As Pope Leo XIV received the Fisherman's Ring during his inauguration Mass on Sunday, May 18, he was visibly moved, pausing to gaze at the ring before clasping his hands in prayer. This profound moment underscored the immense responsibility he now bears as the 266th successor to St. Peter.



The Vatican’s Office for Liturgical Celebrations has since released close-up images of the newly crafted ring, igniting interest among both ecclesiastical scholars and jewelry lovers alike.



The Fisherman's Ring, or Anulus Piscatoris, is a significant symbol of the papacy, traditionally featuring an image of St. Peter casting his net, representing the Pope's role as a "fisher of men." Historically, the ring served as a signet to seal papal documents, a practice that ceased in 1842. Today, it remains a potent emblem of the Pope's authority and his commitment to shepherding the Catholic Church.



Pope Leo XIV's ring continues this tradition, depicting St. Peter — the fisherman Apostle and first Pope — casting his net, keys in hand, a scene drawn from the Gospel accounts where Christ charges Peter to be a "fisher of men." This motif, engraved in high relief, symbolizes not just evangelization, but continuity: a visual bridge between the Church’s foundation and its present mission under Pope Leo XIV. The ring also bears Pope Leo XIV's name inscribed on the inside of the band, personalizing this sacred emblem.



On the reverse side of the ring face, revealed for the first time in Vatican images, is the personal coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago. The coat of arms presents a compelling fusion of theological depth and personal identity. The left side features a fleur-de-lis, evoking purity and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The right side displays a flaming heart pierced by an arrow resting on an open book — an emblem rooted in the Augustinian tradition. This symbol, taken from St. Augustine’s Confessions, speaks to the transformative power of divine love and sacred scripture, both of which have clearly shaped Pope Leo’s spiritual journey.

The emotional weight of receiving the Fisherman's Ring during Sunday's Mass was evident in Pope Leo XIV's demeanor, reflecting his deep awareness of the spiritual and pastoral responsibilities entrusted to him. This moment resonated with many, highlighting the continuity of the Church's mission and the personal commitment of its new leader.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic traditions involving the Fisherman’s Ring is its destruction upon a pope’s death. In a solemn ritual performed in front of the College of Cardinals, the Camerlengo — keeper of the papal household — destroys the ring with a ceremonial silver hammer. This act symbolizes the end of the pope’s authority and ensures no future documents are fraudulently sealed in his name.

Credits: Ring images courtesy of The Vatican’s Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. Inauguration image by U.S. Department of State, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The age of flashmob proposals, viral engagement stunts and extravagant surprise reveals may be drawing to a close — at least if Gen Z has anything to say about it.



A new wave of "quiet proposing" is reshaping the jewelry industry and the traditional expectations surrounding engagements. Less about spectacle and more about shared intention, this trend reflects the core values of a generation (born 1997 through 2012) intent on authenticity, communication and equality.

According to a recent survey by British jeweler Diamonds Factory, more than 50% of engagement ring shoppers in 2025 are now accompanied by their partners. The days of one partner secretly selecting a ring in hopes of getting it just right are fading fast. Instead, Gen Z couples are leaning into a more collaborative approach, ensuring the ring reflects both taste and intention.

This shift marks a major cultural moment. Where Millennials and Gen X often celebrated grand proposals engineered for "likes" and applause, Gen Z is quietly rebelling against that narrative. Many young couples are saying "no thanks" to lurking photographers and Instagram-perfect lighting, opting instead for personal moments that carry deeper meaning.

“It’s not that romance is dying,” says Ella Citron-Thompkins, jewelry expert at Diamonds Factory. “Rather than rejecting love, Gen Z is redefining it — favoring intimacy and shared decisions over performance. Quiet proposing is about creating a private, intentional memory instead of putting on a show.”v
The motivations behind this change are multi-layered. Financial prudence plays a role — many Gen Zers are grappling with student debt, rising rents and economic instability, making lavish gestures feel out of step.

But the heart of the trend lies in emotional alignment. Couples are more likely to discuss marriage beforehand, aligning on timing, values and even ring design long before the actual proposal.

For Micaela Beltran, a Gen Z entrepreneur, the choice was easy. “We worked with an independent designer and created a ring together," she told Newsweek. "No staged moment, no surprise audience — just a decision that felt true to us.”

Her sentiment echoes across the generation: love doesn’t need to be loud to be real.

And the jewelry industry is taking note, as the demand for custom-designed rings is growing and more couples are visiting showrooms together. In fact, Diamonds Factory's survey revealed that only 18% of ring shoppers now go solo.

This shift isn’t just about changing who buys the ring — it’s redefining the entire engagement narrative. Gen Z is setting a new tone: proposals aren’t performances, they’re conversations. And in that quiet space, a more meaningful commitment is taking shape.

Credit: Photo via BigStockPhoto.com.

You’ve booked the flight, packed your favorite outfits, and picked the perfect accessories — but should your best jewelry make the trip? A new study from Jewelers Mutual reveals that more travelers are saying “maybe not.” With lost earrings, stolen necklaces and misplaced rings all too common, nearly 80% of travelers now turn to “travel jewelry” as a stylish, safer solution.



