Susan Eisen

A gemstone once described as a "unicorn" in gemological circles is about to re-emerge on the global stage. The legendary "Ocean Dream" — the largest Fancy Vivid blue-green diamond ever recorded — will headline the Magnificent Jewels sale at Christie's Geneva on May 13, where it is expected to achieve up to CHF 10 million (approximately $12.8 million).



Weighing 5.50 carats, this extraordinary gem is fashioned in a striking modified triangular brilliant cut, a shape chosen not just for beauty, but for survival. The triangular shape was similar to the original 11.70-carat rough diamond and required the least amount of cutting. Blue-green diamonds are among the rarest color combinations in the world, and preserving their delicate hue during cutting is a high-stakes challenge. In fact, experts have described the process as a “gamble,” because excessive heat from the cutting process — even above 300°C (572°F) — can permanently alter the stone’s color, turning it brown or black. The Ocean Dream’s final form is a triumph of patience and precision, retaining its mesmerizing, saturated tone.



That distinctive color comes from an equally rare natural phenomenon. While blue diamonds owe their hue to trace amounts of boron, green and blue-green diamonds like The Ocean Dream gain their color from exposure to natural radiation deep within the Earth over millions of years. For such a diamond to develop a vivid, stable color, it must remain in just the right conditions — close enough to radioactive elements, yet cool enough to avoid color degradation. The result is a gem so rare that few comparable examples exist.

The Ocean Dream’s mystique was cemented in 2003, when it was showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History as part of the landmark “Splendor of Diamonds” exhibition in the Harry Winston Gallery. There, it stood alongside some of the most famous diamonds ever discovered — including The Steinmetz Pink and the Moussaieff Red — representing a dazzling spectrum of color.

This upcoming sale marks only the second time The Ocean Dream has appeared at auction. It last crossed the block at Christie’s Geneva in 2014, achieving $8.8 million. Over the past 12 years, it has remained in a single private collection, adding to its allure.

Today, the diamond is presented in a contemporary ring setting that contrasts its ancient origins. The setting features a geometric constellation of Asscher-cut white diamonds and gold prongs that make the blue-green stone appear to float.

Blue-green diamonds occupy a “niche” category even within the elite world of fancy-color gems, appealing to connoisseurs who recognize their extreme rarity. With no larger Fancy Vivid blue-green diamond known to exist, The Ocean Dream is not just a jewel — it could become an auction phenomenon on May 13.

Credits: The Ocean Dream photos courtesy of Christie’s.

Welcome to Music Friday, where we spotlight songs that sparkle with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics. Today’s feature, “Gotta Be Somebody” by Nickelback, leans on one of the most enduring metaphors in the gem world: the elusive “diamond in the rough.”



Released in 2008 as the lead single from the blockbuster album Dark Horse, the song finds frontman Chad Kroeger delivering a powerful message about the need for perseverance in the game of love.

At its emotional core, the lyric “you can’t give up when you’re lookin’ for a diamond in the rough” transforms a gemological concept into a universal truth. In jewelry terms, a diamond in the rough is an uncut stone — one that may appear ordinary at first glance, but holds extraordinary brilliance within. In the context of the song, it symbolizes a soulmate whose true value might not be immediately visible.

Kroeger’s message is clear: meaningful love often requires patience, faith and a willingness to look beyond the surface. Just as a jeweler must cut and polish a rough diamond to reveal its fire and brilliance, relationships require time and effort to reach their full potential. The metaphor resonates deeply because it mirrors real-life experiences — the idea that the perfect partner may be out there, waiting to be discovered, even after disappointment or heartbreak.

“Gotta Be Somebody” climbed to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 in Canada, while charting in 15 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, Dark Horse proved a juggernaut, spending 125 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 and selling more than five million copies globally.

Formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Nickelback has become one of Canada’s most successful musical exports, selling more than 50 million albums worldwide. The band — also featuring Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adair — earned further recognition with its 2023 induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The band's unusual name traces back to bassist Mike Kroeger’s days working at Starbucks, where he frequently handed customers change with the phrase, “Here’s your nickel back.”

