ice, its surface streaked with diamond-set rivulets that suggest spring’s first thaw. Inside lies the signature Fabergé “surprise”: a delicate basket of white quartz anemones, complete with demantoid garnet pistils and nephrite leaves.

Between 1885 and 1916, the House of Fabergé produced only 50 Imperial Easter Eggs for the Russian royal family. Today, just seven remain in private hands. Most are owned by museums, national collections or are missing entirely — a reality that makes any auction appearance of an Imperial Egg an event of global interest.

The 1913 Winter Egg has appeared at auction only twice before, and always at Christie’s. In 1994, it sold in Geneva for 7.3 million Swiss francs (about $9 million). In 2002, it broke its own record when it earned $9.6 million in New York. With this year’s landmark £22.9 million ($30.2 million) result, the egg has once again reset the Fabergé market.

Credits: Images courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd 2025.

Welcome to Music Friday when we spotlight songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, we revisit one of the greatest narrative songs of the 1970s — “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by the Looking Glass. The 1972 chart-topper is packed with evocative imagery, lyrical storytelling and, most importantly for us, jewelry symbolism that turns a simple silver locket into the emotional centerpiece of the song.



Frontman and songwriter Elliot Lurie sings, “Brandy wears a braided chain / Made of finest silver from the North of Spain / A locket that bears the name / Of the man that Brandy loved.”

Those four lines alone make “Brandy” a Music Friday classic. The braided chain, the Spanish silver, the engraved locket — all serve as tangible reminders of a sailor who stole Brandy’s heart, even though the sea ultimately claimed his.

For years, fans debated whether “Brandy” might be rooted in real history. A popular theory tied the song to the legend of Mary Ellis, an 18th-century New Jersey woman who famously fell in love with a sea captain. Sadly for Ellis, the captain never returned because his "life, lover and lady" was the sea. The coincidence that Mary Ellis’s grave rests just two miles from Rutgers University — and that the Looking Glass formed at Rutgers in 1969 — only fueled that romantic speculation.

But as Lurie has patiently explained over the years, the Mary Ellis connection is only a myth. And in a delightful 2024 YouTube interview with Meredith Marx, he finally put the theories to rest, sharing the real origin of “Brandy.”

According to Lurie, the fictional Brandy was originally named Randy, his high school girlfriend. But as he began shaping the story, the name didn’t feel right. “The girl's name can’t be Randy,” he told Marx. “First of all, that’s ambiguous — it could be a boy or a girl. And if she’s a barmaid, she should be Brandy.” And just like that, Randy became Brandy, and a pop-rock classic was born.

The line about the silver chain from “the North of Spain” has also intrigued listeners for decades. While many assumed it was simply poetic flair, historians confirm that northern Spain did, in fact, produce significant quantities of fine silver, with the Iberian Peninsula serving as a major source of the metal since antiquity. That means the lyric is not only lovely — it’s surprisingly accurate.

Released as a B-side to “Don’t It Make You Feel Good,” “Brandy” might have disappeared into obscurity if not for WPGC program director Harv Moore in Washington, D.C., who flipped the record and gave the song heavy airplay. Within hours, the station’s phone lines were overwhelmed. Within weeks, “Brandy” was climbing the charts. And soon it became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, forever anchoring the Looking Glass in pop-music history.

More than 50 years later, Lurie — now 77 years old — continues to perform. Recent shows have taken him to Monroe, NC; Ledyard, CT; and San Diego, CA, with upcoming dates scheduled in New Jersey, Delaware and beyond. After years working as a film and television music supervisor on projects such as Alien 3, A Night at the Roxbury and Spanglish, Lurie has returned to the stage, where he now performs alongside yacht-rock and classic-rock lineups. His voice, like Brandy’s silver chain, remains polished by time.

Be sure to check out the video of the Looking Glass performing “Brandy.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”
Written by Elliot Lurie. Performed by The Looking Glass.

There’s a port on a western bay
And it serves a hundred ships a day
Lonely sailors pass the time away
And talk about their homes

And there’s a girl in this harbor town
And she works layin’ whiskey down
They say, Brandy, fetch another round
She serves them whiskey and wine

The sailors say, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“Yeah, your eyes could steal a sailor from the sea”

Brandy wears a braided chain
Made of finest silver from the North of Spain
A locket that bears the name
Of the man that Brandy loved

He came on a summer’s day
Bringin’ gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn’t stay
No harbor was his home

The sailors say, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“But my life, my lover and my lady is the sea”

Yeah, Brandy used to watch his eyes
When he told his sailor stories
She could feel the ocean fall and rise
She saw its ragin’ glory
But he had always told the truth, Lord, he was an honest man
And Brandy does her best to understand

At night when the bars close down
Brandy walks through a silent town
And loves a man who’s not around
She still can hear him say

She hears him say, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“But my life, my lover and my lady is the sea”
It is, yes it is,
“Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea”



Credit: Screen capture via YouTube/CandidDirector.

