Susan Eisen

A remarkable archaeological discovery at Panama's El Caño Archaeological Park tells the story of how — more than 1,000 years ago — gold signified power, prestige and even the promise of a high-status afterlife.



Hidden for centuries beneath the soil of central Panama, the “gold-laden” burial known as Tomb 3 was the resting place of a male leader — likely a powerful chieftain — who was surrounded by extraordinary riches and the remains of others believed to have been sacrificed to accompany him into the next world.



The “Lord of Tomb 3” was adorned with an impressive array of gold treasures that speak to both his authority in life and his intended status in the afterlife. Among the most striking finds are large gold chest plates, known as pectorals, designed to cover the torso with shimmering brilliance. These are complemented by finely crafted gold bracelets, earrings and strands of gold belt beads that would have encircled the waist in life — and symbolically in death. All the items were dated to approximately 800–1000 AD.



Some of the ornaments feature intricate motifs inspired by nature, including crocodiles and bats, animals that likely held spiritual or symbolic meaning within the Gran Coclé culture. Archaeologists also recovered gold-capped sperm whale teeth, decorative bells and finely made ceramics, further underscoring the sophistication and artistry of this pre-Hispanic society.

What makes the discovery particularly compelling is the tomb’s carefully orchestrated layout. The central figure was placed in a prominent position, surrounded by both treasures and human remains, reflecting a deeply rooted belief that status, wealth and companionship extended beyond death. In this worldview, gold was far more than adornment — it was a lasting emblem of identity, lineage and power meant to endure eternally.

Although Tomb 3 was first identified as early as 2009, archaeologists only recently uncovered the full extent of its complexity and richness. Initial clues — including fragments of ceramics and metal — hinted at something significant, but the latest excavation season revealed a far more elaborate funerary structure than anyone had anticipated.

The find reinforces the importance of El Caño as one of Central America’s most significant pre-Hispanic ceremonial cemeteries, often compared to Egypt's “Valley of the Kings.” Over a period of roughly 200 years, this site served as a burial ground for elite leaders whose wealth and influence were immortalized through gold.

Credits: Images courtesy of Panama Ministry of Culture.

A dazzling flawless diamond with a name rich in Asian symbolism made its debut on the global stage this past Thursday, just ahead of its highly anticipated auction appearance.



Unveiled in London, the “Jwaneng 28.88” is a 28.88-carat, D-color, internally flawless round brilliant diamond expected to fetch as much as $2.8 million when it crosses the block at Sotheby's High Jewelry sale in Hong Kong on April 23.

Beyond its exceptional gemological credentials, the diamond’s name — and even its estimate — carries special meaning: In many Asian cultures, the number eight is associated with prosperity, abundance and good fortune, making “28.88” an especially auspicious figure.

The stone’s journey began deep beneath the sands of Botswana at the famed Jwaneng Mine, widely known as the richest diamond mine in the world by value. Operated by Debswana — a 50/50 partnership between De Beers and the government of Botswana — Jwaneng has built its reputation on producing high volumes of exceptionally high-quality diamonds. Its legacy includes the recovery of a 1,098-carat gem-quality rough in 2021, one of the largest diamonds ever discovered.

The Jwaneng 28.88 began as a substantial 114.83-carat rough stone, which underwent months of meticulous planning and precision cutting by De Beers’ master artisans. The result is a Type IIa diamond — a classification reserved for fewer than 2% of all natural diamonds — prized for its extraordinary chemical purity and remarkable optical transparency.

“The Jwaneng 28.88 is a perfect emblem of De Beers’ unmatched legacy in diamonds,” said Quig Bruning, head of jewels at Sotheby’s. “It’s at once a vanishingly rare feat of nature, combined with a master class in diamond cutting and polishing. Natural diamonds truly are forever, and I cannot think of a better stone to symbolize this special collaboration.”

