Scientists have discovered an impressive new cave with rare geological formations in the limestone mountains of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam.

The discovery has already attracted the interest of the scientific community, as it offers new insights into the ancient karst landscape of the region and the geological processes that continue to shape it.

The cave was named Thang, meaning «Cave of Victory.» Inside, researchers found extensive halls, impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Also, intricate rock formations and mineral deposits created over millions of years. Its discovery enriches the park's already large catalog of geological treasures.

The rare «pearls»

The most important find is the rare «cave pearls.» Smooth, luminous white, and almost perfectly spherical mineral formations. They were found in unusually large concentrations within natural rock basins.

These «pearls» form over thousands of years as mineral-rich water repeatedly deposits thin layers of calcium carbonate around tiny particles. Over time, almost perfectly spherical structures are created.

Although similar formations can appear in limestone caves in various regions of the world, experts point out that such a high concentration of them in Thang is extremely unusual. Even experienced speleology teams rarely encounter deposits of comparable extent.

Beyond their beauty, the «pearls» are an indication that extremely stable geological and hydrological conditions prevailed in the cave for a long time. Their abundance, combined with the imposing stalactites, stalagmites, and excellently preserved limestone formations, makes the cave an important field for future geological research.

Unexplored underground treasures

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its extensive network of caves, underground rivers, and spectacular karst formations. However, much of the underground landscape remains unexplored, despite decades of caving expeditions and international scientific research.

Scientists estimate that further exploration may reveal additional geological features, as well as hitherto unknown species of organisms adapted to life underground. At the same time, the discovery highlights the need to protect fragile cave ecosystems, as even minor human interventions can destroy formations that took thousands of years to create.

Source: cnn.gr

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Fluorescence

The fluorescence of diamonds is one of their most discussed, yet misunderstood, characteristics. Although often considered a negative trait, it is actually a natural phenomenon that, under certain conditions, can positively impact both their appearance and commercial value.

When the term «fluorescence» appears in diamond grading reports or online, it usually leaves most buyers confused. What exactly is fluorescence, and should it affect your choice when buying a diamond? The truth is, most people misunderstand fluorescence, which is one of the most complex and captivating characteristics of a natural diamond. The informed buyer can leverage fluorescence to gain beauty, rarity, and even value benefits.

Fluorescence is not a treatment or enhancement. It is a natural characteristic that reflects a diamond's geological history and is most commonly found in natural diamonds, where it can also serve as an indicator of natural origin.

Fluorescence is the property of certain diamonds to emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This light, usually blue, ceases to be emitted as soon as the UV source is removed, which distinguishes fluorescence from phosphorescence, a phenomenon quite rare in natural diamonds.

On a scientific level, the phenomenon is due to imperfections in the diamond's crystal lattice and the presence of trace elements such as nitrogen, boron, and aluminum. During the absorption of ultraviolet energy, electrons are excited and re-emit part of the energy as visible light.

Approximately one-third of natural diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence. The most common color is blue, but yellow, white, green, orange, and even red fluorescence are encountered less frequently.

Gemological laboratories classify fluorescence into five intensity grades: None, Faint, Medium, Strong, and Very Strong. This classification is based on laboratory observation under controlled conditions of ultraviolet lighting.

The effect of fluorescence on a diamond's appearance depends directly on its base color tone. In diamonds of grade I and below, blue fluorescence can optically counteract the yellowish hue, making them appear whiter in natural light.

Conversely, in high color-purity diamonds (D–F), strong fluorescence is often considered undesirable, as a small percentage of them may exhibit a milky or oily appearance, reducing their brilliance and transparency. This percentage is extremely low and does not justify the myth that diamonds with fluorescence are of lower quality.

Consumer psychology also plays an important role. Myths surrounding fluorescence often lead to the unwarranted rejection of quality diamonds. Proper information and visual inspection in natural light are crucial.

Fluorescence began to concern us when a large quantity of fluorescent diamonds was discovered at the Premier mine in South Africa. From there, the term «premier» arose to describe light yellow diamonds with strong blue fluorescence. Similarly, the term «jager» referred to diamonds from the Jagerfontein mine, also in South Africa, which produced a high percentage of colorless stones with strong fluorescence. These diamonds were known as «blue-white» (Blue Blanc) and had a higher price. This was due to the prevailing belief that fluorescence added value to higher color grade diamonds.

