The Gordon Company and Jewelers for Children are partnering on a unique, yet experimental fundraising initiative. It will culminate at the JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Show in May. Artist Neimar Duarte will set up a «studio» in the Gordon Co. booth (LUX Lobby 102) to complete an original painting.

A painting inspired by an iconic image of the late Princess Diana. In it she wears some of her signature blue sapphire jewellery.

Duarte, is an aerial artist born in Brazil. He has gained international fame for his unique style, a mixture of photorealism as well as fantasy art. He perfected it by creating personalized paintings for cars as well as motorcycles. He estimates that it will take about 150 hours to complete the work he will bring to completion at JCK.

Duarte's painting is worth more than $10,000. It will be auctioned off at the annual Jewelers for Children Facets gala on May 26 to benefit the organization and its mission. It supports children facing serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions.

Princess Diana broke tradition and created a new trend in engagement rings. When she chose her 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring in 1981. But then sales of blue sapphire rings skyrocketed around the world at that time. And again in 2010 when Kate Middleton started wearing Diana's ring.

«We are proud to support Jewelers for Children in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.» Said Steve Webb, executive vice president of The Gordon Company. «This project represents a rare coming together of art and jewelry making to support a very worthy cause.».

JCK attendees are invited to visit The Gordon Co. booth in the LUX Lobby to see Duarte's work in progress. But also to meet the artist and learn more about the upcoming auction at the Facets gala.

Source: instoremag.com

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Inside a treasure chest full of gold jewelry and other objects of Iberian Bronze Age, two objects stand out for their specificity. A dull bracelet and a rusty coilη hemispherical construction decorated with gold. It seems that they are not made of the usual metals of the earth, but of iron from meteorites that fell from the sky.

This discovery was led by Salvador Rovira-Liorence, former head of conservation at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain. It suggests that metallurgical know-how in Iberia more than 3,000 years ago was much more advanced than previously thought.

The Treasure of Vienna, as it is known, contains 66 objects. Mostly gold, it was discovered in 1963 in the Alicante region of Spain. It is considered one of the most important examples of Bronze Age goldsmithing in the Iberian Peninsula and throughout Europe.

The chronology of the objects was not easy to determine. Mainly because of the two objects with «iron» faces - the hollow hemisphere, which was probably part of a sceptre or sword hilt. But also a bracelet resembling a ring.

In the Iberian Peninsula, the Iron Age began around 850 BC, while the gold objects in the hoard have been dated between 1500 and 1200 BC. The presence of iron in such old objects was confusing.

However, iron does not come exclusively from the earth's surface. There are several prehistoric iron artifacts in the world that were made from meteorite metals. Such as the famous iron dagger of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Meteorite iron contains significantly higher levels of nickel than earthly iron. which allows scientists to distinguish it.

With the permission of the Municipal Archaeological Museum of Vienna, the researchers carefully took samples and examined the objects with mass spectrometry to determine their exact composition. Despite severe corrosion altering the chemical composition, the results show that both the hemisphere and the bracelet were made of meteoritic iron.

In this way the mystery of their chronology is solved. The objects were made around the same period as the rest of the jewellery in the treasure, around 1400-1200 BC. They are probably the earliest known examples of meteoritic iron in the Iberian Peninsula. Before the widespread use of earth iron in the Iron Age.

Due to corrosion, the results are not considered definitive. But there are more modern, non-invasive techniques that could be applied to confirm more accurately the composition and origin of the objects. Despite the unanswered questions, the discovery offers a unique glimpse into the expertise and appreciation of precious metals by humans 3,000 years ago, revealing that ancient artisans had access to celestial materials long before the age of iron on Earth.

The researchers used mass spectrometry on samples from the Municipal Archaeological Museum of Vienna, revealing high levels of nickel. A characteristic of meteorites, unlike Earth's iron. Despite erosion, the findings confirm a cosmic origin, making them the first known meteoritic iron artifacts in the Iberian Peninsula.

