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. …
Music Friday: Inspired Jason Mraz Hopes ‘You Win Prizes Shining Like Diamonds’
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 …
The 37.8-Carat Chalk Emerald Is a Regal Example of May’s Official Birthstone
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 …
Performance Artist Hatches Unique Strategy for Raising Engagement Ring Funds
Ham, a 30-year-old performance artist from Maryland, has been garnering attention across major cities for his unique method of raising funds to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Alma. His platform? Quite literally, a small box on a street corner. His attire? Just underwear and socks. His mission? To crowdsource enough money to purchase the most meaningful ring he …
Jewelry Shines Bright With Mother’s Day Spending Expected to Hit $6.8B in 2025
Mother’s Day 2025 is shaping up to be another strong season for jewelry sales, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Jewelry remains a top choice for gift-givers, with spending on the category expected to total $6.8 billion — outperforming special outings ($6.3 billion), gift cards ($3.5 billion), flowers ($3.2 billion) …
Pope Francis’s Silver Ring Reflected His Commitment to Humility and Modesty
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in 2013, he immediately signaled a new papal era — one rooted in humility, modesty and simplicity. Nowhere was this more evident than in his choice of the papal ring. Rather than commissioning an ornate, solid gold Fisherman's Ring as tradition dictated, Pope Francis opted for a recycled gold-plated silver ring — a …
Music Friday: Gwen Stefani Compares Blake Shelton to a Sapphire in ‘Rare’
Welcome to Music Friday when we spotlight songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, we’re visiting Gwen Stefani’s heartfelt track “Rare,” in which the pop icon compares her longtime partner — country superstar Blake Shelton — to a sparkling sapphire. Originally released in 2016 as the final track on her album This Is What …
16-Million-Year-Old Ant Preserved in Amber Shines Light on Evolutionary History
In the world of gemology, few treasures rival the rarity and allure of a flawless diamond. But for entomologist Gianpiero Fiorentino, an equally thrilling find came not from the depths of the Earth, but encased in ancient fossilized tree resin: a 16-million-year-old “dirt ant” preserved in pristine Dominican amber. “Dirt ants are rare finds in the wild,” says Fiorentino, a …
Bridal Jewelry Spending in 2025 Ticks Up to $5,493 as Buyers Prioritize Quality
The average amount US consumers are spending on bridal/engagement jewelry has increased to $5,493 in 2025, up 2% from 2023, according to new research released by The Plumb Club. According to the survey, quality leads the way in purchase decisions, outperforming traditional motivators, such as price, design, uniqueness or even brand. The study revealed a notable shift in what drives …
Jake Ferguson Proposes to Haley Cavinder With Oval-Cut Diamond Ring
The jewelry world is buzzing over a breathtaking new ring reveal, and it comes courtesy of one of sports and social media’s most glamorous couples. Haley Cavinder — college basketball standout, influencer and one half of the internet-famous Cavinder twins — said “yes” to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson in a romantic beachside proposal that radiated major fairytale energy. …