However, the positive associations connected with the term «blue-white» began to erode when the trade started selling lower-color diamonds with the «blue-white» label. In the Greek market, we often encounter the term Blue-Blanc for diamonds sold up until the late 1970s. These diamonds were usually slightly yellowish with a strong fluorescence that masked their slightly yellowish hue. They were quite popular, both because of their more attractive price due to their actual hue, and because of their name, which gave them French elegance.

The negative view of fluorescence began when it was revealed that laboratories in South Korea had overestimated the color of fluorescent stones in the early 1990s. Local consumers suddenly realized that their stones were overvalued and stopped buying fluorescent stones.

Exactly the same thing happened when it was revealed that the American laboratory had overestimated diamonds exhibiting fluorescence for several years. Up to 3 color grades due to the use of lamps with strong UV light during the examination process.

Around the same time, a large volume of diamonds began to circulate on the market. Diamonds that exhibited fluorescence, mainly from mines in Russia.

Is Diamond Fluorescence Good or Bad After All?;

Fluorescence is not a flaw. The structural integrity of a diamond remains unaffected by fluorescence. Fluorescence emerges naturally from within the diamond, representing its complex and captivating formation process. Some collectors and connoisseurs even seek it out for its rarity and visual appeal. Especially when it glows intensely under ultraviolet light, making the diamond appear almost alive.

For quite some time, the phenomenon we've nicknamed "semi-permanent" in the lab has been appearing frequently. At nail salons, UV lamps are used to dry manicured nails. Often, women wear their rings. And naturally, the UV light excites some of the diamonds set in the jewelry, causing them to appear blue.

In conclusion, diamond fluorescence is a distinctive natural characteristic. It reveals an additional story about the stone and its natural formation. The presence of fluorescence in diamonds should generally not deter you from purchasing them. But it can actually persuade you to buy one. Proper evaluation should be done in conjunction with the diamond's other characteristics. With knowledge and experience, it can turn into a significant advantage both aesthetically and financially.

Therefore, the next time you shop for the perfect diamond and see “Fluorescence: Medium Blue” on your diamond grading report, don't hesitate. This diamond could be an excellent choice for this very reason. A diamond should always be seen in person and not judged solely on a gemological assessment or a photograph.

Before the 1990s, certifications were common only for diamonds over one carat with high clarity and color grades. This began to change in the mid-1990s with the development of online diamond trading platforms. Gemological reports became essential for remote transactions, especially for international business-to-business trade, as India began to handle the majority of diamond cutting.

Soon, even smaller diamonds of lower quality were sent to laboratories for certification. Clearly, many of the diamonds of all sizes that received certification during that period by those laboratories would today receive a lower grade regarding the categorization of their color intensity.

Under normal lighting conditions, fluorescence is invisible to observers, including professional gemologists. A subtle but sometimes dramatic glow only becomes visible under ultraviolet light. A diamond's blue fluorescence can actually have a positive visual effect under normal lighting conditions. And this positive effect is even more noticeable in diamonds that have lower color grades ranging from the I color and below.

Since blue is the complementary color of yellow, a diamond with a faint yellow hue can appear whiter or more colorless when viewed from above. Because of this, medium to strong fluorescent diamonds can appear more appealing than non-fluorescent diamonds that share the same color grade.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays, so theoretically, diamond fluorescence can be activated outdoors. However, in practice, fluorescence is almost never noticeable in ordinary daylight. The intensity of UV radiation in natural daylight is much weaker than that of a gemological UV lamp. This means any fluorescent reaction is at best subtle and usually invisible to the naked eye. Even diamonds with strong or very strong fluorescence will look completely normal outdoors.

For some years now, the prevailing view has been that fluorescence can make a diamond appear «milky» or «oily.» However, although some share this concern, scientific studies of fluorescence have revealed that less than 0.2% of fluorescent diamonds exhibit this cloudiness, and even then, it is often due to unrelated internal characteristics rather than the fluorescence itself. Haze in a fluorescent diamond is an extremely rare phenomenon.

Source: www.iglcert.gr

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Columbia Gem House will present for the first time a new collection of celestial-themed jewellery. As shown in the photo, during the Tucson Gem Show in February.

The demand for paint has reached new heights in the last two years. Thus other uniqueness has emerged as a key factor in the competitiveness of coloured gemstones.