These objects, prior to the local Iron Age (c. 850 BC), indicate advanced metalworking and commercial/cultural exchanges, with iron possibly being considered valuable or symbolic. The study was published in the journal Trabajos de Prehistoria.

José María Soler García (1905-1996) was a prominent figure in Spanish science, an archaeologist, historian, researcher and folklorist. He was born and died in Villena, Alicante province, leaving behind a great cultural heritage. In 1957 he founded the Villena Archaeological Museum. It was later renamed the José María Soler Museum in his honour, following his important discoveries. In 1963 he accidentally discovered the famous Treasure of Villena, containing 66 gold objects. Earlier he had unearthed the Cabezo Redondo Treasure.

These discoveries established Soler as the leading scholar of the prehistoric zone of Villena and one of the most important archaeologists of 20th century Spain.

Life and distinctions

After the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Soler began independent archaeological research, locating more than twenty prehistoric settlements without institutional support. His perseverance and dedication were instrumental in mapping the prehistory of the region.

For his work he was awarded a Doctorate Honoris Causa by the University of Alicante in 1985, and the Gold Medal of the Province of Alicante in 1991, in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of Spanish cultural heritage.

Source: www.tanea.gr

The post Μέταλλο από άλλο πλανήτη ανακαλύφθηκε σε αρχαίο θησαυρό της Ιβηρικής Χερσονήσου. appeared first on Venetico Magazine.

14% rally in one session, historic records and the gold-silver ratio ringing a bell in the markets.

Also known as the Devil's metal, silver is currently on a wild rally. With gains of 14%, it is achieving its highest daily rise since March 19, 1985.

The price reached intraday up to $115.50 per ounce. At a new all-time high, just as gold was breaking the 5,100 barrier.

This move is not only impressive in absolute terms. It is also structurally unusual. The gold-to-silver ratio has fallen below 50 points for the first time since 2012. Silver is therefore trading at its highest relative level against gold in almost 14 years. And that for some is cause for concern.

When silver «catches up» with gold

Over the past year, gold has strengthened by about 80%, reaching $5,100 per ounce. While silver has soared by 250%, topping $110. Historically, the gold-silver ratio has hovered near 70 points. And it has retreated below 50 in just 6% of sessions from 1985 to date.

The last time something similar happened was during the Fed's monetary easing and «Operation Twist». In 2011-2012, when markets were worried that central banks were running out of conventional tools.

Geopolitics, debt and distrust of the dollar

The broader environment partly explains the rally. Wars in Europe and the Middle East, renewed Sino-American trade tensions, ballooning US debt and persistent inflation are boosting demand for non-sovereign assets.

It is no coincidence that at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the «rules-based international order» is beginning to disintegrate. In such times, precious metals act as a refuge of confidence.

Where the difficult questions begin

Although the macroeconomic background supports the high prices, the speed of silver's rise is a concern. As of early 2026, the metal has already gained 40%, after rising 147% in 2025. With key drivers being retail markets, inflows into ETFs and physical stock tightness in London.

At the same time, COMEX inventories have fallen by 114 million ounces from the October highs. However, analysts believe that normalising liquidity and outflows from US stocks may ease pressure on the market.

Bank of America believes that a «fundamentally justified» price for silver is close to $60, suggesting that levels above $100 reflect momentum and positioning rather than pure industrial demand - especially as consumption from the PV sector appears to have peaked already in 2025.

What «return to normality» means»

A reset of the gold-silver ratio to its historical average of 70 points could happen in two ways: either by silver falling towards $72 (~35% dip), or by gold rising towards $7,700 per ounce.

Neither scenario is immediate or certain. However, when a historically rare imbalance persists, markets begin to discount corrections.

Silver is having a historic moment, but from here on out the question is not whether it can go up further - it is how durable is this rise once money becomes more selective and the market starts to separate fundamental value from excess.