The unveiling took place at the elegant Maison Assouline boutique in London and coincided with the release of the book A Diamond Is Forever: The Making of a Cultural Icon, 1926–2026. The publication celebrates the enduring cultural significance of diamonds and the legacy of De Beers’ iconic marketing, which helped define modern notions of romance and commitment.



The Jwaneng 28.88 will hit the auction block in Hong Kong along with two other D-flawless lots from De Beers — a 3.03-carat pear-shaped solitaire ring and a pair of earrings, each set with a 2-carat round diamond.

Credits: Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s.

NASA scientists have confirmed the presence of rubies and sapphires on the surface of Mars.



The finding comes courtesy of NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has been exploring the rocky terrain of Jezero Crater in search of clues about the planet’s past. Using its advanced SuperCam instrument, the rover detected tiny grains of corundum (the mineral that forms ruby and sapphire) embedded in Martian pebbles. Each grain measured less than 0.2 millimeters across.

Though far too small to fashion into jewelry, these microscopic crystals lit up under the rover’s laser, revealing their identity through a distinctive glow.

Presented by Ann Ollila at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas on March 16, the results surprised researchers. On Earth, corundum typically forms deep within the planet under intense heat and pressure linked to tectonic activity. Mars, however, lacks the kind of plate tectonics that drives those processes.

So how did ruby- and sapphire-forming minerals end up on the Red Planet?

Scientists believe the answer lies in impacts — specifically, the powerful collisions between Mars and meteorites over billions of years. When these high-speed impacts occur, they generate extraordinary heat and pressure in an instant, effectively mimicking (and sometimes exceeding) the conditions needed to form corundum. In this scenario, aluminum-rich, silica-poor materials are rapidly transformed into tiny crystals during what scientists call “impact metamorphism.”

The small size of the Martian corundum grains actually supports this theory. On Earth and the Moon, impact-related corundum tends to form as minuscule particles rather than large, gem-quality crystals. The pebbles analyzed by Perseverance — nicknamed “Hampden River,” “Coffee Cove,” and “Smiths Harbour” — appear to fit that pattern perfectly.

For jewelry enthusiasts, the discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to the story of gemstones. It suggests that the processes capable of creating ruby and sapphire aren’t limited to Earth — they can occur anywhere in the universe where the right ingredients and extreme conditions collide.

And corundum isn’t the only gem-like material found on Mars. Previous expeditions into the Jezero Crater have uncovered evidence of opal, a hydrated silica mineral that typically forms in the presence of water. That discovery hinted at Mars’ wetter past, while the new corundum findings point to a history shaped by intense, high-energy impacts.

Credit: NASA’s Perseverance rover image (cropped) by semeion.photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Welcome to another Music Friday, where we spotlight classic songs that feature jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, we revisit Tom Jones and his emotionally charged 1970 hit, "I (Who Have Nothing)" — a dramatic ballad where diamonds symbolize an emotional divide between wealth and true love.



In this stirring performance, Jones takes on the role of a heartbroken underdog — a man deeply in love but painfully aware that he cannot compete with a wealthy rival. While the rich man expresses affection through glittering gifts, Jones’s character can only offer raw, unfiltered emotion.

Jones sings, “He, he buys you diamonds / Bright, sparkling diamonds / But believe me, dear when I say / That he can give you the world / But he’ll never love you the way / I love you.”

Diamonds, in this case, are not just beautiful objects; they are powerful symbols of status, access and influence. They represent everything the narrator lacks — and everything his rival uses to win her over.

The tragedy unfolds as the singer watches from afar, his “nose pressed up against the window pane,” as the woman he loves is swept into a world he cannot enter.

Originally adapted from the Italian song "Uno Dei Tanti," the English-language version was written by legendary hitmaking duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song first gained traction in 1963 with recordings by Ben E. King and Shirley Bassey, both of whom delivered memorable interpretations. Over the decades, it has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Luther Vandross, Neil Diamond, Petula Clark and Liza Minnelli.