Features such as unique cuts or interesting colour presentation, as well as rare pieces, are attractive to consumers. And consequently, for the retailers who sell them.

According to suppliers, this trend is expected to continue at this year's Tucson gem shows.

Though only time will tell how much visitors will buy. Some exhibitors spoke to National Jeweler about their expectations for this year's events. Including the AGTA GemFair Tucson trade show, scheduled for Feb. 2-6.

Kimberly Collins of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems predicts that shopper behavior at the show will likely mirror what retailers observed during the holiday season.

«I have heard that there was less traffic, but items of greater value were being sold. Which tells me that buyers will be looking for larger, more unique pieces and collectibles,» he said.

Collin said the larger gems are increasingly difficult to find. And those that are available are «exorbitantly» priced.

Sapphires remain the most sought-after gems for her. And the ombré pieces with a rainbow of sapphires are her best sellers.

«All longs are chic right now.» - Kimberly Collins, Kimberly Collins Gems

He also noted an increase in orders for jewellery for brides. And as such, he has focused on acquiring beautiful stones between 1 and 3 carats that have both durability and sparkle.

«The shift to daily bridal orders has changed the way I stock my inventory. I'm always looking for gems that I think would make an amazing engagement ring. Something that would stand out to whoever wore it,» Collins said.

Montana sapphire, garnet, tourmaline and spinel are popular among designers as choices for bridal jewellery colours.

As for the shape, «All oblong is trendy right now. Emerald, oval, marquise and pear cuts, as well as unusual fancy shapes like hexagons, rhombuses and kites,» he said.

So far this year, a more earthy color palette seems to be an emerging trend.

«I see interest in richer greens, blue steel colors, blackberry. Softer shades, but not necessarily pastels; and yellows and oranges have been in high demand lately,» Collins said.

Rachel Hill, owner of Americut Gems Inc. markets Montana sapphires, known for their earthy tones. She said interest in American gemstones is growing.  

According to Hill, round and oval sapphires in blue and turquoise remain the most popular. With cushion shapes following close behind.

Supply remains steady, constrained mainly by a continued shortage of large stones, he said.

«My impression is that the demand for large stones increased significantly in 2025. And I expect that to continue in 2026,» he said.

The company also increases production of the «Gems of Faith» designs representing the Christian faith. Reporting a notable increase in sales and growing demand for the specialized stock.

Omi Gems is also seeing notable demand for spinel, garnet - particularly in shades of peach, orange and purple - and sapphire.

The company will present a variety at its booth, with a focus on sapphires in shades of blue centaur, lavender, violet, deep purple. And colour changing, as well as diamond garnets from Madagascar in a range of colours.

Omi Gems also offers spins in cobalt, pastel and other colours. As well as Mahenge spinels in bright red, orange and pink.

«Increased demand for rare collection stones is increasing the difficulty of sourcing,» said Omi Gems owner Niveet Nagpal.

«Alexandrite and fine Paraíba tourmaline, as well as high-quality rubies and sapphires are harder to come by.».

Brian Cook, CEO of Nature's Geometry, which specialises in stones from Brazil, confirms what many in the colourful gemstone industry already know: the Paraíba tourmaline is «rare and always in high demand».

He believes it will be one of the best sellers at the Tucson gem shows in 2026. Along with the pedestal stone, a rare beryl in a raspberry color.

A new pedestrian deposit was discovered in Madagascar in 2025.

«The trend of building trust through ethics, traceability and social investment is also popular in Tucson.» - Brian Cook, Nature's Geometry

Cook also expects the large garnets, spessartine, chavorit and spinel of all colours to perform well.

Gold rutilated quartz - one of his company's main products - is becoming increasingly difficult to mine and source. With prices and demand for high quality materials increasing.

On the positive side, the supply of Brazilian tourmaline from the Cruzeiro mine. A mine with a focus on responsible sourcing in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is solid, according to Cook. 

«The trend to build trust through ethics, traceability and social investment, causes that add value and relevance to the jewellery industry. It's also what's popular in Tucson,» he said.

The Tucson 2026 report marks almost a year of negotiations on US import tariffs (customs duties). Including intense pressure from industry organizations such as Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association.

The tariffs, which have disrupted global supply chains, are particularly onerous for Brazil, Cook said.

Unassembled and rough stones imported from the country are subject to 50% duty. Previously, Brazil enjoyed most favoured nation status, with imports from the country being taxed at 0-2%.