Source: www.naftemporiki.gr

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Lumia Health's new smart earrings are considered the world's smallest wearable earrings. They feature a health tracker that is discreetly embedded in the back.

Lumia Health's latest innovation comes in the form of smart jewel-like earrings. But they feature sensors on the back that monitor blood flow to the head. The price will be announced when pre-orders start in January.

Smart watches and smart rings are ubiquitous nowadays. They are worn by millions of people to track movement, sleep. But also physical parameters such as heart rate and temperature.

Now, one company is introducing earrings to its range of wearable devices.

Boston-based tech company Lumia Health has created earrings that it claims can monitor users' blood flow in real time. This helps them identify patterns and conditions characterised by episodic symptoms. Such as dizziness and mental fogginess, which can be overlooked. As vital functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure, appear normal.

Its new product, the Lumia 2, is designed to look like jewellery from the front. It is available in the form of earrings, pins or ear studs. In 18 carat gold, platinum and titanium plated with rhodium or with a transparent finish.

The monitoring device, the Lumia Core, is located on the back of the earrings.

The device houses Lumia's second-generation «PreciseLight» sensor, along with processors, battery and additional sensors. While Lumia earrings are sold in pairs, the Core is worn on the left ear only.

It can also be connected to any push-back earring using the company's «SwitchBack» technology. For which a patent application has been filed.

The ear is an «ideal detection site», Lumia said, because of its proximity to the heart and brain.

«This is the next step after smart rings,» said Daniel Lee, co-founder and CEO of Lumia, in a press release about the Lumia 2.

«Just as Oura made the rings smart, we made the earrings smart. Smart earrings are the ultimate wearable device. With new features that are only possible in the ear. Unlocking significant medical potential in a [product] that puts the consumer first.».

Lumia Health developed Lumia in collaboration with researchers at Johns Hopkins, Duke and Harvard universities. With the goal of helping patients with chronic blood flow disorders. Such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and long-term COVID.

However, blood flow affects energy, concentration and mental clarity. Information that can be beneficial for everyone, according to the company.

The device also monitors data related to other issues such as sleep, temperature and menstrual cycle.

«From seeing how the way you sit affects your blood flow and cognitive performance, to visualizing the effects of choosing a carbohydrate-rich meal on your energy drop after lunch, to seeing how morning exercise can boost your circulation for the rest of the day - the transformative personal revelations are endless,» Lee said in the release.

Live monitoring is available through the Lumia app.

Lee founded Lumia Health in early 2020 with Paul Jin.

Before founding Lumia, Lee invented Hush, the headset that became Bose's «sleepbuds». While Jin led medical ultrasound systems at Philips Healthcare for 10 years. Before co-leading healthcare product innovation at Bose with Lee.

Lumia 2 is the result of six years of dedicated research.

It's the follow-up to the Lumia 1, the company's handheld blood flow monitor, which was first tested in late 2024.

«At the time, it looked more like a hearing aid, with an emphasis on function rather than appearance. Then we discovered that the Lumia 1 could be worn as an ear pin with the technology on the back of the ear and it also worked very well as an earring clasp,» Lee told National Jeweler via email.

«The realisation that we could leverage our advanced technology and integrate it into a [product] that more than half of people already wear every day was a key factor in the decision to make this technology more widely available.».

He added that, at the same time, the company's non-patient team members were gaining «fascinating» information from their blood flow data.

«That was the turning point: the recognition that this was not only valuable for people with chronic conditions, but also for those interested in understanding their bodies,» Lee said.

«These two pieces of information together led to the decision to make the technology available to the public.».

In the press release introducing the Lumia 2, Lumia Health announced an additional $7 million in funding from J2 Ventures, BonAngels Venture Partners and prominent angel investors, as well as $5.1 million from government contracts and grants.

The company's funding to date totals $17.2 million.