Still, it’s Jones’s version that resonates most powerfully. His booming baritone and theatrical delivery elevate the song’s themes of longing and despair, helping it climb to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the UK Singles Chart in 1970.

More than five decades later, Jones remains a force in the music world. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, he has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and continues to perform to sold-out audiences. At 85, he’s embarking on his 2026 “Final Ride” tour and remains a beloved coach on The Voice UK.

We invite you to enjoy the video of Tom Jones performing “I (Who Have Nothing).” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“I (Who Have Nothing)”
Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Performed by Tom Jones.

I, I who have nothing
I, I who have no one
Adore you, and want you so
I’m just a no one,
With nothing to give you but oh
I love you

He, he buys you diamonds
Bright, sparkling diamonds
But believe me, dear when I say,
That he can give you the world,
But he’ll never love you the way
I love you

He can take you any place he wants
To fancy clubs and restaurants
But I can only watch you with
My nose pressed up against the window pane

I, I who have nothing
I, I who have no one
Must watch you, go dancing by
Wrapped in the arms of somebody else
When darling it’s I
Who loves you

I love you
I love you
I love you



Credit: Photo (cropped) by ABC Television Network, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

In the wake of unimaginable loss, Ricki Lake has found a way to keep the spirit of her beloved Malibu home close to her heart — literally. After the devastating 2025 California wildfires reduced her “dream home” to ashes, the actress and former talk show host collaborated with Eterneva to transform charred remnants of the property into a luminous, vivid green diamond necklace rich with symbolism and meaning.



The result is far more than a piece of jewelry. It’s a deeply personal tribute to a place filled with love, memory and connection. The ashes used to create the diamond were carefully gathered by the home’s caretaker, John Bonny, from locations that held profound emotional significance. Among them was the main gate — representing Lake’s welcoming philosophy that “the gates are always open.” Material was also collected from the master bedroom, described as the home’s “power point,” where Lake shared pivotal moments with both her late ex-husband, Christian Evans, and her current husband, Ross Burningham.



Perhaps most poignantly, ashes were taken from a ceremonial circle on the property, near a tree where Evans’ remains had been laid to rest. Each element contributed not only carbon for the diamond’s creation, but also layers of personal narrative — turning science into storytelling.



Eterneva, an Austin-based company specializing in memorial diamonds, worked closely with Lake to design the finished piece. Set in gold and worn as a pendant, the green diamond carries a subtle but meaningful hue, symbolizing renewal and growth. On the reverse side of the setting, Lake added a powerful emblem: a phoenix, the mythical bird that rises anew from its own ashes. Alongside it is the date of the fire, anchoring the piece in a specific moment of loss while also marking the beginning of transformation.



In an emotional Instagram video, Lake described the necklace as “poetic” and “sentimental,” adding, “Having something so beautiful created from something so tragic is such a beautiful lesson in life.” She noted that she will wear the piece “with so much honor and pride and joy,” a testament to resilience in the face of heartbreak.

Long before this deeply personal chapter in her life, the 57-year-old Lake built a remarkable career in entertainment. She first captured audiences as Tracy Turnblad in the cult classic Hairspray, directed by John Waters, and later became a household name as the host of Ricki Lake, one of the defining daytime talk shows of the 1990s. Her work has spanned film, television and documentary production, including advocacy projects focused on women’s health.

Credits: Images via Instagram / rickilake.

A remarkable new discovery from Lucara Diamond Corp. is turning heads across the jewelry world: a 36.92-carat high-quality blue diamond recovered from the famed Karowe Mine in Botswana. For collectors and connoisseurs, the real excitement lies in what this rough crystal could become.



Based on typical cutting yields of 30% to 40%, the stone could produce a polished “hero” diamond in the range of 11 to 15 carats. That size places it in the company of some of the most celebrated blue diamonds ever sold at auction, such as the 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue and the 15.10-carat De Beers Blue — gems that achieved prices north of $50 million. If the Karowe rough delivers comparable color and clarity, it could one day join this elite group.

