Latest news with #sapphire
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The sentimental meaning behind Kate's stack of eternity rings
There's arguably no engagement ring as famous as that given to Kate Middleton by Prince William. The 12-carat oval-cut Ceylon sapphire carries hugely sentimental value to the royal family; it previously belonged to Princess Diana, before being inherited by Prince William. As spectacular as Kate's engagement ring is, its sheer size and brilliance doesn't make it the most practical piece to wear, so understandably, it's not one that the royal opts to showcase every day. Often, the Princess of Wales will wear a varying combination of her eternity rings in its place, but this past week, the mother-of-three was seen styling her engagement ring in a brand new way. While attending the Wimbledon finals over the weekend, the Princess of Wales slipped her engagement ring on top of a triple stack of eternity rings, demonstrating a sweet symbol of unity. Each of Kate's eternity rings is believed to carry its own sentimental meaning. The white-gold pavé-set band, encrusted with diamonds, was a touching gift from Prince William following the birth of their first son, Prince George. The second, Kate's subtle gold wedding ring, was nestled next to her most recent addition: a sparkling sapphire and diamond eternity band, which features 19 of each gemstone in alternating order. The eye-catching ring first appeared on Kate's finger last year following her return to royal duties after her chemotherapy treatment for cancer. While the reason behind the ring hasn't been confirmed — there's speculation it was a gift from William for their 13th wedding anniversary — it's a piece she's rarely been seen without in the year since she first wore it, inferring that the piece carries its own special meaning. It's also emblematic that the Princess of Wales has chosen to wear all four of her rings to an event which she holds close to her heart — Kate has served as a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016 — and one of the few royal engagements she has been able to attend with her family this year as she faces the challenges of remission. Kate's influence on jewellery trends, from her famous engagement ring to her favourite affordable earrings, is undeniable — and we're betting it won't be long before we see statement ring stacking return to the fore. You Might Also Like 8 spring/summer 2019 nail trends to be wearing now 10 best summer shorts to wear beyond the beach 10 pairs of knee-high boots to transform your autumn look
ABC News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Regional Queensland town known for gem fossicking embraces its queer community
En route to the Queensland outback, the Gemfields region is known for its sparkle. One of the biggest sapphire-bearing areas in the world, it's a popular stop for tourists hoping to find their fortune. But the long dirt roads also lead to something more unlikely in the bush: a thriving queer community, headed up by a particularly bright gem, Willow. "We have visitors who rock up and they think they're coming out to fossick for gems in the middle of nowhere, and it's pretty rough and rugged country," Willow says. Willow moved back to the community a decade ago to care for family, and decided to reveal a new part of himself to his parents and his home town a few years before that. "I said, 'Mum, I need to tell you something,' and so I came out to her, and she was great," he says. "My dad grew to understand and just support and love me for who I was." The town of Rubyvale, with just a little over 1,000 residents, embraces all. Headed by Willow, there is a thriving and supportive queer community, which hosts an annual Mardi Gras in September or October and regular drag blingo nights, where all are welcome. "It started as a party that I held for my 50th birthday. I couldn't go away, so that was the next best option," Willow says. It's now an annual event that attracts visitors from all over central Queensland. "I've been able to help facilitate a space where queer people can come and visit or come and live," he says. Willow says visitors have embraced the culture and more queer people have moved to the area in recent years. "You can't be it if you can't see it, and I know by doing what I do, it's made a difference, and I just love that's been the outcome," he says. Caleb Christensen is from the United States and first came to the Gemfields to visit friends. "I came over and two days later, the Australian border was shut with the COVID pandemic, so six months turned into two years, which has turned into five years now," he says. Growing up in a small town in Minnesota, Caleb says he had initially struggled with his sexuality and felt pressured to downplay his queerness. "I didn't want to be too flamboyant or this or that. I wanted to be a palatable kind of queer person for them," he says. Over the years, he grew increasingly more comfortable with his identity and, after moving to the Gemfields, he says he can finally be his true self. "I would say it was moving to the Gemfields that made me finally accept in my heart who I was," Caleb says. When asked why he's stayed this long, Caleb says it's because of the community. "The people — 100 per cent. The people are just warm and eclectic, it's a very niche lifestyle, but you have people from completely different walks of life," he says. "When I was told they had drag queen blingo at this pub in rural Queensland, I was completely shocked." Caleb runs a drama club, not exclusively for the queer community, but a supportive space for everyone. Willow acknowledges that while homophobia still exists in the region, those who support him and the community outweigh this. "There are people who will try to bring us down and create division and fear, but we simply will not go away," he says. Casey Morrison is one of those allies and is a manager at one of the local pubs where drag blingo is hosted. She wants to replicate the vibrant environment where she had worked previously. "Where I lived in New South Wales, they held similar events and everyone who works here are allies," Casey says. "We just love people, we love individuals … they can be from anywhere. "At the moment, we've got everyone here watching the sport, but it could be that everyone is here for blingo as well."