In January, Lumia will announce prices, start taking orders and announce delivery dates for the Lumia 2.

Delivery will take place in the second half of 2026. The standard package will include titanium studs and a transparent cuff. Premium versions will also be available, including performance-optimised earrings that feature a special locking function on the back and a battery replacement system.

The Lumia 1 is available to order from the general public, although some features, such as sleep tracking, will only be available on the Lumia 2.

The Lumia 2 will be supported on both iOS and Android and will be available initially in the United States and Canada, with other countries to follow.

To find out more or to book a Lumia 2, visit the Lumia Health website.

Source: nationaljeweler.com

The post Tα έξυπνα σκουλαρίκια. appeared first on Venetico Magazine.

The self-proclaimed «master of colour» chose Cloud Dancer (11-4201). She called it the «symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society. As it rediscovers the value of measured thought and calm contemplation.».

This is the first time Pantone has chosen white in the 26 years it has been making these annual selections. It's also a radical change from last year's dark Mocha Mousse.

In the flowery language it usually uses to describe the Color of the Year, Pantone said that Cloud Dancer «symbolizes our desire for a new beginning. By also peeling away the layers of outdated thinking, we open the door to new approaches. Cloud Dancer calms the mind, encouraging true relaxation and concentration that allows the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, as well as creating space for innovation.».

In a statement, Pantone vice president Laurie Pressman said that «the airy white hue... explains our search for balance between our digital future as well as our primary need for human connection.».

JCK's Amy Elliott believes the jewellery industry will be «slightly disappointed» by the choice. «Pantone serves us best when choosing green, pink, red and lavender colours. Colours from the rainbow of gemstones that inspire so many of our designers,» he says.

«However, the positive aspect of this Cloud is that, in fact, it is a sign of a reboot. A «clean slate» that allows us to clear and settle our minds and spirits with something calming, peaceful and neutral.

«Few of us have strong opinions about the color white,» Elliott says. And she notes that in jewelry, pearls are «an obvious match for Cloud Dancer.» But they're always in vogue, she adds, so the choice is unlikely to fuel new demand.

Jennifer Heebner, editor-in-chief of the American Gem Trade Association's (AGTA) Prism publication, tells JCK: «In jewelry, designers and retailers can find the Cloud Dancer color in rainbow moonstone. Which has been extremely popular in high fashion for several years.

«White cultured akoya and South Sea pearls are more obvious choices. So get the color in your collection,» Heebner says. «Cloud Dancer will be easy to color coordinate with anything, really. And I think soft-toned options, like pale spinel gray or matte gold jewelry. Also the pale brown diamonds, they'll be super chic and luxurious when paired with it.».

Other reactions to the selection were mixed. The New York Post called it «boring». NJ.com wrote that «the internet was not impressed» and «people want a real color.».

At the annual Pantone selection meeting, the staff of The New York Times was not sure what to make of the new color. Or if you prefer, the non-color.

The name «sounds like a 1980s song that became a one-time hit,» said columnist Alex Vadukul. «From an aesthetic point of view, I think I like it. There's something exploratory and a bit mysterious about it. It also exudes confidence.».

Times journalist Jacob Gallagher commented. «I can see why the white canvas might be the right choice for this moment. The culture at the moment is quite stagnant because everything looks like a rehash of rehashes... It's the perfect choice for this period of uncertainty, where no one wants to offend anyone.».

The commenters on Pantone's Instagram seemed confused.

«I guess we're all feeling completely uninspired these days,» wrote one.

Another also said: «I used to look to Pantone literally to find some colour in my life. Now the future looks... bland.».

Source: jckonline.com

The post Λευκό από την Pantone για το 2026. appeared first on Venetico Magazine.

An initiative of the Greek Business Masterclass, in collaboration with the administration of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also with the European Union of Women (EUW Hellas), at the BEA amphitheatre. The event, was part of the wider cycle of actions for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The event was well attended.