Scientists have just revealed a sparkling new twist in the story of how diamonds make their extraordinary 90-mile journey from deep within the Earth to the surface. It's well known that these gems don’t travel alone — they hitch a ride inside a rare, gas-charged magma called kimberlite. Think of it as Earth’s own diamond delivery service… but one that only works if the recipe is mixed just right.



New modeling — highlighted this month by Earth.com based on research published in Geology — shows that kimberlite magma must contain at least 8.2% carbon dioxide, plus a good helping of water, to stay buoyant enough to rocket upward. Without that crucial dose of dissolved CO2, the magma becomes too dense, stalls deep underground, and the diamonds never see daylight.

Here’s the fun part: dissolved carbon dioxide and water act as secret “lift” ingredients. They make the magma lighter than the solid rock around it, allowing it to rise quickly — very quickly. Scientists say the ascent must happen within hours, not days, or the diamonds will begin to change back into graphite, the soft carbon form that’s stable at shallow depths. In other words, if the kimberlite elevator doesn’t whoosh upward fast enough, those precious crystals lose their sparkle before the ride even ends.

As the magma rises, its dissolved gases expand dramatically, creating explosive, champagne-like bursts that carve out deep volcanic pipes. These structures — called kimberlite pipes — are the primary source of the world’s mined diamonds. The new research, led by Ana Anzulović of the University of Oslo, found that only when kimberlite is richly loaded with CO2 and water can it power through the crust-mantle boundary, a geological “gatekeeper” that stops slower, denser magmas in their tracks.

If the volatile levels aren’t high enough? No eruption. No pipe. No diamonds. It’s a high-stakes recipe where even a small mismeasure means the gems remain hidden forever.

But when the chemistry is perfect, kimberlite becomes the ultimate express elevator — lifting diamonds from 90 miles down and delivering them, intact and sparkling, to the surface in explosive style.

Credit: Russia's Mir mine in Mirny, Yakutia. Photo by Staselnik, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Miley Cyrus has officially confirmed her engagement to Max Morando, and jewelry enthusiasts are buzzing about the singer’s strikingly chunky east-west diamond ring. While fans may have missed it initially — Miley subtly showcased the piece in birthday photos posted to Instagram in late November — the engagement was publicly confirmed following her appearance on the red carpet at the Avatar: Fire and Ash premiere in early December. She also shared more about the ring during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.



The ring, custom-made by Los Angeles designer Jacquie Aiche, is a bold departure from traditional solitaire styles. At its center is a cushion-cut diamond, estimated between 3 and 5 carats, set in an east-west orientation. This horizontal setting gives the piece an architectural, modern flair, subtly turning the classic engagement ring silhouette on its side — literally. The diamond is enveloped in a chunky 14-karat yellow-gold band that widens at the top, creating a bombe-style bezel setting that is both sculptural and substantial.



The choice of a chunky yellow-gold band also aligns with a growing preference for rings that make a statement. Thick, sculptural bands are increasingly popular, particularly among celebrities, signaling a shift toward personalized, fashion-forward pieces rather than strictly traditional designs. Stars, such as Zendaya and Dua Lipa, have similarly embraced bold, non-traditional engagement rings, cementing this style as a leading trend. Jewelry-industry experts report that flush-set stones and east-west designs have been surging.

Even Miley herself commented on the ring’s distinctive style with her signature humor, joking to Fallon that it was a “Black Friday deal,” despite it being a serious, custom creation.

She acknowledged that the ring doesn't fit in with her usual whimsical jewelry — she typically favors gummy bear or unicorn rings — but she's been embracing her newest bauble as a reflection of her new life chapter with Morando.

Cyrus, 33, and Morando, 27, first met in 2022 on a blind date arranged through mutual friends. From the start, their connection was immediate, blending both personal chemistry and shared creative sensibilities.

Morando, a Los Angeles-based music producer, has built a reputation for his work in pop and contemporary music, collaborating with a range of artists on production, songwriting and mixing. While he and Cyrus are both deeply involved in the music industry, they have not formally worked together on any professional projects prior to their engagement.

Ultimately, Miley Cyrus’s diamond engagement ring is more than a piece of jewelry — it’s a bold statement. With its east-west diamond setting, chunky gold band, and modern design, it perfectly captures today’s most on-trend engagement ring style.

Credits: AI-generated conceptual rendering of Miley Cyrus's engagement ring by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3. Miley Cyrus photo by Raphael Pour-Hashemi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Collectors are bracing for a landmark moment in US numismatic history as Stack’s Bowers Galleries prepares to auction all 232 limited-edition three-coin sets marking the end of penny production. The sale, scheduled for Thursday, December 11, closes the book on a 232-year chapter that began with the first US cents of 1793.