However, Omi Gems remains optimistic ahead of the reports. 

«With all the uncertainty in the world, Tucson is the place where you can find everything you need in one place. So it will remain a strong market,» the company said. 

«It will be different from previous years, but it will still be a strong market in the higher category. Unique and rare materials are always in demand and this is our area of expertise.»

Omi Gems' forecast reflects another trend that is evident in the retail market. Unconcerned about the rising cost of living, high-income consumers continue to spend. While many in the middle class are feeling financially squeezed. 

«Like many, I look for stones that offer a striking presence. They have an unusual, unique hue that makes them less conventional, but extremely special.» - Nikki Swift, Nicole Mera

Although some buyers are keeping their distance, one private jeweler told National Jeweler that he won't be going to Tucson this year. Because the prices of newly introduced gemstones are too high. And there aren't enough good quality gemstones before the tariffs were imposed. Other designers wasted no time and made their shopping list. 

Nicole Mera's Nikki Swift usually prefers to wait until she gets to the show to see what will catch her eye, but she has an idea of what she'd like to buy.

«Right now, I'm looking for unusual cuts, shapes and colours that don't already exist in my existing collections,» he said.

«Like many, I look for stones that offer a striking presence or have an unusual, unique hue that makes them less conventional but extremely special. These are the stones that tend to have added value for me and my clients because they truly feel unique.».

Swift expects to switch to some of her best sellers - spinel, Montana sapphire, white opal - but ultimately, she plans to be more selective this year.

«I try to avoid buying materials that are too similar to what I've already purchased in the past and instead focus on stones that feel fresh, unique and hard to replace when they run out.». 

In addition to size and color, a stone must have a distinctive cut for Swift to consider buying it.

«Fine cutting is always at the top of my priority list,» he said.

«This is what sets the standard in my work and I feel it is my responsibility to choose beautifully cut stones that really do good for the finished piece and my clients.».

Source: nationaljeweler.com

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We are pleased to announce the organization of the 38th IGC (International Gemmological Conference), the largest and most important Gemmological Conference worldwide, which will be hosted in Greece on October 20-24, 2025.

38^th IGC 2025, Athens Greece

The choice of our country as the host of the IGC is a special honour, as it is going to gather a large number of gemologists - diamondologists - appraisers as well as scientists of world renown and to further highlight the field of gemology.

The conference in Greece was co-organized by the gemologist and appraiser Spyromilios Georgios CDG, IMJVA, NAJA, founder of the independent laboratory IGLcert (Independent Gemological Laboratory) and the assistant professor of gemology and mineralogy of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and laboratory manager of Laboratoire Francais de Gemmologie (LFG, Paris, France) Dr. Karabelas Stefanos.

About the IGC

17 - 19 October 2025. Pre-conference excursion (Central and Northern Greece)

20 - 24 October 2025. Conference, Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). The conference venue is located in the centre of Athens (7 Akadimias Street, Athens 10671, Greece).

24 - 27 October 2025. Post-conference excursion (Santorini).

Contact: info@iglcert.gr

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As a non-governmental organisation, the GPC brings together companies, trade associations and industry representatives from pearl producing regions worldwide. Thus covering both the saltwater and freshwater pearl sectors.

Industry veteran Robert Wan of Tahiti Perles was elected GPC's first president. Along with a group of vice presidents and members representing major pearl production hubs.

Wong Tat Wah of Yee On (Group) Ltd, Hong Kong, China, was appointed Vice-Chairman. Rosario Autore of Autore Pearls Pty Ltd, Australia. Peter Bracher of Paspaley Pearling Company, Australia. Zhan Weijian of Grace Pearl (HK) Co Ltd; Zhou Shuo of Hainan GN Pearl Technology Inc, China. Francesco Bruno of PT Autore Pearl Culture, Indonesia. Hiroki Goto of Japan Pearl Promotion Society, Japan. Si Thu of Myanmar Atlantic Co Ltd, Myanmar. Jacques Christophe Branellec of Jewelmer, Philippines.

According to Arthur Wong, general secretary of GPC and chairman of Hong Kong-based Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory Ltd, GPC aims to promote international cooperation across the value chain. As they focus on standardization, sustainability and quality of pearls. But with a vision to enhance the resilience and global competitiveness of the industry.