Addressing a short address, the President of the BEA, Konstantinos Damigos, stressed that the debate on gender and economic violence «should be a thing of the past». He also stressed that society and institutions should remain vigilant.

She pointed out that women still face barriers to business, paid employment and positions of responsibility. While forms of violence, including economic violence, continue to exclude women from equal participation in social and economic life.

Mr. Damigos, referred with respect to the women artisans, workers and executives who support their businesses and their families. He also stressed the need to strengthen their independence. In closing, he assured that the BEA remains firmly oriented to democratic values and available for partnerships with the State and stakeholders, with the aim of eliminating such phenomena and ensuring a healthy working environment.

The speakers and the main points of the debate.

The event was attended by prominent figures from the fields of civil society, psychology, entrepreneurship and digital development:

Afroditi Bleta - President EUW Hellas

Elina Armeni - Business Mentor

Manos Hadjimalonas - Psychologist, Founder of Philotimos Foundation

Christos Kavallaris - Tax Consultant, Founder of Greek Business Masterclass

Dimitris Lazaridis - Digital Marketer

Aspasia Kovaiou - Conversion Coach

George Marinos - HR & Sales Consultant

Tonia Arachova - Former IFLA President, National Library of Greece

The speakers also highlighted that economic independence, professional empowerment and access to education and employment are essential protection tools for women experiencing abusive conditions. Using scientific data and empirical examples, they documented the link between economic autonomy but also distance from violent relationships. 

Their placements covered the spectrum from psychological support to work skills and business mentoring. The workshop highlighted the need for close synergy between the State, institutions, businesses and civil society to create effective prevention and support mechanisms. The Greek Business Masterclass announced that it will continue similar actions, with emphasis on education, professional development and social awareness. The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, through its «Women's Entrepreneurship» Sector and its collaborations with the Associations of Women Entrepreneurs (SEGE, EEDEGE), will continue similar actions and synergies, to highlight these issues and improve the conditions of women's activity in today's business and working environment. 

See more: https://tinyurl.com/mvh6ddx4

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It is a masterpiece of jewellery making of the Hellenistic era. For years it has been constantly changing hands, passing through various private collections. So now it belongs to the Jean Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. It is an ornate gold ring, with a miniature garden sculpted in gold and enamel as decoration on the bezel. Also protected under a domed cover of mineral crystal.

The ring is thought to have been made around 150 BC. It is one of the finest surviving examples of Hellenistic artefacts of this type with a bezel and is in perfect condition. It is unknown, however, where, when and under what circumstances it was found. It belongs to the large category of antiquities whose exact provenance is difficult to determine. It is therefore therefore impossible to claim them.

Last July it was acquired by the Getty Museum at an auction at Christie's in London. In fact, it far exceeded the maximum estimate, which was between £12,000 and £18,000. With a final sale price of £100,800, this rare piece of jewellery is expected to soon be displayed in the museum in a suitable exhibition setting.

The granulated beads and the Heraklion amma

The oval shaped ring is surrounded by cabochon crystal with gold granulated beads. Similar fine beads, always granulated and forming rhombuses cover the ring's frames. As for the bouquet, it includes a large gold flower with granulated beads in the center. Still filigree petals and wide leaves under the flower, filigree oak leaves and blue-green enamel details. A composition as a whole, particularly impressive.

Two tendrils, with flowers on the curved sides, end at the top of the annular ring, which is connected to the wreath. As for the ring itself, it is made of gold wire forming various patterns. Until it ends in a heracleion amma (Hercules' knot). A small garnet cabochon is placed right at the knot. However, two other gems that surrounded it in frames imitating ivy leaves have been lost.

The owners

Despite the complex technique of the ring's construction, however, there are not many studies on this particular type of ancient jewellery. So Getty plans to be the first to carry out an in-depth study of this extraordinary work.