Created by the United States Mint exclusively for this auction, each set includes a 2025 penny from Philadelphia, a 2025-D penny from Denver and, for the first time ever, a 24-karat, 99.99% fine gold penny, struck in Philadelphia.

The gold cent — already considered one of the rarest modern US Mint issues — contains 0.213 troy ounces of pure gold and carries an uncirculated, burnished finish. With a mintage of just 232 pieces, it ties the record for the lowest production of any Lincoln cent in history.

Every coin in the series bears a unique Omega (Ω) privy mark, a symbol chosen deliberately. Omega, the final letter of the Greek alphabet, signifies completion — the fitting punctuation mark on the penny’s 232-year run. As Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally noted on usmint.gov, “The penny has withstood 232 years of our Nation’s history,” making this farewell both historic and deeply symbolic.

The US Mint halted circulating penny production in late 2025 after years of rising costs and changing consumer behavior. According to the Mint, each cent now costs 3.69 cents to manufacture — a growing burden on taxpayers. Meanwhile, an estimated 300 billion pennies remain in circulation, far more than commerce requires. Though minting is ending, the penny will remain legal tender, and the Mint will continue producing limited numismatic versions.

The December 11 sale is the only venue where collectors can acquire these final circulating pennies and the first-ever gold cent. Demand is expected to be intense, especially with thousands of Lincoln cent specialists competing for only 232 sets.

Projected sale prices, according to dealer and market analysis, show why anticipation is soaring: Standard Sets (#2–231) are expected to achieve $15,000 to $30,000 each, with potential spikes to $40,000+.

The first-struck Set #1 should fetch between $40,000 and $75,000, with speculation that it could break six figures.

The last-struck Set #232 (with original dies) is currently attracting the most attention. Estimates range from $350,000 to $500,000+, with some predicting it could reach $750,000 — or even $1 million if institutional or museum buyers join the bidding.

Set #232 includes the three original dies used to strike the coins, making it the most important modern cent release since the legendary 1909-S VDB.

Credits: Coin renderings courtesy of the United States Mint. Background image by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3.

A new nationwide survey from BriteCo reveals a powerful shift in how Americans purchase fine jewelry — and who they’re buying it for. According to the findings, 80% of US adults now purchase fine jewelry for themselves, signaling a major cultural turn toward self-expression, personal celebration and the growing belief that luxury doesn’t need to wait for a special occasion.



The survey, which polled 1,002 adults across the country, highlights a strong embrace of “treat yourself” culture, especially among Millennials aged 30–44, who are the most active self-purchasers. In this age group, a remarkable 86% say they have purchased fine jewelry for themselves, leading all generations. For these buyers — many in their prime earning years — jewelry is both a personal reward and a meaningful way to mark life’s achievements.



Across all ages, respondents shared similar motivations for selecting jewelry: 22% say they buy pieces to enhance personal style, while another 22% purchase jewelry to celebrate a milestone such as a promotion, anniversary or important personal goal. Emotional value far outweighs purely financial considerations, with just 14% citing investment potential as their main reason for buying.



This emphasis on self-expression is reshaping what types of jewelry consumers choose. Rings remain the most meaningful self-purchase for most Americans, with 31% selecting them above necklaces and watches. But Gen Z is breaking from the pack: 35% of buyers aged 18–29 prefer necklaces, driven by bold styling trends and the continuing popularity of layering chains. Their preferences highlight how younger consumers are redefining the “meaningful” purchase with pieces that feel personal, expressive and wearable every day.

Spending habits also vary dramatically by generation. Gen Z and Baby Boomers tend to prioritize affordability, with more than one-third saying they would spend under $500 on a self-purchase. Meanwhile, Millennials and Gen X are more likely to splurge, with nearly 20% of Millennials willing to invest between $2,500 and $5,000, and another 8% willing to exceed $5,000 on a single piece. For these buyers, fine jewelry serves as both a stylish reward and a symbol of success.

Perhaps the most telling insight from the survey: 17% of Americans say they don’t need any reason at all to buy jewelry for themselves.

As BriteCo insurance company CEO Dustin Lemick summarized, “Fine jewelry is no longer just a gift someone gives you. It’s something people choose for themselves — to express who they are, and to celebrate what they’ve achieved.”

The study reflects the reporting of 1,002 US adults (18+) via SurveyMonkey Audience in October 2025 for BriteCo, with a ~3% margin of error.

Credit: Image by BigStockPhoto.com. Graphics courtesy of BriteCo.