«The GPC was founded jointly by organisations and businesses in the pearl and jewellery trade. It is the first international organization in the pearl sector with broad representation and specialized expertise,» said Wong. «Through the unity of pearl plantations and pearl companies worldwide, we hope to promote growth in the pearl industry.».

The GPC will consolidate resources across the global pearl trade, proactively encouraging collaboration between member organisations in areas such as technological innovation, ethical practices, branding and sustainable development.

At its inaugural general meeting in Hong Kong on 19 September 2025, the GPC celebrated its official launch with over 50 delegates from leading pearl companies and related organisations, including, among others, the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), China Gem and Jewellery Trade Association (GAC), the Pearl Promotion Society of Japan (JPPS), the Gem and Jewellery Traders Association of Thailand (TGJTA), the Taipei Pearl Association of Hong Kong (TPAHK), the Hong Kong Pearl Association (HKPA) and the Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers Association (HKJMA).

Gaetano Cavalieri, Chairman of CIBJO, noted the importance and positive impact of the establishment of GPC, adding that he looks forward to working with GPC to elevate the industry to higher levels.

Source: news.jewellerynet.com

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Upper Silesia is a region in southern Poland with long historical links to the coal industry. It is marked by the blood, sweat and tears of the miners. Now, designers are taking this «black gold» and turning it into jewellery infused with local ethos.

Upper Silesia, located in southern Poland, is steeped in hundreds of years of mining tradition. The old working-class neighbourhoods, through their architecture and the use of local motifs, remind locals and visitors alike of a time when people worked hand in hand with machines and when Upper Silesia served as a lung of industrial Europe.

It was here that more than 300 years ago, people travelled from all over the country and beyond to access the so-called «black gold». 

Beneath this harsh exterior, however, lies a deep cultural history with roots going back hundreds of years. Upper Silesia has its own dialect, which was banned for many years in Poland but survives to this day, as well as a tough material dimension, coal, which is reused in modern times.

As the revival of folklore is becoming increasingly popular in Poland, this valuable export product has become a commodity of very different quality. Coal mined in Upper Silesia since the 17th century has played an important role not only in the Polish economy, but also for the entire European continent. Today, it is turned into jewellery as a symbolic tribute to the land from which it came. 

Symbol of hard work and work ethic

In Katowice, the capital of Upper Silesia, there are a few workplaces that turn coal into a different kind of precious commodity: delicate, handmade jewellery. One of them is the brand I Coal You, owned and operated by Katarzyna Depa. Which has been tied to the region for decades.

«Coal jewellery is first and foremost a symbol of the difficulties of mining,’ Depa tells Euronews Culture. »Coal can be not only a raw material for creating heat, but also a rock, which has such emotional value that I hadn't heard of before.«.

Its customers are not only visitors to the area looking for a unique souvenir. But also people from the region itself who see the creations as an opportunity to represent their culture. According to Depa, these include «the miners» daughters, miners' wives and women who moved from Upper Silesia.". 

«These jewels have become a symbol of these ties to the region,» he adds. 

While the trend of making jewellery from charcoal is modern, like most traditions in Upper Silesia, it has deeper roots. In fact, the first charcoal beads appeared in Upper Silesia in the 19th century. They were made by miners for their beloved wives and girlfriends. As Katarzyna Depa says, these beads were the simplest decorative form that could be used with this material. Thus they made a quick but thoughtful gift. 

Nikiszowiec, the district of miracles

At the time she founded the I Coal You brand, Katarzyna Depa was living in Nikiszowiec. A district in Upper Silesia, on the outskirts of Katowice. Although now it is a place where you are more likely to meet a group of tourists than a group of miners. But you can still feel the spirit of the past in the remaining apartment buildings. This is where the miners who came to Upper Silesia to work spent their lives. 

«What fascinated me most about coal is this work ethic and the respect» that people have for it, Depa says. She appreciates the close ties this raw material has with the cultural history of the region. 

This respect for this raw material, with which Upper Silesia fed itself and the whole of Poland, is the point. Katarzyna Depa founder of the brand “I Coal You”

«I saw it myself when I lived in Nikiszowiec. »This ethos, this respect for this raw material, with which Upper Silesia feeds itself and all of Poland, is what is needed.« However, despite the respect Poles both within and outside the region have for coal, Depa argues that it has not been sufficiently exploited as a tool for art-making. 

«Jewellery is a beautiful medium and something that can give us joy,» he tells Euronews Culture. «When something is so ordinary, it is easy to forget it, but the presentation of this coal in the form of jewellery also gives us the impression that if there was no coal, then nothing would be here.».