It was first published in 1912 in the catalogue of the large ring collection of the collector and art dealer Ernest Guillaume. Throughout his life he collected watches, snuffboxes, enamels and rings for his personal collection. After him the ring was sold to Sotheby's in London in 1937. While the following year it appeared at auction in Lucerne, only to be passed on to various private owners and reach this year's sale.

Following this the aim now is to display it in Villa Getty along with similar items. After all, this is a museum dedicated to the cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria.

Source: mononews.gr

The post Χρυσό δαχτυλίδι χιλιετιών με μικρογραφία κήπου. appeared first on Venetico Magazine.

Masked thieves took less than 10 minutes to steal eight irreplaceable jewels from two display cases in the museum's Apollo Gallery.

Police in France continue to investigate a crime that has shaken the country to its core. Namely, the theft of more than six crown jewels from the famous Louvre Museum, which was committed in broad daylight.

Described as «swift and brutal» in an official statement from the French Ministry of Culture, the robbery, which reportedly lasted less than 10 minutes. It happened on Sunday around 9:30 a.m. Paris time. 

The thieves used a monte-meubles (a truck with a hydraulic lift most often used to transport furniture) parked outside to get up to the second floor. They then used power tools to cut a window and climb up to the Apollo Gallery.

The gallery houses the Royal Collection of Precious Stones as well as the Crown Jewels.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the masked thieves were after two «high-security» showcases. They made off with a total of eight pieces of jewellery described as «priceless cultural heritage objects». 

They are:
A tiara worn by Queen Marie Amélie and Queen Hortense.

A necklace from a set of sapphire jewellery worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.

A pair of earrings from the sapphire suite of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.

An emerald necklace worn by Marie-Louise, who was the second wife of Napoleon I.

A pair of emerald earrings worn by Marie-Louise.

A reliquary brooch belonging to Empress Eugenia, wife of Napoleon III, known as Louis Napoleon Bonaparte.

The tiara of Empress Eugenia.

A large bow-shaped brooch worn by Empress Eugenia.

As they ran out, the perpetrators left behind their equipment and a piece of jewelry. Empress Eugenia's crown - before fleeing on motorbikes.

The ministry also said that the thieves activated the alarms on the exterior windows of the gallery and both showcases. Thus pushing the five museum employees who were present to do what they had been trained to do. That is to call the police and remove visitors from the area. 

There were no injuries to either staff or the public.  

The ministry said one of the burglars tried to set fire to the truck used in the break-in. But a Louvre security officer stopped them and the offender fled with the others. France's Robbery Suppression Brigade is handling the investigation into the robbery.

There were no updates on the case as of Monday's publication time.

«The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage we love because it is our history.» French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Sunday on X.

«We will recover the works and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Everything is being done, everywhere, to achieve this, under the leadership of the Paris prosecutor's office.».

In a statement from her office, French Culture Minister Rashida Dati pointed out that the «Louvre - New Renaissance», the museum's renovation and modernization project announced by Macron in January, also includes a new security master plan. 

It provides for the installation of new generation cameras, perimeter detection and a new security headquarters for the Louvre, which is arguably the most famous museum in the world.

The museum remained closed on Monday and visitors who had tickets will receive a refund, according to a message shared on Stories on the Louvre's official Instagram account.

The Louvre will be closed on Tuesday, the one day of the week that it is not open. 

Source: nationaljeweler.com

The post Η ληστεία του αιώνα. appeared first on Venetico Magazine.

The medals have a design with a different texture. This highlights the first time the Games will be hosted by two cities and the journey of the athletes. They also represent the union of a player and his team. As well as the two cities, Milan in Italy and Cortina in Italy. The Games will be held in these two cities.

It is the first time that the Games will be shared between two host cities, Milan and Cortina, Italy. It is a unique mark in the history of the Olympic Games that inspired the vision of the Games planning team. It was led by Milano Cortina 2026's Director of Brand, Identity and Appearance for the Games Raffaella Paniè.