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Forbes
Rare Gemstone Uncovers Trade Route Between Medieval Europe And Sri Lanka
The golden ring with a reddish-purple sapphire. A medieval ring holding a rare sapphire points to a long-distance gemstone trade between Europe and Sri Lanka over 700 years ago. The ring was found at today's Pustý hrad (meaning "deserted castle") above the city of Zvolen in Slovakia in 2001, during an illegal treasure hunt. Only 22 years later the ring was handed over to the authorities. The 18-karat golden ring, dating from circa 1300, holds a reddish-purple sapphire gemstone with an estimated weight of about 2.00 carats. The ring is of high quality and sapphire was a rare gemstone at the time, as there are no significant deposits to be found in Europe. Wearing such a piece of jewelry must have symbolized great wealth and a high societal status. Noémi Beljak Pažinová, researcher at the Department of Archaeology of the University of Nitra, Slovakia, and a team of archeologists and mineralogists analyzed the chemical composition and crystal properties to determine the gemstone's possible origin. Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed almost entirely of aluminum oxide. Pure corundum is colorless, but trace elements like iron, titanium, chromium, gallium and vanadium give it colors like blue, yellow, red, green, pink, or purple. By analyzing the trace elements in the ring's sapphire and comparing the results with sapphires mined worldwide, the team concludes that Sri Lanka is the most likely place of origin. The gemstone must have traveled by sea and land, shipped from Sri Lanka to India, traveling the Middle East and handed over to European merchants in Aleppo, modern northern Syria, or Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, Turkey. This long voyage, together with the rarity and beauty of sapphires, must have contributed to its high value. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Pustý hrad Castle was built in the late 12th century and served as the administrative center of the Zvolen County before becoming a significant Hungarian royal fortress. It is plausible that the ring was worn by a royal member or another high-ranking person, maybe even serving as a Bishops' rings of office. An engraving on the sapphire shows a stylized lion, symbolizing strength, courage and royalty, but also an animal associated with Mark the Evangelist. The study,"Archaeometric study of a unique medieval golden ring with a reddish-purple sapphire (corundum) gemstone from the Zvolen Castle, Slovakia," was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Boucheron Art Nouveau ‘Juno' Pendant Fetches $508,500 At Bonhams
Boucheron Art Nouveau enamel, sapphire and diamond 'Juno' pendant, circa 1900, fetches $508,500 Colored gems and signed jewels from important private collections led the way at Bonhams New York Jewels Sale held Thursday. Emerald and Diamond necklace fetched $597,400. It was the top lot Bonhams New York Jewels sale The top lot of the sale was an unsigned emerald and diamond necklace, composed of 15 graduated emerald-cut emeralds weighing approximately 116.50 carats. Each emerald is within a surround of round brilliant-cut diamonds, interspersed with clusters of pear-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds. The estimated total diamond weight is 67.20 carats. The piece fetched $597,400, more than three times its high estimate. 4.32-carat Unheated Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring fetched $559,300 This was followed by a platinum ring centered with a 4.32-carat cushion-shaped unheated Kashmir sapphire further enhance with pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamonds. It sold for $559,300, nearly four times its $150,000 high estimate. The most promoted lot of the auction was an elaborate and artistic Boucheron Art Nouveau enamel, sapphire and diamond pendant, circa 1900 (top photo). The design features a female form of carved white jadeite depicting the goddess Juno, the queen of the gods, goddess of marriage, and protector of women and the family. Her hair is of textured gold and crowned with blue, green and purple enamel, accented by old European-cut diamonds and gold beads. Her dress of purple enamel is set with a cushion-shaped yellow sapphire framed by old European-cut diamonds. The pendant, which was exhibited at the 1900 Paris World's Fair, fetched $508,500, well above its estimates. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder This was followed by a platinum ring centered with an approximate 4-carat oval-shaped unheated Paraíba tourmaline from Brazil. The gem is surrounded by more than 3 carats of pear and marquise-shaped diamonds. It sold for $483,100. A spinel. emerald, diamond and cultured pearl pendant sold for $470,400 An unsigned multi-gem 18k white gold pendant with a 50.63-carat unheated rectangular-cut spinel within a frame of round brilliant, baguette and tapered baguette-cut diamonds sold for $470,400. The auction house amended the origin of the spinel from Sri Lanka to Tajikistan, based on an American Gemological Laboratories report. Suspended from the centerpiece is two round pearls and a 7.8-carat briolette-cut emerald and more diamonds. Emerald and diamond earclips sold for $445,000 The next lot was a pair of emerald and diamond earclips. Each centering an emerald-cut emerald, within a surround of pear-shaped and round brilliant-cut diamonds from the Piranesi jewelry house. The estimated weight of the emeralds are 26 and 26.45 carats. The earclips sold for $445,000, more than five times its high estimate. René Boivin colored diamond and diamond brooch, circa 1937. fetched $267,200 A rare René Boivin colored diamond orchid brooch, circa 1939, fetched $267,200, exceeding its high estimate. The petals of the broch are set with round brilliant and old European-cut diamonds, further enhanced by round brilliant, old European and single-cut diamonds of yellow tint. The brooch has an estimated total diamond weight of 20 25.00 carats and estimated total colored diamond weight of 15.30 carats. The number eight lot of the sale was a triple swag platinum necklace featuring oval-shaped rubies, each within a surround of circular diamonds. The estimated total ruby weight is 43 carats and the estimated total diamond weight is 86.50 carats. It fetched $229,100. Approximately 905 of the 123 lots in the auction sold. However, there were some high-profile lots that failed to find a buyer. Among them was the top lot of the sale based on estimates. A 14.52-carat fancy heart-shaped light-blue diamond on a ring surrounded by round brilliant-cut diamonds and diamonds with a pink tint. Its estimate was $2 million to $3 million. Another lot that didn't sell was a pair of of Taffin diamond earclips. Each centered with a square emerald-cut diamond, one weighing 5.16 carats and the other weighing 5.04 carats. Its estimate was $160,000 - $240,000.
Forbes
04-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
A 392-Carat Sapphire Could Fetch $12 Million Christie's New York Sale
'The Blue Belle,' a 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire with an estimate of $8 - $12 million A fancy pink diamond with French Imperial provenance, Indian Mughal jewels and a 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire are among the highlights of Christie's New York Magnificent Jewels auction on June 17. An historic jewel of exceptional provenance is one of the premier lots of the sale at Christie's Rockefeller Center headquarters. The 'Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond' has a storied past that has passed through French, Bavaria and Austrian imperial and royal families and may be linked to Queen Marie Antoinette. The rare 10.38-carat kite-shaped fancy purple-pink diamond with SI1 clarity is believed to date to the mid-18th century, Christie's said. As the story goes, Marie Antoinette entrusted her jewels to her coiffeur on the eve of her failed escape from Paris in 1791, hoping to one day reclaim them. The jewels were then passed down to her only surviving child, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Angoulême, and later to her niece, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Chambord. Though not known for certain, it is likely that this pink diamond was part of this inheritance, Christie's said. The 'Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond' with an estimate of $3 million - $5 million FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder 'Generations later,' Christie's said, a will identified the diamond's next known owner as Queen Marie Theresa of Bavaria, who referred to it as 'a pink solitaire diamond from Aunt Chambord.' The gem was stored in a velvet case containing a hat pin bearing the Austrian Imperial Warrant—likely dating to 1868—the diamond's provenance reflects its imperial legacy, Christie's said. The gem last appeared at auction in Geneva in 1996, offered by a member of a European royal family. Since that sale it has remained out of public view. In addition to its likely imperial provenance, the diamond has been set into a contemporary platinum ring paved with diamonds designed and crafted by famed American-Parisian jeweler Joel Arthur Rosenthal, better known as JAR. The estimate for the fancy pink diamond ring is $3 million - $5 million, making it the number two lot in the auction. The top honor in the 139-lot sale goes to a necklace featuring a 392.52-carat unheated Ceylon sapphire with a modified mixed-cut called 'The Blue Belle.' It is one of the largest known sapphires in the world. (top photo) Like the fancy pink diamond, this massive sapphire has a history shrouded in mystery. The gem was unearthed in 1926 at Pelmadula, Ratnapura ('The City of Gems') in Ceylon, but the size and shape of the gem in its rough form is unknown, Christie's said. It had a 'highly prized peacock blue color and excellent clarity,' according to the documentation Christie's uncovered. It was owned by the well-known gem and jewelry dealers Macan Markar in Colombo. 