Coal has a cultural and material heritage in Poland. But also a natural heritage, linked to the country's underground landscape. The fact that each piece of coal is different from the others means that the coal itself is equally unique. As Depa points out, jewellery made from coal is meant to pay respect to labour that is often undervalued.

«I always recommend everyone to go to the town of Zabrze to see the Guido mine. How is the burden of work in the mines,» he says. He adds that this can allow people to «appreciate the fact that they can sit in front of their computer and deal with different issues».

«Silesian girls have coal where their heart should be»

Recently, many small shops selling local produce have sprung up in Upper Silesia, making the area a distinct brand. Phrases written in the once forbidden Silesian dialect now appear on the sides of bags. Or on signs outside local bars. The statues of Upper Silesian folk demons are known as «beboks». They are also often found as street decorations in the streets of the region, similar to the statues that adorn French Gothic cathedrals.

One of Poland's most famous bands, Myslovitz, has sung songs about Upper Silesia. But the mining landscape is also depicted in dream paintings by Grzegorz Chudy. A painter who is known both locally and nationally.

Even though the mines have long since ceased to extract coal on the huge scale they once did, coal remains a permanent feature of the Silesian landscape.

“Charcoal hearts were once in vogue. It has even become common to say that a girl from Silesia has anthrax instead of a heart. That she has a heart of coal,” says Depa. Adding that “Silesia is so special, compared to Warsaw, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk or even Krakow. You can see it in the way people use the Silesian dialect. In the efforts to make Silesian a recognised minority language and in the promotion of Silesian culture.”.

«There are so many elements that very strongly characterize its specificity. But at the same time there is this great satisfaction of the “different”, this particularity associated with Silesia,» she says.

“Polish highlanders wear coral beads,” says Depa, “beads that are not from Poland. They come from Italy. There are also pieces of turquoise from the Turkish wars that were taken to the Wawel Treasury. But also amber. You have to go to the sea and count your lucky stars that the sea will bring you a piece of it. But we can have coal here and now, we can dig it up. And that's probably the most beautiful thing about it. After all, coal is just beautiful as a rock.”.

Source: euronews.com

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The fancy 10.38-carat purple-pink diamond once belonged to Marie Antoinette. Now it is set with other diamonds in a JAR ring estimated to sell for $3 million to $5 million.

The modified pink brilliant-cut diamond was one of the French queen's precious jewels. According to royal legend, she entrusted them to a loyal hairdresser when she left Paris in 1791, in the hope that she would one day retrieve them. While the queen met a tragic fate during the revolution, her jewels survived.

Marie Antoinette's daughter Duchess Marie Thérèse de Angoulême inherited the diamond. She later passed it on to her niece Duchess Marie Thérèse de Chambord. Further down the genealogy, the diamond is mentioned in the will of Queen Marie Thérèse of Bavaria as «a pink solitaire diamond from Aunt Chambord».

Now identified by Christie's as Marie Thérèse Pink. A Historic JAR Colored Diamond Ring (Marie Thérèse Pink: a Historic JAR Colored Diamond Ring). The modern reissue was made by JAR - the famous Parisian jeweler Joel Arthur Rosenthal. He sets the stone in a striking ring of blackened platinum, accented with round diamonds.

Marie Antoinette's pink diamond was last seen at auction in Geneva in 1996. It was offered by a member of European royalty, but remained largely unseen for nearly three decades. In Christie's sale, the diamond comes with a velvet case. The case even contains a gold and silver hairpin bearing the Australian imperial warrant. Christie's reports that the hairpin probably dates from 1868, when it was commissioned by Duchess Marie Thérèse de Chambord.

Source: jckonline.com

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The discovery of the «world's largest gold deposit» could completely upset the balance of power in the global political scene. But this is not good news for Donald Trump.

As the British Mirror reports, a Wangu gold deposit in China was discovered last year. It is now estimated with relative certainty that it contains over 1,000 metric tons of gold. It is also worth over $81 billion.

Geologists believe this giant deposit is located in China's central Hunan province. More than 40 distinct gold veins - that is, long openings in the rocks filled with gold - were found there.

A stockpile of 300 tonnes was found at a depth of about 2,000 metres. Which further reinforces the assessment that the total amount of gold could cause huge turmoil for Trump.