Gold, silver and bronze medals have two halves. Each is finished with different textures that are meant to symbolize the union of the two cities.

It is also a metaphor for the player and his team coming together. Putting emotion and teamwork at the core of the design, the designers said.

The design also appears on the medals of the Paralympic Games. The medal design focuses on the athlete and the para-athlete. Reflecting the culmination of their journey and all those who supported them along the way.

These medals are linked to the concept of the «Italian Spirit», the designers said.

They are bright, dynamic and contemporary, inspired by the Italian avant-garde. They express «the determination and passion of the world's greatest athletes and para-athletes. But also the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,» Paniè said.

“We designed a medal that represents purity and a return to the essence. With our medals, we celebrate the power found in diversity. Two unique halves that come together through the Olympic and Paralympic symbols to deliver a bold and unified message.”.

Paniè added: «This idea is also reflected in the surfaces of the medals. Where two textures meet and start a story that is written not only by athletes and para-athletes. But also by those who supported them: coaches, teammates, family members and fans.».

The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), the Italian State Printing and Mint, has designed the medals for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

IPZS produced the medals with an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, recyclable protective finish, organisers said.

The medals combine elegance, visual impact and sustainability, as the energy used by IPZS comes entirely from renewable sources.

“The Milano Cortina 2026 medals are much more than just awards: they are the pulse of the heart of Italy, the essence of a design in motion, the reflection of a dream taking shape. They embody the identity of a country - its creativity, its passion for sport and beauty,” said Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.

«Every medal, whether Olympic or Paralympic, is a story engraved in metal: it speaks of the effort, determination, sacrifice and hopes of those who lived to reach the podium».

Medals will be awarded in 195 events. A total of 1,146 gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded at both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The boxes and trays for the medals will be created by Versalis, a subsidiary of Italian energy company Eni. This is an official supporter of the Games, which is also involved in the creation of the Olympic and Paralympic torches.

Although it is the first time that the Olympic Games will be shared between two host cities, it is not the first time that the games have been held in Italy.

Four years before the 1960 Summer Olympics were held in Rome, Italy made its debut as host of the Games with Cortina hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, according to the Olympic Games website.

The 2026 Games mark the return to the city after 70 years. Winter Olympics were also held most recently in Turin, Italy, in 2006. The upcoming Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 4-22.

“A new and important step towards what I do not hesitate to call one of the most important events in the sporting history of our country. Medals have always been synonymous with the Olympic Games and represent the value of a truly unique event,” said Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Regional Government.

“Just like the Olympic torches, medals are a perfect synthesis of design and tradition - two cornerstones of the Italian way of thinking. Out of superstition, I won't say more, but it is clear that the hope is to see athletes wearing them around their necks, clad in the Italian uniform.”.

Source: nationaljeweler.com

The post Τα μετάλλια των Χειμερινών Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων του 2026. appeared first on Venetico Magazine.

The miners' slogans echo through the central square of Trujillo, on the northern coast of Peru. Many have travelled from Patas province, in the depths of the Andes, where a gang recently massacred 13 guards at a gold mine.

«There is a lot of crime in the mountains,» a man in a white helmet explains to the Economist. In response to the killings, the government imposed a unilateral ban on mining in Patas for a month. But the protesters are demanding they return to work. «The miners of Patas are not criminals. We demand the right to work,» reads a woman's T-shirt.

As the largest gold producer in Latin America, Peru has been hit hard by the wave of violence associated with illegal mining. The company Poderosa reports that 39 workers have been killed in Patas in the last three years.

Since October two group graves have been found there. Still in January, a bomb attack occurred at the prosecutor's office in Trujillo.

The price boom and the shadow of Coke

The chaos, according to the Economist, is fuelled by the relentless rise in the price of gold and the oversupply of coca, a key ingredient in cocaine. What is actually happening is that some gangs now consider illegal gold mining to be a more profitable activity than cocaine trafficking. Since 2008, financial turmoil, geopolitical tensions and increased demand from Asia's middle class have driven up the price of gold, which is reaching historic highs of $3,500 per ounce.