There are few moments at a wedding more emotional than the father-daughter dance, and one of the most enduring songs for that treasured tradition is the focus of today’s Music Friday feature. Welcome to our weekly celebration of songs that highlight jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in their lyrics or titles. In Michael Bolton’s tender 2003 rendition of “Daddy’s Little Girl,” the singer draws on a rich palette of jewelry symbolism to express a father’s timeless love for his daughter.



Right from the opening verse, Bolton compares his daughter to cherished treasures: “You’re the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold / You’re Daddy’s little girl to have and hold / A precious gem is what you are / A ray of hope, a shining star.”

These comparisons are more than poetic flourishes; they represent the way fine jewelry is valued for its rarity, beauty and permanence. Calling her a precious gem underscores her uniqueness and irreplaceability. Describing her as a pot of gold suggests she is life’s greatest reward, something deeply sought and profoundly treasured. Together, these elements form a tapestry of love expressed through the language of the jewelry world.

Originally written by Robert Burke and Horace Gerlach more than 75 years ago, “Daddy’s Little Girl” has proved remarkably resilient across generations. The Mills Brothers made it famous in 1950, followed by versions from Frank Fontaine (1963) and Al Martino (1967). Michael Bublé revived it in 2002, and one year later, Michael Bolton included it as the eighth track on his Vintage album, giving the classic new life with his signature warmth and power.

Today, the song continues to be a wedding staple. Versions by Bolton and Bublé routinely appear on “best of” wedding playlists, and the tune is frequently recommended by DJs and wedding planners for its timeless sentiment. iHeartRadio previously ranked it #8 on its list of “30 Father/Daughter Wedding Dance Songs Perfect for Your Big Day,” and it still appears in contemporary lists — often placed right alongside modern classics like “My Little Girl,” “Father and Daughter” and “What a Wonderful World.”

Bolton, incidentally, is father to three daughters — Isa, Holly and Taryn (now all in their late 40s) — which may explain why his delivery of this song feels especially authentic. Born Michael Bolotin in New Haven, CT, in 1953, he rose to fame as one of the great pop-rock balladeers of his era, earning two Grammys, six American Music Awards and more than 75 million records sold.

In recent years, the 72-year-old Bolton has faced major health challenges, including surgery and treatment for a brain tumor. But encouraging signs show that his recovery is progressing, with clear scans reported in April 2025 and tentative plans to resume touring when able.

Please enjoy the audio clip of Bolton performing “Daddy’s Little Girl.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Daddy’s Little Girl”
Written by Robert Burke and Horace Gerlach. Performed by Michael Bolton.

You’re the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold
You’re Daddy’s little girl to have and hold
A precious gem is what you are
A ray of hope, a shining star.

You’re as bright as the sunshine, morning’s first light
You warm my day and brighten my night
You’re sugar, you’re spice, you’re everything nice
and you’re Daddy’s little girl.

A precious gem, that’s what you are
A ray of hope, a shining star.

You’re a bright as the sunshine, morning’s first light
You warm my day and brighten my night
You’re sugar, you’re spice, you’re everything nice
and you’re Daddy’s little girl.



Credit: Photo by Alterna2 http://www.alterna2.com, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

As 2025 comes to a close, the precious metals market has delivered one of the most remarkable performances in U.S. history — and it’s welcome news for anyone who owns fine jewelry. Gold, platinum and silver all surged dramatically this year, pushing spot prices to unprecedented levels and quietly increasing the value of rings, bracelets, necklaces and heirloom pieces sitting in jewelry boxes across the country.



Gold led the way in absolute value, climbing an extraordinary 62% year-to-date, rising from about $2,669 per ounce to more than $4,300. Platinum followed with an even sharper gain, jumping more than 91% (from $922/oz to $1,764/oz), while silver delivered the most eye-catching move of all — more than doubling in price with gains exceeding 107% ($30/oz to $62/oz). Rarely in history have all three precious metals rallied this strongly at the same time.

For jewelry owners, this simultaneous surge matters. Precious metals are the foundation of fine jewelry and higher metal prices directly translate to higher intrinsic value. A gold necklace, platinum engagement ring, or silver statement cuff purchased years ago may now be worth far more than expected — even before considering craftsmanship or gemstone value.

Several forces converged in 2025 to fuel this historic rise. Persistent inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty drove investors toward traditional safe havens like gold. At the same time, central banks around the world accelerated gold purchases as part of broader efforts to diversify reserves, adding sustained upward pressure to prices.

Platinum and silver benefited from a different — but equally powerful — trend: industrial demand. Platinum plays a critical role in automotive emissions systems, green hydrogen development and specialty manufacturing, while silver is essential for solar panels, electric vehicles, electronics and emerging AI technologies. Silver, in particular, is facing its seventh consecutive year of supply deficits, tightening inventories and amplifying price momentum.

