Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you wonderful tunes with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, Philadelphia R&B legends Boyz II Men sing about a long-lost love in their 2014 release, “Diamond Eyes.” In this power ballad about a man longing to be reunited with the dream girl of his past, the soulful singers …
Next Stop on the Smithsonian Gem Gallery Tour: An Amazing Topaz Exhibit
Be prepared to be blown away by the next stop on our virtual tour of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection. Featured today is an amazing topaz exhibit featuring four stones ranging in size from 12,555 carats to 251,744 carats. Previous stops on the tour have included the Logan Sapphire, the Dom Pedro aquamarine and the Steamboat tourmaline. The Janet Annenberg …
Here’s How a 28.86-Carat Diamond Made History and Changed the Market
The 28.86-carat D-color diamond that is slated to headline an online auction in June has been named by Christie's as one of the "10 Jewels That Made History — and Changed the Market." The emerald-cut gem, which is estimated to fetch between $1 million and $2 million at Christie's Jewels Online sale, June 16-30, joined the likes of the $58 …
Bejeweled Dragons Could Earn the Title of the World’s Largest Pieces of Jewelry
Mounted high above the lobby of the six-star Imperial Palace Saipan are two bejeweled dragons fighting over a flaming pearl. The installation spans more than 60 meters, weighs 40 tons and sparkles with 2.5 million Swarovski crystals. Czech design firm Lasvit is hoping that its massive undertaking will be recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest pieces of …
Hyatt Regency Seattle Assists With 21-Story-Tall, Sky-High Marriage Proposal
Even though the Hyatt Regency Seattle had to suspend its normal operations due to COVID-19 health concerns, the brand new 45-story hotel at 8th & Howell has been lighting up the sky with love. Each evening for the past six weeks, the 500-foot-tall, 1260-room landmark — the largest hotel in the city — has been honoring Seattle's first responders and …
Music Friday: Thompson Square Duo Shares Love Story in ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’
Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you chart-topping songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, country music duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square fall in love, get engaged and tie the knot in their semi-autobiographical 2010 hit, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” As the song begins, Keifer and Shawna …
Angola’s Prolific Lulo Mine Yields 171-Carat, Gem-Quality White Diamond
Lucapa Diamond Company has recovered a 171-carat, gem-quality, white stone at its Lulo alluvial mine in Angola, the same mine that produced the famous 404-carat “4 de Fevereiro” diamond in 2016. That unusual thumb-shaped stone, which nearly ended up as road filler at the mining plant, was eventually cut into a 163-carat emerald-cut stunner that sold at auction for $33.7 …
John Krasinski and Cast of ‘The Office’ Rejoice at Fans’ Virtual Wedding
In a video that was posted Sunday and has already topped 8.8 million views, The Office star John Krasinski officiated the Zoom marriage ceremony of Maryland superfans, whose proposal mimicked a scene from the popular TV show. As a surprise bonus, Krasinski invited the cast of The Office to dance at their virtual wedding. For the past seven weeks, Krasinski …
Omaha Nurses Overcome Stress and Exhaustion to Prove Love Conquers All
Halfway through a grueling 12-hour overnight shift at Omaha’s Methodist Hospital, registered nurse Jason Heimes popped the question to certified nursing assistant Ashley Jensen in the hospital's break room. Heimes works directly with COVID-19 patients in the North Tower's Progressive Care Unit and Jensen is assigned to the Short Stay Unit on the South Tower’s fifth floor. Despite their shared …
423-Carat ‘Logan Sapphire’ Is the Next Stop on Our Virtual Gem Gallery Tour
Our multi-part virtual tour of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection continues today with a closeup look at the 422.99-carat “Logan Sapphire." It's not only the heaviest mounted gem in the storied collection, but also boasts a provenance that links one of America’s most prominent families with Indian royalty. Set in a silver-and-gold brooch and framed by 20 round brilliant diamonds …