Today, Nickelback continues to build on its legacy. Following a successful 2025 tour, the band is preparing for a 2026 tour while putting the finishing touches on its highly anticipated 11th studio album. More than three decades into their career, they remain a powerful force in rock music.

Ultimately, “Gotta Be Somebody” endures because it speaks to a shared human experience — the search for connection. That kind of love may be hard to find, but like a precious diamond, its brilliance is worth the wait.

Please check out the official video of Nickelback performing “Gotta Be Somebody.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Gotta Be Somebody”
Written by Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adar. Performed by Nickelback.

This time I wonder what it feels like
To find the one in this life
The one we all dream of
But dreams just aren’t enough
So I’ll be waiting for the real thing
I’ll know it by the feeling
The moment when we’re meeting
Will play out like a scene straight off the silver screen
So I’ll be holdin’ my breath
Right up to the end
Until that moment when
I find the one that I’ll spend forever with

‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
‘Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Someone to love with my life in their hands
There’s gotta be somebody for me like that
‘Cause nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there

Tonight, out on the street out in the moonlight
And damn it this feels too right
It’s just like deja vu
Me standin’ here with you
So I’ll be holdin’ my breath
Could this be the end?
Is it that moment when
I find the one that I’ll spend forever with?

‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
‘Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Someone to love with my life in their hands
There’s gotta be somebody for me like that
‘Cause nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there

You can’t give up
When you’re lookin’ for a diamond in the rough
Because you never know when it shows up
Make sure you’re holdin’ on
‘Cause it could be the one, the one you’re waiting on

‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
And everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Someone to love with my life in their hands
There’s gotta be somebody for me

Oh, nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there

Nobody wants to be the last one there
And everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there



Credits: Photo (cropped) by Stuart Sevastos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Singer-songwriter Josh Groban chose one of the most magical places on Earth to pop the question — and the ring he presented to actress Natalie McQueen was just as enchanting as the venue.



The couple announced their engagement on April 21 with a joyful joint Instagram post following a romantic proposal at Disneyland in California.

“MY BEST FRIEND SAID YES!!!” Groban wrote. “Sharing this life with you is my happiest place.” He also thanked Disney Weddings for helping create what he called “the best day of our lives (so far).”



While the fairytale backdrop drew plenty of attention, jewelry lovers quickly focused on the true star of the moment: McQueen’s striking engagement ring. The piece features an antique marquise-shaped diamond — an elongated cut known for its regal, eye-catching silhouette — set on a warm yellow gold band and flanked by delicate side accent stones. The result is a bold yet romantic design that feels both timeless and deeply personal.



Groban collaborated closely with Los Angeles-based designer Tiffany Chao to bring the ring to life. Chao described the centerpiece as “the most beautiful true antique marquis,” underscoring its rarity and character. Antique diamonds, often hand-cut decades or even centuries ago, are prized for their individuality, softer faceting and subtle glow — qualities that modern precision-cut stones sometimes lack.

McQueen clearly fell in love with the design. Taking to social media, she called it her “beyond beautiful ring,” adding, “You captured everything I love and still made it uniquely me. Thank you, I couldn't love it more if I tried.”

Her reaction highlights a growing trend among today’s couples: the desire for rings that feel meaningful, distinctive and tailored to personal style.

That trend has been gaining serious momentum, particularly with the resurgence of antique and vintage-inspired engagement rings. Much of the renewed interest has been fueled by high-profile romances, including Taylor Swift, whose August 2025 engagement to Travis Kelce featured a vintage-style diamond. These rings, often crafted in yellow gold and showcasing unique, old-cut stones, appeal to modern buyers seeking sustainability, craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind beauty.

