Amateur Treasure Hunters Unearth Trove of 1,100-Year-Old Viking Bangles in Denmark

Three amateur treasure hunters, who call themselves “Team Rainbow Power,” unearthed the largest trove of Viking gold ever found in Denmark. Working with metal detectors in a field in Jutland, the team discovered seven bangles — six gold and one silver — dating back to the year 900. The combined weight of the jewelry, nearly all of which remained in …

Egypt’s Ancient Gold Mines Offer Clues on Where Untapped Reserves May Lie

To the ancient Egyptians, gold was divine. The gods, they believed, had skin of gold, bones of silver and hair of lapis lazuli. The Turin Papyrus Map, which dates to 1160 BC, affirms the location of 1,300 gold mines, at least 100 of which have been rediscovered and explored in the desert valleys east of the Nile. Today, armed with clues from the …

Missouri Sheriff Saves ‘Perfect’ Engagement Ring From Muddy Demise

Missouri bride-to-be Linda Huffman says the 1-carat solitaire engagement ring she got on Valentine’s Day from fiancé Steve Kozlowski is “the only thing I’ve had in my life that was perfect.” But after a swimming mishap at a local creek on Memorial Day, she was sure her perfect ring was lost forever. Huffman had been spending a glorious day with …

59.60-Carat ‘Pink Star’ Has New Owners and an Eye on the All-Time Price Record

Out of the spotlight for more than two years, the 59.60-carat “Pink Star” has new owners and an eye on the all-time record price for a diamond sold at auction. Don’t be surprised if the Pink Star — the largest internally flawless, fancy vivid pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America — sets a new benchmark at $70 …

McDonald’s Wonka-esque Promo Will Give Away a $1,650 18-Karat Gold Chicken Nugget

In a promotion reminiscent of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, McDonald’s Japan is giving away an 18-karat gold chicken McNugget worth about $1,650. The contest is designed to generate a viral buzz for two new dipping sauces, “Creamy Cheddar Cheese” and “Fruits Curry.” But, unlike the famous Golden Tickets, which were randomly hidden in five Wonka Bars, the McDonald’s promotion requires …

Jewelry Organizations Name Spinel As August’s Second Official Birthstone

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA) have named spinel as the second official birthstone for August. It will share the limelight with the yellow-green gemstone peridot. JA will promote the new birthstone in July via a public relations and marketing campaign. “At certain moments in history, when there is a strong call from gem enthusiasts …