Not only is the rough stone exceptionally large, but it also belongs to the ultra-rare Type IIb category — a classification representing less than half of one percent of all natural diamonds.

Blue diamonds are extraordinarily rare because of the unusual conditions required to form them. Their mesmerizing color comes from trace amounts of boron trapped within the diamond’s carbon structure — a chemical anomaly that occurs only under highly specific conditions deep within the Earth. Scientists believe these diamonds form as much as 400 miles below the surface, far deeper than most other diamonds, making their journey to the surface even more remarkable.

The source of this latest find is just as noteworthy. The Karowe Mine has earned a global reputation for producing exceptional diamonds, including eight of the 10 largest rough diamonds ever discovered. Legendary stones such as the 1,758-carat Sewelô and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona underscore Karowe’s unique ability to yield massive, high-value gems.

Interestingly, this latest blue diamond wasn’t recovered from freshly mined ore, but from previously processed stockpile material. The find was made with the assistance of Lucara's advanced X-ray technology. The X-ray Transmission (XRT) sorting system scans material using high-energy X-rays to detect differences in atomic density. Because diamonds are less dense than the surrounding rock, the system can identify them even when they are completely hidden from view. Once detected, precise air jets separate the stones and divert them into a secure collection chamber.

This process is especially important at Karowe, where preserving large, high-value diamonds is critical. Unlike traditional crushing methods, XRT allows for early recovery, reducing the risk of breaking extraordinary stones during processing.

In this case, the technology proved invaluable — rescuing a rare blue diamond that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Credit: Image courtesy of Lucara Diamond.

The gold in your wedding band or the platinum in your treasured necklace may have originated in a cataclysmic collision between two neutron stars billions of years ago. Astronomers studying a powerful cosmic event known as GRB 230906A say the precious metals used in fine jewelry likely have their beginnings in these extraordinary stellar crashes.



Detected by several NASA observatories, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope, the event occurred about 4.7 billion light-years from Earth. The initial signal appeared as a powerful gamma-ray burst — a flash of high-energy radiation that astronomers often associate with catastrophic cosmic explosions.

Researchers later determined that the burst likely came from a merger of two neutron stars — the ultra-dense remnants left behind after massive stars collapse and explode.

Despite being only about a dozen miles across, neutron stars can contain more mass than our Sun. When two of these incredibly dense objects spiral together and collide, the result is an explosion known as a kilonova, powerful enough to create some of the universe’s heaviest elements.

Scientists believe that these collisions are the primary factories of precious metals such as gold, platinum and uranium.

The reason comes down to physics. Elements heavier than iron require an enormous number of neutrons to be added to atomic nuclei in a process called rapid neutron capture, or the “r-process.” Under normal stellar conditions, this simply doesn’t happen fast enough. But when neutron stars collide, they unleash vast clouds of neutron-rich debris and extreme energy, creating the perfect environment for heavy elements to form in a matter of seconds.

In other words, the universe needs truly extraordinary violence to make precious metal.

Once created, these newly forged elements are blasted outward into space, eventually mixing with gas and dust that later form new stars and planetary systems. Scientists believe the gold and platinum found on Earth today were scattered through our region of the Milky Way by ancient neutron star mergers long before our solar system formed about 4.6 billion years ago.

The newly studied event, GRB 230906A, is particularly intriguing because it occurred in a tiny galaxy embedded in a vast stream of gas — an unusual environment that may help astronomers understand how these precious elements spread through the cosmos.

For jewelry lovers, the implications are awe-inspiring.

The metal in an engagement ring may have traveled billions of years across space before becoming part of our planet. Long before it was mined, refined and shaped into a symbol of love, it was likely created in a titanic stellar crash that briefly outshone entire galaxies.

Credit: Image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.