As for the couple at the center of this story, both bring impressive résumés to their real-life love story. Groban, 45, is a globally celebrated vocalist known for his powerful baritone and crossover hits like “You Raise Me Up,” with more than 35 million albums sold worldwide. McQueen, 36, is a highly regarded stage actress who has starred in major West End productions, including Wicked, Kinky Boots and Bonnie & Clyde.

Together since 2022, the pair have largely kept their relationship private, sharing only occasional glimpses of their life together. Their Disneyland engagement — complete with a fantastical backdrop and a thoughtfully designed antique ring — feels like a fitting next chapter in their storybook romance.

Credits: Images via Instagram / joshgroban and nataliemcqueen.

Platinum — long overshadowed by its high-profile gilded counterpart — is making a powerful comeback in jewelry cases across the US and around the globe. According to a recent report from Platinum Guild International (PGI), consumers are increasingly turning to platinum as a smart “value luxury” alternative to gold, driven largely by a dramatic and historically unusual price gap between the two precious metals.



Today, gold is trading at approximately $4,739 per ounce, while platinum sits at about $2,051 per ounce — less than half the price. That disparity would have seemed unthinkable less than two decades ago. In March 2008, platinum commanded $2,192 per ounce, more than double the price of gold at the time. The reversal has created a rare moment where one of the world’s most prestigious metals is also one of its most compelling values.

Retailers are taking notice — and so are consumers. PGI’s 2026 USA Retail Barometer, which surveys hundreds of fine jewelry stores, shows that platinum jewelry is enjoying a surge in demand. Non-bridal platinum sales, in particular, jumped more than 24%, signaling that shoppers are embracing the metal beyond engagement rings and wedding bands. Even more striking, some retailers reported double-digit revenue growth despite a dip in unit sales, suggesting that buyers are trading up to higher-value platinum pieces.

“The momentum we observed across key regions in the fourth quarter validates platinum’s growing relevance in today’s jewelry market,” said Tim Schlick, CEO of Platinum Guild International. “With gold prices remaining elevated, platinum continues to offer a premium, yet accessible, alternative that appeals to value-conscious consumers and luxury buyers alike.”

That “accessible luxury” positioning is reshaping the retail landscape. Jewelers report a steady shift away from white gold — which is also impacted by gold’s soaring price — toward platinum, prized for its naturally white luster, durability and purity. More than half of surveyed retailers said they are actively converting portions of their white gold inventory to platinum, while over 75% plan to increase platinum stock in the coming year.

The trend isn’t limited to the US. In India, platinum jewelry sales rose 10% year-over-year, while China and Japan also posted gains, reinforcing platinum’s growing global appeal.

Today, platinum offers a rare combination of prestige, performance and price advantage. It’s denser and more durable than gold, making it ideal for everyday wear, yet currently available at a more affordable cost. In an era where shoppers are increasingly value-conscious but unwilling to compromise on quality, platinum is hitting a sweet spot.

Credit: Image by The Jeweler Blog using aichatapp.ai.

For gem and mineral lovers, the renewed excitement surrounding NASA’s Artemis-era lunar exploration is sparking a very earthly question: Where can you actually see — and maybe even touch — a piece of the Moon?



While many major institutions house priceless lunar samples, one unlikely destination has emerged as the most extraordinary of them all: the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum.

Nestled in the quiet mountain town of Bethel, this relatively modest museum has built a cosmic reputation by assembling what is widely considered the largest collection of lunar meteorites on public display anywhere in the world.

Even more remarkable, visitors aren’t just peering at these treasures through glass cases — they’re often invited to hold them. That tactile experience transforms something abstract and distant into something immediate and unforgettable.

Overall, the museum and education facility features 6,000 meteorites, 40,000 gems and minerals, a library of 10,000 volumes and nearly two dozen interactive exhibits.



Unlike the Apollo samples collected by astronauts, the museum’s specimens are lunar meteorites — fragments blasted off the Moon’s surface by ancient impacts and eventually landing on Earth. Some of these pieces are massive by comparison to typical museum holdings, with the institution claiming five of the largest known fragments of the Moon in existence.