Scientists from the Geological Survey of Hunan Province used 3D models. To predict which areas and veins are richest in gold. The deputy director of the agency, Liu Yongjun, revealed that even more gold was discovered during drilling around the main deposit.

To date, the largest known gold deposit in the world is located in South Africa, at the South Deep mine. This deposit contains approximately 929 tonnes of gold. Nevertheless, China is already one of the world's largest gold producers. It holds about 10% of the world's production.

Trade and gold stocks play a huge role in global markets. So this discovery could help China offset the impact of Trump's escalating tariffs. The price of gold soars during periods of global uncertainty. As it is considered a safer investment compared to cash or equities.

In fact, the value of this precious metal soared to a new high this week. Amid the chaos caused by Trump's tariffs. On Wednesday, the price of gold reached £2,540 per ounce.

New «weapon»

The rising value of gold means that this colossal discovery could make China richer and its economy more secure amid global instability.

Trump's unpredictability continues. As this week he proceeded to further increase tariffs, accompanied by the erratic statement that «almost everything is cheaper in the US». In his rant, he claimed that «record» tariff revenues are helping to reduce inflation.

In a post on Truth Social, he said.
«The United States is racking up record numbers of tariffs while the cost of almost all products is falling. Including gasoline, food and almost everything else. Similarly, inflation is down. Promises made, promises kept!»

Source: newsbeast.gr

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The Diavik diamond mine is located approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) south of the Arctic Circle in Canada's Northwest Territories. It is where this 158.2 carat yellow diamond was found. It is one of the largest yellow diamonds ever produced by the 22-year-old mine.

Rio Tinto announced this week that it has discovered a 158.2 carat yellow diamond from Diavik. Its diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories.

The mining company said the giant diamond is one of only five yellow diamonds weighing more than 100 carats ever discovered in Diavik. It also noted that finding any yellow diamond at the mine is a rare occurrence. Yellow diamonds account for less than 1% of the mine's production.  

The 158-carat stone is also one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever found in Canada. The largest is the 552.74-carat yellow diamond discovered at Diavik in 2018.

This diamond also holds the title of the largest diamond ever found in North America.

«This natural 2 billion-year-old Canadian diamond is a miracle of nature. But also a testament to the skill and passion of all the men and women working in the challenging subarctic environment of Diavik.» As stated by Matt Breen, who took over management of the mine in December 2023.

The Diavik diamond mine opened its doors in 2003.

The original plan for the lifetime of the Diavik mine was to operate the mine until 2025. But Rio Tinto has invested millions to underground one of the mine's four kimberlite pipes, the A21.

The first phase of commercial production in the A21 underground began late last year. But it is expected to extend the mine life until early 2026.

Source: nationaljeweler.com

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The 10.03-carat «Mediterranean Blue» diamond was cut from rough material discovered in 2023 at the Cullinan mine in South Africa, a remarkable source of blue diamonds.

«The Mediterranean Blue» will make its auction debut at Sotheby's fine jewellery sale in Geneva on 13 May. It is estimated to sell for around 18 million Swiss francs ($20 million).

The diamond is classified as type IIb and its color grade, fancy vivid blue. This is the highest possible color grade of the Gemological Institute of America for a blue diamond.

According to the GIA, only 0.3% of all diamonds submitted to the laboratory annually show a colour that could be described as predominantly blue. And of these, only a small number are fancy vivid and weigh 10 carats or more.  

«Like its namesake, Mediterranean Blue is a symbol of the eternal wonders of nature. Its natural beauty is enhanced by the skill of a master cutter. It is mesmerizing, as is its blue color, so rarely seen,» said GIA.

«The characteristics of Mediterranean Blue, weighing 10.03 carats in the most coveted range of fancy colours, are absolutely exemplary for a diamond.».

In terms of shape, colored diamonds require careful planning to balance the largest possible size. But also the best clarity and the most vibrant color in appearance, Sotheby's said.

The Mediterranean Blue configuration provides a soft, yet sophisticated look. With a captivating glow from the folds reflecting the light of the brilliant cut, Sotheby's said.

Mediterranean Blue is a modified cushion-cut brilliant-cut diamond, the result of a six-month design and cutting process. 

Sotheby's also said that the shape of the diamond highlights its saturation and puts it in a «rare category». Even among the world's most beautiful diamonds.

Source: nationaljeweler.com

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