If you missed the chance to pop the question during the holiday season, don’t worry — another romantic opportunity is just around the corner. Friday, March 20, marks National Proposal Day, a date designed specifically to encourage couples to take the next step toward marriage.



The timing is perfect. The jewelry industry has just wrapped up “Proposal Season,” the stretch from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day when roughly 40% of all engagements take place. But for partners who hesitated during those high-pressure moments — Christmas morning, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day — National Proposal Day offers a fresh start.

The holiday was created in 1988 by John Michael O'Loughlin, a Texas-based author who believed couples could use a gentle nudge to move their relationships forward. O’Loughlin chose the vernal equinox, the first day of spring, as the ideal moment for a proposal because it represents a rare moment of balance in nature. On that day, daylight and darkness are nearly equal across the globe.

For O’Loughlin, that balance symbolized the equal commitment required to make a marriage succeed.

The inspiration behind the holiday was personal. O’Loughlin reportedly created National Proposal Day after watching a cousin wait years for a proposal that never came. Hoping to prevent similar situations, he envisioned a day that might motivate hesitant partners to finally take that life-changing step.

Of course, not every couple is ready to drop to one knee the moment the calendar turns to March 20. O’Loughlin emphasized that the day can also serve as a starting point — a chance to open an honest conversation about the future, discuss engagement plans or even begin shopping for that perfect ring together.

And if spring doesn’t feel like the right moment? There’s a backup date. Because the autumnal equinox offers the same symbolism of balance, a second National Proposal Day is celebrated each year on the first day of fall. This year, that occurs on Tuesday, September 22.

In recent years, the holiday has quietly gained traction as couples share their stories online using hashtags like #NationalProposalDay and #ProposalDay. Some celebrate with elaborate public proposals, while others opt for something more intimate, such as a quiet dinner, a meaningful destination or a recreation of the place where they first met.

However it unfolds, the message behind the day is simple: relationships thrive when both partners share equal commitment — and sometimes all it takes is the right moment to make that promise official.

Credit: Image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.

Welcome to another Music Friday Flashback, our regular feature where we spotlight classic songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today’s selection takes us back to the reflective soft-rock era of the 1970s with “King of Nothing” by Seals & Crofts.



Released in 1974, this gentle, introspective tune tells the story of a 17-year-old dreamer who imagines a future filled with success, romance and royalty. In his mind, he’ll grow up to become a king and present a ring to the beautiful queen who will share his life.

But as the story unfolds, reality proves far less glamorous.

Looking back years later, the narrator reflects on those youthful dreams and admits that none of them came true. The kingdom he imagined never materialized, the queen never appeared and the ring he once envisioned giving remains only a symbol of a life that might have been. Instead, he finds himself ruling over nothing at all — leaving him the self-proclaimed “King of Nothing.”

They sing, "When I was 17 I / Dreamed I gave a ring to / a pretty queen and then I held her. / But that was slumber's fault for / I have no love at all and / I'm still the King of Nothing."

The ring, though mentioned briefly, plays a key role in the narrative. It represents the ultimate romantic gesture and the promise of a fairy-tale future. Its absence in adulthood underscores the bittersweet theme of the song: that life’s ambitions — whether love, power or wealth — don’t always unfold as planned.v
“King of Nothing” appeared as the seventh track on the duo’s 1974 album Unborn Child. Written by Jim Seals, the song reached #60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #26 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, resonating with listeners who connected with its reflective tone and philosophical message.

By the time the song was released, Seals & Crofts were already well-known for their smooth harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. Born in Texas, the duo — Jim Seals and Darrell “Dash” Crofts — rose to prominence during the 1970s with hits such as "Summer Breeze" and "Diamond Girl." Their music often carried spiritual themes influenced by their devotion to the Bahá’í faith.

Interestingly, the two musicians had been collaborating long before their chart-topping years. They first met in the late 1950s while performing in the band The Champs, famous for the instrumental smash “Tequila.” Later, both worked as backing musicians for Glen Campbell before forming their own duo in 1969.