Of course, Bethel isn’t the only place to encounter lunar material. Here’s a curated look at other top destinations:

Space Center Houston
Located near NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this facility offers one of the most comprehensive public displays of Apollo-era moon rocks. Its famed Lunar Vault showcases samples in a controlled environment.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Washington, DC)
A cornerstone of American space history, the Smithsonian features Apollo 17 samples, including one of the first “touch rocks” ever made available to the public. It's a thin slice of a rock collected on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo mission in December 1972.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Merritt Island, FL)
At the very site where lunar missions launched, visitors can see and touch moon rocks while immersed in the broader story of human spaceflight. A significant collection of lunar samples is on display at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

Natural History Museum (London)
One of Europe’s premier scientific institutions, it offers rare lunar samples and meteorites within a broader exploration of planetary science.

American Museum of Natural History (New York City)
This museum’s Hall of Meteorites includes authentic lunar specimens that connect Earth’s geology to the wider universe. On display are three significant Moon rocks collected during the Apollo program.

As humanity prepares for a lunar landing in 2028, these destinations remind us that pieces of the Moon are already here — waiting to be discovered, admired and, in rare cases, held in the palm of your hand.

Credits: Lunar meteorite via Instagram / Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Museum photo by Amandabachand, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

A honey-hued treasure hunt is playing out once again along the windswept shores of Northern Europe, where powerful storms are transforming ordinary beaches into glittering fields of “Baltic gold.” After intense winter weather in early 2026, waves along the Baltic Sea have churned up remarkable quantities of amber, drawing locals and gem-loving tourists to the coasts of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Denmark in search of these luminous prizes.



Amber — fossilized tree resin formed 40 to 50 million years ago — is one of the few gemstones that quite literally floats. Its relatively low density allows it to ride atop saltwater, making it uniquely susceptible to nature’s whims. When storms agitate the seabed, they dislodge amber from layers of sediment known as “blue earth,” sending it drifting through the sea until it washes ashore tangled among seaweed and driftwood.



More than 90% of the world’s amber originates from the Russian-controlled region of Kaliningrad, wedged between Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic coast. This area remains the epicenter of both natural amber deposits and industrial production. Each year, an estimated 38 tons of amber are naturally swept onto nearby beaches — fueling spontaneous “amber weekends” when collectors can gather dozens, even hundreds, of pieces in a matter of hours.

Social media posts from Poland’s northern coastline this year show tables covered in freshly collected amber, with enthusiasts celebrating unusually rich hauls following February storms. The excitement has sparked a modern-day treasure rush, with visitors rising at dawn to comb beaches for the golden nuggets, often finding them nestled in piles of seaweed.

While beachcombing offers a romantic, hands-on experience, the vast majority of amber is still sourced through industrial mining at the Kaliningrad Amber Combine in Yantarny — the world’s only large-scale amber mining operation. There, workers extract amber from deposits buried 50 to 60 meters below ground. Using powerful jets of Baltic seawater, they break apart dense “blue earth” clay, creating a slurry that is pumped to processing plants where the amber is separated.

The scale is impressive: the combine produces between 500 and 600 tons of amber annually, with reserves estimated at more than 53,000 tons — enough to sustain operations for at least another century. Individual workdays can yield several tons, with occasional large nuggets weighing more than a kilogram.

Despite this industrial output, the allure of finding amber by hand remains irresistible. Each piece carries a sense of wonder, often containing ancient inclusions — tiny insects or plant fragments preserved in time. It’s this blend of natural beauty, history and chance that continues to captivate collectors.

From ancient trade routes to modern beach hunts, amber has been treasured for thousands of years. And thanks to the restless Baltic Sea, that fascination shows no signs of fading.

Credit: Amber on sand photo (cropped) by Laima Gūtmane (simka…, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Amber closup photo by АО «Калининградский янтарный комбинат», CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Welcome to Music Friday, where we spotlight songs that feature jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today’s pick is "Just a Dream," the 2010 blockbuster by Nelly that transforms a simple wedding band into a powerful symbol of love, loss and regret.