'The Blue Belle,' a 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire with an estimate of $8 - $12 million Acquired in 1937 by British motor magnate Lord Nuffield. It is believed he planned to give it to Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) on King George VI's coronation. Instead, the jewel was sold privately and passed through several owners before appearing at Christie's Geneva auction in 2014 where it sold for $17.3 million. The sapphire is the centerpiece of an elaborate 18k white gold necklace covered in round and oval shaped diamond. Its estimate is $8 million - $12 million. In addition, the New York auction will offer three gem-set necklaces with historic Indian Mughal provenance. A Mughal Antique Carved Emerald Necklace with an estimate of $2 million - $3 million The first is a Mughal carved emerald necklace consisting of three carved Colombian hexagonal and two carved pear-shaped Colombian emeralds with an approximate total weight of 1,150 carats. The largest emerald of approximately 470 carats is inscribed with the name 'Ahmad Shah Durr-I Durran,' founder of the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan and northwest India. Its estimate is $2 million - $3 million. A Mughal antique multi-gem and emerald necklace with an estimate of $2 million - $3 million Similar to the first piece, is a Mughal multi-gem and emerald necklace featuring four Colombian emeralds weighing nearly 800 carats. The necklace is further adorned with a drop-shaped spinel bead, a baroque ruby bead and baroque natural pearls. Its estimate is $2 million - $3 million. A Mughal three-strand spinel and natural pearl necklace with an estimate of $1 million - $2 million The third piece is a Mughal three-strand spinel and natural pearl necklace with eight inscribed stones, in the Mughal tradition of memorializing gemstones to record their royal provenance. These spinels bear the names of some of the most powerful figures in history, including Muhammad ibn Tughluq-Shah, the Sultan of Delhi, the first Mughal emperor, Babur, and emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Christie's said. The spinels have an approximate total weight of more than 2,000 carats. The estimate for the necklace is $1 million - $2 million. In addition, the New York auction is featuring a collection of jewels from the estate of Anne Hendricks Bass, an American investor, documentary filmmaker, and art collector who was the former wife of billionaire oilman Sid Bass. The collection consists of 26 personal jewels that feature examples from Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Cartier and JAR. Van Cleef & Arpels diamond pendant earrings with an estimate of $1.2 million - $1.8 million The top lot in this group is a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings featuring pear brilliant-cut D-color diamonds of 11.93 and 11.83 carats, marquise, pear-shaped and round diamonds, platinum and white gold. Its estimate is $1.2 million - $1.8 million. JAR sapphire, emerald and diamond necklace with an estimate of $200,000 - $300,000 The Bass collection also includes 11 jewels by JAR, led by a necklace featuring 22 drop briolette emeralds with rows of faceted sapphire beads and round diamonds set in platinum and 18k white gold. Its estimate is $200,000 - $300,000. In a break from recent trends, colorless diamonds will play a significant role in Christie's June 17 auction. Among the standouts are: A 66.74-carat unmounted diamond with an estimate of $3.2 million - $4.2 million A 66.74-carat unmounted round brilliant-cut diamond with D color, VVS1 clarity and 'excellent cut, polish and symmetry,' according to the reports. The Type IIa diamond has an estimate of $3.2 million - $4.2 million. A platinum necklace with a 25.45-carat pear brilliant-cut flawless, D-color diamond with an estimate ... More of $1.5 million - $2 million A platinum necklace centered with a 25.45-carat pear brilliant-cut flawless, D-color diamond with an estimate of $1.5 million - $2 million. Harry Winston diamond pendant necklace with an estimate of $1.2 million - $1.8 million A platinum and 18k white gold necklace by Harry Winston featuring a 17.50-carat pear brilliant-cut diamond of D color and VVS1 clarity, 5.01-carat round brilliant-cut diamond D-color and SI1 clarity. The remainder of the necklace is covered with round, pear, emerald and marquise diamonds. Its estimate is $1.2 million - $1.8 million. A Harry Winston diamond diamond ring with an estimate of $1.2 million - $1.8 million. A platinum Harry Winston ring centered with a 23.26-carat internally flawless emerald-cut diamond with D-color flanked by shield-shaped diamonds. Its estimate is $1.2 million - $1.8 million. All 139 lots in the Christie's New York Magnificent Jewels auction will be on view at the auction house's Rockefeller Center headquarters from June 12 through June 16.