At the same time, coca cultivation in Bolivia, Colombia and Peru has doubled since 2010. As the profitability of cocaine is threatened, gangs are turning to the illicit gold market, with the two activities complementing each other. In the Amazon, coca plantations and illegal gold mines share infrastructure such as airstrips.

Drug proceeds are invested in mining projects, the production of which can be easily laundered and can also be made to appear legitimate.

In Colombia and Peru, gangs are now estimated to earn more from gold than from cocaine. The Peruvian Institute of Economics estimates that the country exported $4.8 billion worth of illicit gold last year, accounting for 44% of total gold exports - up from just 20% a decade ago. In Brazil, the government also estimates that gangs earned more than $3 billion from selling gold in 2022, more than from cocaine.

When criminals become mining contractors

Gang involvement fuels violence and also reinforces authoritarian regimes. Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela allows the army to collaborate with gold-mining mafias in exchange for their political support.

At Colombia's largest gold mine, Burritica, a conflict is unfolding between the Chinese company that operates it and 2,000 miners linked to the Gulf Clan - which stole $200 million worth of gold last year. Since 2019, 18 people have been killed there. In a crackdown in Bolivar province, the same gang killed more than 20 soldiers and police officers. Last month, gunmen also killed 11 soldiers in Ecuador in an operation to shut down an illegal mine.

In Patas, Peru, gangs took over lodges during the pandemic, using paramilitaries as guards, explains Pablo de la Flor of Poderosa. Now, mafias are in full control of the mines. The military operation launched in February 2024 failed to bring peace.

Destruction without weapons

Even when illegal mining is not accompanied by open conflict, it is destructive. Criminals are deforesting the Amazon. By 2018, about 1 million hectares of forest had been cleared; by the end of 2024, the number had doubled.

Mercury used for gold extraction pollutes rivers. Brazilian President Lula is trying to curb the «garimpeiros», the illegal gold miners who flourished under Bolsonaro - but many are moving to Venezuela, where deals with the military are easier.

The Maduro regime's cover-up of illegal mining is provocative, but elsewhere politicians are turning a blind eye. In Bolivia, government support for pseudo-cooperatives expands the black market. These groups, although legally recognized, often mine outside their concessions and violate the law.

President Luis Arce has shown flexibility, and the crisis in foreign currency reserves has brought him closer to the cooperatives. Last year the central bank bought $1.3 billion of gold from them, while the state-owned company Epcoro is accused of laundering illegal gold - something it denies.

The failure of the «regulation»

Peru offers a prime example of the difficulties of regulation. In 2012 it created REINFO, a registry that temporarily allows impunity for unlicensed miners. However, only 2.3% of those who register eventually obtain a license. The program offers little support to those who want to legalize and covers gangs that have no such intention. Parqueros buy or steal documents of registrants to launder their production. «It's a failure,» says Gonzalo Delgado of Pacific University in Peru.

The REINFO was temporary and expires on 30 June, but it is likely to be extended - as it has been in the past, following protests in Lima. A leader of the protests is being investigated for links to illegal mining. In parliament, gangs have allies, making it difficult to push through reforms and forcing the government to resort to emergency measures. Sending troops to Patas, Delgado says, «is a sign of weakness.».

The blood behind the gold

Former Finance Minister Luis Miguel Castilla warns: «I see many similarities with the 1980s, when armed groups controlled large areas of the country.’.

Across Latin America, the fight against illegal mining requires a new model. Redirecting government budgets is necessary: Peru has $73 million this year to fight the narco-trade, but only $17.5 million for illegal mining. But repression operations alone are not enough. Without proper regulation, gangs will continue to move from province to province. And as long as the world is hungry for gold, Latin America will bleed.

Source: naftemporiki.gr

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