At its core, “Just a Dream” is about a relationship that slipped away — and the haunting realization that it didn’t have to. Nelly’s narrator looks back on what could have been, admitting that he “should have got that ring.” In this case, the ring isn’t just an accessory — it represents commitment, timing and the life he failed to secure.

The song’s official video takes that symbolism to a striking visual extreme. Set on a windswept California beach, Nelly stands beneath an enormous floating gold wedding band — massive, gleaming and out of reach. It hovers above him like a dream deferred, alongside other markers of success and stability, including a dream home and a custom car. One by one, those aspirations crumble and fall, reinforcing the message that material success means little without love.

In one of the video’s most poignant moments, Nelly and his love interest drift underwater, reaching for each other as they slowly separate. A wedding band glints on her finger — a subtle but powerful reminder of what might have been. The imagery drives home the idea that the ultimate symbol of devotion was always within reach, yet never claimed.

When the song was released, many fans speculated that it was inspired by Nelly’s real-life, on-again-off-again relationship with singer-songwriter Ashanti. At the time, he denied the connection, insisting the track was meant to be universally relatable. Still, the narrative took on new life years later when the two rekindled their romance. After reconnecting in 2023, they married later that year and welcomed their first child in July 2024 — an ending that feels almost poetic in light of the song’s message. If “Just a Dream” was ever rooted in reality, it’s one that ultimately found a happy resolution.

More than 15 years after its release, the song remains one of Nelly’s most enduring hits, celebrated for both its emotional honesty and unforgettable imagery. The official video has been viewed more than 997 million times.

And today, Nelly is writing a new chapter. He and Ashanti are sharing their journey in a reality series, We Belong Together, while he continues to tour and mark more than 25 years in music. He’s also revisiting his entrepreneurial roots with the revival of his Apple Bottoms brand and exploring new collaborations.

Please check out the official video of Nelly performing “Just a Dream.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Just a Dream”
Written by Mitch J, Nelly, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin and Frank Romano. Performed by Nelly.

I was thinking bout her, thinkin’ bout me
Thinkin’ bout us, what we gonna be
Open my eyes yeah, it was only just a dream

So I traveled back, down that road
Will she’d come back, no one knows
I realize yeah, it was only just a dream

I was at the top and now it’s like I’m in the basement
Number one spot and now she’s findin a replacement
I swear now I can’t take it, knowing somebody’s got my baby

And now you ain’t around baby I can’t think
I should’ve put it down, should’ve got the ring
Cause I can still feel it in the air
See her pretty face run my fingers through her hair

My lover, my life, my sharty, my wife
She left me, I’m tied
Cause I knew that it just ain’t right

I was thinking bout her, thinkin’ bout me
Thinkin’ bout us, what we gonna be
Open my eyes yeah, it was only just a dream

So I traveled back, down that road
Will she come back, no one knows
I realize yeah, it was only just a dream

When I be ridin’ I swear I see your face at every turn
Tryna get my Usher on but I can’t let it burn
And I just hopes he knows that she the only one I yearn for
More and more I miss her, when will I learn

Didn’t give all my love, I guess now I got my payback
Now I’m in the club thinking all about my baby
Hey, it’s was so easy to love
But wait, I guess that love wasn’t enough
I’m going through it every time that I’m alone
And now I’m missing, wishing he’ll pick up the phone
But she made the decision that she wanted to move on
Cause I was wrong

I was thinking bout her, thinkin’ bout me
Thinkin’ bout us, what we gonnna be
Open my eyes yeah, it was only just a dream

So I traveled back, down that road
Will come back, no one knows
I realize yeah, it was only just a dream

If you ever loved somebody put your hands up
If you ever loved somebody put your hands up
And now they’re gone and you’re wishing you could give them everything