While precious metals have experienced major rallies before — notably during the inflationary 1970s and the financial crisis era of the late 2000s — experts say 2025 stands apart. Never before have gold, platinum and silver reached record highs simultaneously, driven by such a complex blend of monetary, geopolitical and technological forces.

Looking ahead, many analysts believe this wild ride is not over. While some cooling or short-term volatility may occur in early 2026, forecasts remain broadly bullish. Continued central bank buying, ongoing industrial demand, and global uncertainty are expected to keep precious metals well supported.

The takeaway for jewelry lovers is a positive one: The beauty you wear and cherish every day is quietly becoming an even stronger store of value.

Credits: Image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.

A rare Brazilian Paraíba tourmaline just made auction history. A necklace featuring the dazzling 13.54-carat jewel soared to $4.2 million, setting world records at Christie’s New York for price and price-per-carat, while eclipsing its pre-sale estimate by more than tenfold.



As the centerpiece of a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., the triangular modified brilliant-cut Paraíba tourmaline is adorned by a cascade of round, pear and square-cut diamonds, amplifying its saturated color and remarkable clarity. This variety of tourmaline is celebrated for its vivid, neon blue-green glow — often described as electric or even “Windex blue.”



Adding to the excitement, Christie’s offered matching Tiffany & Co. earrings set with oval Paraíba tourmalines weighing 3.45 and 3.19 carats. Those earrings achieved $1.27 million, also surpassing their estimate by more than tenfold. Both jewels came from the esteemed collection of philanthropists Max and Cecile Draime.

Paraíba tourmaline occupies a special place in the gem world. First discovered in 1989 by prospector Heitor Dimas Barbosa in Brazil’s coastal state of Paraíba, the stones caused an immediate sensation. Their unprecedented color is caused by trace amounts of copper within the crystal structure of elbaite tourmaline—a rarity in nature. Unlike other tourmalines colored by iron, manganese, chromium or vanadium, copper-bearing Paraíba tourmalines possess an internal glow that seems to radiate light.

Supply was always destined to be limited. The original Brazilian deposit — known as Paraíba Hill — was astonishingly small and largely depleted within five years of discovery. While additional copper-bearing tourmalines were later found in Mozambique and Nigeria in 2001, Brazilian-origin stones remain the most coveted, prized for their intense saturation and historic significance.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Paraíba tourmaline is the near-identical chemistry shared by stones found on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Some gem experts attribute this phenomenon to continental drift—the geological theory that South America and Africa were once joined millions of years ago. In that ancient configuration, Brazil’s Paraíba region would have sat adjacent to what is now West Africa, potentially explaining the shared copper-rich geology.

Durable enough for everyday wear, Paraíba tourmalines rank 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and are one of October’s official birthstones, alongside opal. Yet large, clean examples—especially those topping 3 carats—are extraordinarily rare, making the Christie’s result all the more remarkable.

Credits: Images courtesy of Christie's.

Leave it to Dubai to raise the bar — quite literally — when it comes to silver. At the 13th Dubai Precious Metals Conference, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) unveiled a jaw-dropping silver bar so massive it earned a Guinness World Records title as the largest silver bar ever cast.



The bar weighs an astonishing 1,971 kilograms (about 4,345 pounds), a figure chosen to honor the year the United Arab Emirates was founded: 1971. Measuring roughly 1.3 meters (more than four feet) long, the gleaming ingot is refined to 99.99% pure silver and looks every bit like a superhero version of the bullion bars we’re used to seeing in movies, jewelry safes or Fort Knox.

To put its massiveness into perspective, the bar weighs about the same as a Toyota Grand Highlander SUV. Yes, one solid piece of silver roughly equals a fully loaded family vehicle. That’s one way to make a statement.

The bar’s intrinsic value is equally impressive. At roughly 63,369 troy ounces and a silver price hovering around $63 per ounce, its metal value alone comes in at just over $4 million — and that’s before factoring in its record-setting status.

But this isn’t just a promotional gimmick. The silver bar represents something far more forward-looking: digital ownership. DMCC announced that the bar will be tokenized on its Tradeflow platform, marking the first time a Guinness-certified precious metal asset has been digitized under a regulated framework.

So what does tokenization mean? In simple terms, it’s a way of turning a physical asset — like this silver bar — into digital “tokens” that represent ownership. Instead of one person owning the entire bar, multiple investors can own fractions of it digitally, much like shares of stock. The silver itself remains securely stored (in this case, by Brink’s), while ownership records are tracked online in a transparent, regulated system.

Think of it as splitting an enormous silver bar into many smaller, virtual pieces — without ever taking a saw to it.

Produced by Sam Precious Metals and officially certified by a Guinness World Records adjudicator during the Dubai Precious Metals Conference, the bar celebrates not just the UAE’s founding year, but Dubai’s growing role at the intersection of precious metals, innovation and global trade.