Seals also had a family connection to another famous act: his younger brother, Dan Seals, was one half of the popular duo England Dan & John Ford Coley.

Seals & Crofts enjoyed a successful run through the 1970s before disbanding in 1980, later reuniting for brief tours and recording projects. Jim Seals passed away in 2022 at age 79, while Dash Crofts celebrated his 85th birthday in 2024.

Please check out the audio track of Seals & Crofts performing “King of Nothing.” The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

"King of Nothing"
Written by James Seals. Performed by Seals & Crofts

When I was 17 I
Dreamed of being king and
Having everything I wanted.

But that was long ago and
My dreams did not unfold, so
I'm still the King of Nothing.

When I was 17 I
Dreamed I gave a ring to
a pretty queen and then I held her.
But that was slumber's fault for
I have no love at all and
I'm still the King of Nothing.

If I could rule, I'd dance my cares away,
Find romance everyday.
I wouldn't have to listen to this poor fool say,
"I'm the King, I'm the King,
I'm the King of Nothing."

If I could rule, I'd dance my cares away,
Find romance everyday.
I wouldn't have to listen to this poor fool say,
"I'm the King, I'm the King,
I'm the King of Nothing."



Credit: Image by Warner Brothers Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

French model Thylane Blondeau — once famously dubbed “the most beautiful girl in the world” as a child — has announced a new chapter in her story: she’s engaged.



The 24-year-old fashion star said “Yes” to Paris-based DJ Milan Meritte during a romantic getaway at the luxurious Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, a glamorous resort perched along the Aegean Sea on the Athens Riviera. Blondeau shared the happy news with her 6.8 million Instagram followers, writing simply, “I said yes to my best friend. Here’s to forever.”



Photos from the proposal reveal a setting of pure romance. The couple dined outdoors at a candlelit table overlooking the sea, with a pathway scattered in red rose petals leading to the intimate spot where Meritte popped the question. Against the backdrop of the Greek coastline and a starry night sky, Blondeau debuted her engagement ring — a minimalist oval-diamond solitaire that perfectly reflects the understated elegance currently trending in bridal jewelry.



The ring features an estimated two-carat oval-cut diamond set in a classic 18-karat yellow gold four-prong setting. Experts say the stone appears to boast excellent cut quality, with near-colorless E color and high VVS clarity. The design is intentionally simple: a slender gold band that places all the attention on the elongated diamond. Jewelry specialists estimate the ring’s value at approximately $45,000.



The oval-cut diamond has become one of the most sought-after shapes in recent years. Its elongated silhouette flatters the finger while maximizing perceived size, making it a favorite among modern brides who appreciate both timeless beauty and contemporary style.



Blondeau’s engagement marks another milestone in a life that has unfolded largely in the public eye. Born to former soccer player Patrick Blondeau and television personality Veronika Loubry, she was discovered at an astonishingly young age. At just three years old, she caught the attention of legendary designer Jean Paul Gaultier while walking with her mother along Paris’s Champs-Élysées. Impressed by her striking blue eyes and natural poise, he invited her to walk in one of his fashion shows the very next day.

Blondeau’s modeling career quickly accelerated. By age six, she had appeared in fashion editorials and was famously labeled “the most beautiful girl in the world” by Vogue Enfants — a title that propelled her to global recognition.



Since then, she has built an impressive career in high fashion. Blondeau has worked with major luxury houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss, while also serving as a brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. In 2017, she made her adult runway debut at Milan Fashion Week, cementing her transition from child prodigy to established model.

Today, Blondeau balances her fashion career with entrepreneurial pursuits and a thriving social media presence that gives fans glimpses of her jet-setting lifestyle.

And now, with a sparkling oval diamond on her finger and a wedding on the horizon, the model who captured the world’s attention as a child is stepping confidently into her next chapter.

Credits: Images via Instagram / thylaneblondeau.