Said if you ever loved somebody put your hands up
If you ever loved somebody put your hands up
Now they’re gone and you’re wishing you could give them everything

I was thinking bout her, thinkin’ bout me
Thinkin’ bout us, what we gonna be
Open my eyes yeah, it was only just a dream
So I traveled back, down that road
Will she come back, no one knows
I realize yeah, it was only just a dream

I was thinking bout her, thinkin’ bout me
Thinkin’ bout us, what we gonna be
Open my eyes yeah, it was only just a dream
So I traveled back, down that road
Will she come back, no one knows
I realize yeah, it was only just a dream



Credit: Screen capture via YouTube / Nelly.

A scintillating 6.03-carat cushion-shaped Fancy Vivid Blue diamond is set to take center stage at Sotheby's Geneva High Jewelry sale on May 12. Described as “exceptional and rare,” this remarkable gemstone carries a pre-sale estimate of CHF 7.2 million to 9.6 million (approximately $8 million to $10.7 million).



Graded Fancy Vivid Blue — the highest possible color designation for a blue diamond — the gem displays a rich, saturated hue that is both intensely vibrant and mesmerizingly pure. Adding to its allure is its internally flawless clarity and a size that is exceedingly scarce for diamonds of this caliber.



Blue diamonds owe their captivating color to trace amounts of boron within their crystal structure. This element absorbs yellow light, allowing the blue wavelengths to shine through. But their uniqueness doesn’t end there.

Unlike traditional colorless diamonds, which form about 90 to 140 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, blue diamonds originate far deeper — sometimes up to four times deeper — within the planet’s mantle. A blue diamond's extraordinary journey to the surface, often involving ancient tectonic activity and subduction zones, adds another layer of intrigue to these already extraordinary gems.

The featured diamond’s provenance further elevates its status. The gem was unearthed at the legendary Cullinan Mine in South Africa, a source synonymous with some of the world’s most important diamonds. This historic mine produced the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond — the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered — as well as a lineage of famous blue diamonds that have shattered auction records.

Among them are the 15.10-carat De Beers Cullinan Blue, which sold for $57.5 million in 2022, the 12.03-carat Blue Moon of Josephine, which achieved $48.4 million in 2015 and the 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue, which fetched $57.5 million in 2016. These headline-grabbing sales highlight a clear trend: blue diamonds consistently rank among the most valuable gemstones ever sold at auction, often commanding the highest prices per carat.

Earlier in 2026, the Cullinan Mine produced a 41.82-carat rough blue diamond that is expected to become one of the most important blue diamonds ever found.

Fewer than 0.3% of all diamonds exhibit a predominantly blue color, and only a tiny fraction of those earns the coveted Fancy Vivid grade. When combined with exceptional clarity and a desirable size, Sotheby's headliner is a gem in rarefied company.

Credits: Images courtesy of Sotheby's.

For years, archaeologists have documented how the Maya civilization adorned their front teeth with gemstones purely for beauty, status or ritual. However, a newly analyzed 2,000-year-old molar featuring a green gemstone suggests those dazzling dental modifications may have served a practical purpose, as well.



The tooth, believed to have belonged to a young adult, contains a carefully placed inlay of jadeite — a vivid green gemstone highly prized in Maya culture. Unlike earlier examples, which focused on visible incisors and canines, this stone was embedded in a rear molar, hidden from view. That crucial detail has led researchers to rethink the intent behind the procedure.

If no one could see it, why place a gemstone there?

The answer may lie in early dentistry. Researchers now believe the jadeite inlay could have functioned as a type of filling — possibly used to treat decay or protect a damaged tooth. The gemstone was precisely inserted into a carved cavity and polished flush with the chewing surface, ensuring it didn’t interfere with normal use. It’s a remarkable blend of function and artistry.

This finding builds on what we already know about Maya dental practices. In previous discoveries, artisans routinely drilled small holes into the front teeth to inlay decorative stones such as jadeite, turquoise, hematite, quartz and serpentine. These sparkling enhancements were symbols of identity and beauty — a kind of ancient “tooth jewelry” that reflected both personal style and cultural beliefs.