Credit: Image courtesy of DMCC.

There’s a very good reason your social feeds fill up with sparkling rings this time of the year. Welcome to Engagement Season — the stretch from late November through mid-February when nearly half of all marriage proposals take place.



According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, about 47% of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, making it the most popular proposal window of the year. December remains the standout month, with Christmas Day consistently ranking as the most popular day to pop the question, followed closely by Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

So why does this time of year inspire so many proposals? Romance is built right in. The holidays bring cozy settings, twinkling lights, and time off from work—plus family gatherings that make celebrating an engagement feel instantly meaningful. There’s also the emotional pull of fresh starts. For many couples, the New Year represents a natural moment to commit to the future and turn a relationship milestone into a lifelong promise.

Engagement Season also offers practical advantages. Proposing during the winter gives couples plenty of runway to plan weddings for peak seasons, such as late-spring through early-fall. It’s no coincidence that jewelers, planners and venues all see a surge in inquiries starting in December and January.

Once the “yes” is official, rings take center stage — and almost everyone is participating. The Knot reports that 94% of couples exchange at least one engagement ring. Among LGBTQIA+ couples, ring exchange is also common, with 65% exchanging one ring and 29% exchanging two, compared with just 5% of heterosexual couples opting for two rings.

Today’s engagement rings reflect evolving tastes. Four shapes now account for nearly three-quarters of all designs: round (28%), oval (25%), emerald (10%) and princess (10%). Notably, oval cuts have nearly caught up with the once-dominant round brilliant, signaling a shift toward slightly more distinctive silhouettes.

In terms of settings, a newer favorite has emerged: the hidden halo, featured in 18% of engagement rings, surpassing the classic halo style. Traditional prong-set solitaires still reign supreme, appearing in 35% of designs.

According to The Knot, the average engagement now lasts about 15 months, giving couples time to savor the moment before wedding planning hits full swing.

With an estimated 2.8 million couples getting engaged each year in the U.S., it’s clear why Engagement Season has become a cherished — and glittering — tradition. Between the romance, the symbolism and the sparkle, it’s no wonder so many couples choose this time of year to ask the biggest question of all.

Credit: Photo by BigStockPhoto.com.

Welcome to a special Yuletide edition of Music Friday, when we spotlight songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today’s pick is Toby Keith’s playful 1995 holiday tune “Christmas Rock,” a song that finds the future country superstar portraying a cash-strapped husband heading to the jewelry store after his wife makes it clear that pots, pans and practical gifts simply won’t do.



Released on Keith’s first holiday album, Christmas to Christmas, the song opens with the narrator's wife poring over Christmas catalogs, zeroing in on the jewelry pages, and she’s made her wishes clear: She wants “something shinin’ on her hand,” preferably set with a diamond or an emerald.

Keith’s narrator protests that the budget is tight and that his “billfold doesn’t have a prayer,” but a single tear from his wife seals his fate. Soon enough, he’s heading “down to the jewelry store,” where even the clerk greets him with a festive “ho, ho, ho.” The refrain drives the joke home: she wants a Christmas rock, but Santa’s pockets “ain’t got no roll.”

The irony, of course, is that Toby Keith himself was anything but broke. Over the course of a three-decade career, he became one of the most successful figures in country music, releasing 19 studio albums, two Christmas albums, and five compilations, with worldwide sales topping 40 million units. He scored 20 #1 hits on the Billboard country charts. Keith's success extended well beyond music, earning him recognition as a savvy entrepreneur with ventures spanning touring, publishing and hospitality.

Born in Clinton, OK, Keith’s path to stardom was far from smooth. He grew up around live music at his grandmother’s supper club, picked up his first guitar at age eight, worked oil fields by day and played honky-tonks by night. After years of grinding, a chance connection led to a record deal in Nashville — and the rest is country music history.

Keith passed away in February 2024 after a battle with stomach cancer, leaving behind a towering legacy as a singer, songwriter, performer and patriot who remained deeply connected to his Oklahoma roots. Even in a humorous holiday song about a man sweating a jewelry purchase, his storytelling shines with warmth, wit and authenticity.

This season, as engagement rings and diamond jewelry once again top holiday wish lists, “Christmas Rock” feels as timely as ever.

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

“Christmas Rock”
Written by Lewis Anderson. Performed by Toby Keith.