Equally impressive is the material used to secure these gems. Maya dentists relied on natural, plant-based resins — often derived from pine — to cement the stones in place. Modern analysis has revealed that these organic adhesives contained antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds, helping to protect against infection and tooth decay. In essence, the Maya may have been practicing a form of preventive dentistry.

The level of skill required to perform these procedures is nothing short of extraordinary. Using stone tools, possibly combined with abrasive powders and primitive drills, Maya practitioners carved precise cavities into enamel and dentine — often without penetrating the sensitive pulp chamber. Studies suggest that fewer than 4% of these procedures resulted in nerve exposure, highlighting an advanced understanding of dental anatomy.

The newly discovered molar takes that expertise a step further. Its irregular cavity suggests that the dentist may have removed decayed material before inserting the jadeite, effectively restoring the tooth. Combined with the antimicrobial cement, the treatment could have eased pain, slowed further decay and preserved the tooth’s function.

For jewelry lovers, the story is especially compelling. It reveals a culture where gemstones were not only treasured for their beauty, but also valued for their potential healing properties — merging adornment with well-being in a way that feels surprisingly modern.

The findings are published in the June 2026 edition of Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

Credit: Conceptual image by The Jeweler Blog using aichatapp.ai and a reference image of the gem-embedded tooth by E. Mata-Castillo et al. 2026.

It’s not every day that a routine bus fare reveals a story spanning more than two millennia. Yet that’s exactly what happened in 1950s Leeds, when a coin handed over to a driver — and later set aside by a vigilant transit cashier — turned out to be a rare relic from the ancient Phoenician world.



That unlikely piece of currency, recently donated to Leeds Museums and Galleries, is now captivating historians and jewelry lovers alike with its extraordinary journey across millennia. Minted in the ancient city of Cádiz during the 1st century BC, the coin traces its origins to the seafaring Phoenicians, renowned for their craftsmanship, commerce and global reach.



Its modern story begins with James Edwards, chief cashier for Leeds City Transport in the postwar 1950s. Each day, Edwards would collect fares from bus and tram drivers, carefully sorting through the coins. Foreign, counterfeit or otherwise unusable pieces were set aside — a necessary step in keeping the system running smoothly. But instead of discarding these curiosities, Edwards gave them a second life, bringing them home as small treasures for his young grandson, Peter Edwards.

For the child, the coins were more than unusual spare change — they were windows into distant lands.

“Neither of us were coin collectors, but we were fascinated by their origin and imagery — to me they were treasure,” Peter recalled in a museum statement.



Of the handful of odd coins tucked into a wooden chest for decades, one stood out, and only later in life did Peter realize its true significance. The coin bears the image of the Phoenician god Melqart — often depicted in the style of the Greek hero Heracles — wearing a lion-skin headdress. On the reverse, two tuna fish hint at Cádiz’s ancient fishing economy, a reminder of how design and symbolism were as important to early coinage as precious metal content.



How such a coin traveled from ancient Spain to mid-20th-century Leeds, about 200 miles north of London, remains a mystery. One plausible theory is that it arrived with returning soldiers after World War II, inadvertently entering circulation before being handed over as bus fare. It’s a journey that underscores the unpredictable paths precious objects can take — not unlike heirloom jewelry passed through generations, accumulating stories along the way.

Now 77, Peter decided the coin’s next chapter should be one of public appreciation and study.

“My first thought when I found out its origin was that I would like to return it to an institute where it could be studied by all,” he said.

The coin now resides at the Leeds Discovery Centre, where it joins a vast collection of historical currency.

A spokesperson noted, “It’s incredible to imagine how this tiny piece of history created by an ancient civilization thousands of years ago has somehow made its way to Leeds.”

Credits: Photos courtesy of Leeds Museums and Galleries.