My billfold doesn’t have a prayer
There’s Christmas catalogs everywhere
She keeps looking at the jewelry section
Cutting pictures out of her selections

I said, “We need to hold it down this year”
And in her eye she got a big ol’ tear
She wants a Christmas rock
But Santa’s pockets ain’t got no roll

She don’t want pots and pans
Just something shinin’ on her hand
With an emerald or a diamond on it
I had a budget but she’s gone and blown it

Down to the jewelry store, here I go
Hear the clerk say, “Ho, ho, ho”
She wants a Christmas rock
But Santa’s pockets ain’t got no roll

She don’t want anything from Sears
No tools or garden shears
There’s something special on her mind
And I can’t even afford the shine

I wish she’d settled for a long nightshirt
No, I’ve got to give till it hurts
She wants a Christmas rock
But Santa’s pockets ain’t got no roll

She don’t want pots and pans
Just something shinin’ on her hand
With an emerald or a diamond on it
I had a budget but she’s gone and blown it

Down to the jewelry store, here I go
Hear the clerk say, “Ho, ho, ho”
She wants a Christmas rock
But Santa’s pockets ain’t got no roll

She wants a Christmas rock
But ol’ Santa’s pockets ain’t got no roll



Credit: Photo by US Army - Rob McIlvaine, FMWRC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

What Chanel West Coast thought was an opportunity to capture a holiday-themed social media clip turned into a life-changing surprise — and a very glittery one. Last week, longtime boyfriend Dom Fenison popped the question beneath the towering Christmas tree installation at Beverly Cañon Gardens in Beverly Hills, catching the TV personality, rapper and entrepreneur completely off guard.



As Chanel walked into the center of the hollowed-out tree — part of the city’s annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration — Fenison kept the camera rolling. Moments later, the real reason for the “content” became clear.



“Wait. What? Are you serious?” Chanel exclaimed, visibly stunned, before breaking into happy tears. “I love it. It’s so beautiful.”

Fenison handed her the ring — a large pear-shaped diamond halo set on a pavé band — and asked her to try it on. In an awkward moment many jewelry lovers instantly recognized, Chanel initially slipped the ring on with the point of the pear facing her wrist. She paused, laughed, and quickly flipped it around.

“Oh, wait. It’s the wrong way, I think,” she said, instantly settling the age-old pear-shape debate in favor of the traditional point-toward-the-fingertip look.

Despite joking about dry hands and wishing she’d applied lotion beforehand, Chanel couldn’t stop admiring the ring.

"Oh my god, I love you," she said to her new fiancé, and then turned her attention to the most important onlooker of all — the couple’s two-year-old daughter, Bowie Breeze — pulling her in for a hug and telling her, “I love you.”

Chanel later shared the moment on Instagram, writing, “Best day of my life was today!” She praised Fenison for being her “rock, best friend and biggest supporter.” A day later, she posted close-up selfies of the ring, this time properly oriented, admitting she “can’t stop looking at” it.

The engagement marks a joyful milestone for a couple whose relationship has grown steadily over the past four years. Chanel and Fenison, a fashion model signed to DT Model Management, officially began dating in early 2022 after reconnecting through her music career. They welcomed Bowie in November of that year and have since balanced parenthood with busy professional lives.

Chanel, who departed MTV’s Ridiculousness in 2023, is currently exploring a new musical chapter that blends country and hip-hop, while Fenison continues working with major fashion brands and supporting Chanel’s creative ventures.

As for the proposal buzz online — including commentary about Fenison filming the moment himself or skipping a knee drop — Chanel’s response has been clear: she’s thrilled, deeply in love and absolutely obsessed with her ring.

Credits: Image via Instagram / chanelwestcoast.

After more than a decade of bold, expressive hues — from 2012’s Tangerine Tango to 2022’s digitally inspired Very Peri — the Pantone Color Institute surprised the design world by selecting "Cloud Dancer" (PANTONE 11-4201) as its 2026 Color of the Year. Instead of a vibrant splash of color, Pantone landed on a billowy, ethereal shade of white — its first-ever white selection — prompting both reflection and debate across fashion, design and creative circles.



Described by Pantone as a “lofty, balanced white,” Cloud Dancer is meant to feel airy rather than stark. The institute said the shade symbolizes calm, renewal and quiet focus at a time when many consumers feel overwhelmed by visual noise, digital saturation and constant stimulation. According to Pantone, Cloud Dancer acts as a blank canvas — inviting creativity to breathe rather than compete for attention.

Still, the choice sparked discussion. Some critics questioned whether white qualifies as a “color” at all, especially in the context of paint and pigment, where white is often described as the absence of color. Social media commentary ranged from playful skepticism to genuine disappointment, with some wondering whether Pantone had sidestepped its role as a color authority.

Pantone leaders addressed those concerns directly. Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman emphasized that Cloud Dancer was not a default or minimalist cop-out, but a conscious choice. She described the hue as a symbol of clarity and simplification — one that opens new avenues of thinking rather than closing them. Vice President Laurie Pressman echoed that sentiment, noting that Cloud Dancer reflects a cultural moment defined by transformation and a desire for fresh starts.

As with previous Color of the Year selections, Pantone’s decision reflects the broader global zeitgeist. While earlier choices leaned into optimism, vibrancy or digital expression, Cloud Dancer speaks to a collective yearning for stillness and balance. In that sense, it’s less about making a loud statement and more about creating space for lightness and well-being.

For the jewelry industry, Cloud Dancer offers a particularly elegant source of inspiration. Its soft, luminous quality pairs naturally with gemstones that share a sense of lightness and serenity. Cultured pearls are perhaps the most intuitive match, with their creamy glow and timeless appeal echoing the shade’s cloudlike softness. From classic strands to modern pearl-accented earrings, pearls align seamlessly with Cloud Dancer’s understated elegance.

White diamonds also shine in this palette, especially when set in platinum or white gold. Their crisp brilliance complements Cloud Dancer’s clean aesthetic while still delivering sparkle and luxury. For jewelry-lovers seeking something more ethereal, moonstone brings a subtle, internal glow reminiscent of drifting clouds, while white opal adds gentle flashes of color within a milky base.

Even mother-of-pearl finds a natural home here, offering quiet luster and organic beauty that suits minimalist and contemporary designs alike. Paired with soft pastels or warm neutrals, these gemstones allow Cloud Dancer to serve as a sophisticated foundation rather than a blank void.

As with every Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer is likely to influence product development, merchandising and consumer tastes well beyond fashion, extending into jewelry, interiors and branding. Whether viewed as controversial or calming, Pantone’s 2026 choice underscores a powerful idea: sometimes the most meaningful statement can be communicated with a whisper, not a shout.

Here are the Pantone Colors of the Year dating back to 2011…



PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse (2025)
PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz (2024)
PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta (2023)
PANTONE 17-3938 Veri Peri (2022)
PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray (2021)
PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating (2021)
PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue (2020)
PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral (2019)
PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet (2018)
PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery (2017)
PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)
PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity (2016)
PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)

Credits: Color swatch images courtesy of Pantone.

Each year, a new Norway spruce is specially hand-picked to stand at the heart of Rockefeller Center, ultimately becoming one of the most photographed Christmas trees in the world. While the tree itself changes annually, one constant crowns it from above: the dazzling Swarovski Star — a 900-pound, crystal-studded masterpiece that once again tops the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a beloved symbol of the holiday season in New York City.



The monumental ornament spans more than nine feet in diameter and glistens with over 3 million precisely cut crystals. Designed in 2018 by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the three-dimensional star features 70 radiant spikes, each illuminated from within to amplify the crystal’s refractive brilliance.



Libeskind originally described the Star as a modern symbol of hope, unity, and peace — an interpretation that continues to resonate as it shines nightly above Rockefeller Plaza. The design replaced an earlier Swarovski star introduced in 2004 that weighed 550 pounds and featured just 25,000 crystals, underscoring how dramatically the scale and ambition of the current topper have evolved.



Installed in mid-November, the 75-foot-tall spruce traveled roughly 150 miles from East Greenbush in Upstate New York to Midtown Manhattan. Donated by the Russ family, who had cared for the tree on their property for more than 60 years, this year’s spruce carries a deeply personal story. Judy Russ has said the family offered the tree in memory of her late husband.

"As my husband has passed away, I know he would have loved to have been here for this moment," Judy Russ told NBC correspondent Joe Fryer on TODAY. "We always talked about it being the (Rockefeller Center) tree. It's so special that my family’s tree gets to be America's, if not the world’s, Christmas tree.”

Placing the Swarovski Star on top of such a majestic tree is no small feat. Each year, a specialized crew hoists the massive ornament by crane, delicately positioning it nearly eight stories into the air. Once secured, the Star completes a dazzling display that includes more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights woven throughout the tree using nearly five miles of wire.

The tree officially lit up Manhattan during the nationally televised Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3, marking the ceremonial start of the city’s holiday season. The tree and its Swarovski Star will remain illuminated nightly through mid-January 2026, welcoming millions of visitors from around the globe.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition dates back to 1931, when Depression-era construction workers erected a modest tree adorned with handmade garlands. The first official lighting ceremony followed in 1933, and since 1951, the event has been broadcast nationwide, transforming a simple spruce into a global holiday icon.

When the season concludes, the story doesn’t end. Since 2007, Rockefeller Center has donated the tree’s lumber to Habitat for Humanity, where it is milled and repurposed into building materials for homes across the country — a fitting final chapter for a symbol rooted in generosity and renewal.

Credits: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree photo by Anthony Quintano from Mount Laurel, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of Nadja Swarovski and Daniel Libeskind with the Swarovski Star in 2018 by Bryan Bedder Getty for Swarovski (PRNewsfoto/Swarovski). Screen capture of Swarovski Star via YouTube.com/Swarovski.