Nearly 80% of travelers who wear jewelry on trips now opt for “travel jewelry” — pieces chosen specifically to reduce the chance of losing valuable or sentimental items. This trend is especially popular among younger adults and women, signaling a shift in how travelers balance style with security.

This doesn’t mean people are leaving all valuables at home. Engagement and wedding rings remain among the most frequently worn items while traveling. In fact, 52% of travelers wear their engagement ring on trips, and about 50% wear their wedding band.

Of respondents who claim to have lost jewelry, 38% lost the item near a body of water, such as a beach, pool, ocean or lake. The Jewelers Mutual study reveals that earrings are the most frequently lost and stolen items, while beaches and hotel rooms top the list of places where jewelry goes missing.

Thefts most often occur in hotel rooms and restaurants. Necklaces are the most commonly left behind jewelry item, often forgotten in lockboxes or safes.

Alarmingly, nearly half of respondents who lost jewelry while traveling experienced such losses multiple times. This underscores the importance of secure storage and travel habits.

Tips for TSA and Travel Security

Traveling through airport security with jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated. Most small items, such as rings or delicate necklaces, won’t set off metal detectors, so wearing them is usually fine. However, larger metal pieces might trigger extra screening. If needed, travelers can ask TSA officers for a private screening to ensure discretion and security.

To minimize risk and to keep jewelry organized, travelers should consider the following:

Keep jewelry in your carry-on bag — never in checked luggage.
Avoid placing jewelry directly in TSA bins, where it’s easy to forget or misplace items.
Use a zippered pouch or structured travel case to prevent damage and tangling.
Store earrings in pill cases and lay necklaces flat to avoid knots.

While traveling with jewelry is common, experts agree it’s safest to leave high-value items at home. When doing so, use a secure storage method like a safe or lockbox. According to Jewelers Mutual, insured consumers are more likely to adopt these secure practices.

The study also found that travelers with dedicated jewelry insurance are more likely to take protective measures. Unfortunately, many rely on homeowners’ policies, which often offer insufficient coverage for travel scenarios. Specialized jewelry insurance can offer broader protection, including international coverage and accidental loss.

The Jewelers Mutual study was conducted in February 2025 via an online survey through Qualtrics and represents the experiences of 1,500 adults in the US aged 20+ who were responsible for making insurance decisions in their household and owned at least one piece of fine jewelry.

Credit: Image via BigStockPhoto.com

As the world turns its eyes to St. Peter’s Square this Sunday, a centuries-old tradition will unfold before a global audience. During his inauguration Mass on May 18, Pope Leo XIV — the first American-born pontiff — will receive the Fisherman’s Ring, a powerful and enigmatic symbol of papal authority and humility that has intrigued theologians, historians and jewelers for generations.



The Fisherman’s Ring, or Anulus Piscatoris, dates back to at least the 13th century. Historically used as a signet to seal papal documents, it bears the image of Saint Peter — himself a fisherman by trade — casting a net from a boat, a direct reference to Jesus’ call for his apostles to become "fishers of men." Etched with the new pope’s Latin name, the ring today is more ceremonial than functional, but its spiritual weight remains. (The image, above, is an AI-generated illustration of what Pope Leo XIV's ring might look like.)



Over time, the ring has come to represent the divine authority conferred upon the pope as the successor of Saint Peter. Traditionally cast in gold, Pope Leo XIV's predecessor chose an alternative metal as a statement of humility. Pope Francis famously opted for a recycled gold-plated silver ring, emphasizing simplicity over splendor.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is known for his pastoral sensibilities and academic background in canon law. All eyes will be on the ring finger of his right hand this Sunday, as the world gets its first glimpse at the material and design he has chosen for his Fisherman’s Ring (also known as the Piscatory Ring).

Observers say Leo XIV’s ring maintains the traditional Saint Peter motif but features additional engravings — waves and fish — that suggest a pastoral emphasis and nod to prophecies about spiritual renewal. Vatican watchers speculate that these symbols may signal a return to core Gospel values, reminiscent of Pope Francis’s legacy.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic traditions involving the Fisherman’s Ring is its destruction upon a pope’s death. In a solemn ritual performed in front of the College of Cardinals, the Camerlengo — keeper of the papal household — destroys the ring with a ceremonial silver hammer. This act symbolizes the end of the pope’s authority and ensures no future documents are fraudulently sealed in his name. Pope Francis’ ring was destroyed just weeks ago, following his passing on Easter Monday.

For the jewelry world, the Fisherman’s Ring is a masterclass in meaning layered over metal. Though its monetary value may be speculative — some say upwards of $500,000 — its spiritual and historical significance is priceless.

Credits: AI-generated conceptual image of the Fisherman's Ring by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3. Pope Leo XIV photo by Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

The 10.03-carat “Mediterranean Blue” lived up to its pre-auction hype at Sotheby’s Geneva on Tuesday, selling for an impressive $21.3 million following a fast-paced, live-streamed bidding war.



Introduced as Lot 602 at 6:50 p.m. local time (12:50 p.m. EST), the Fancy Vivid Blue diamond headlined the evening sale. Two phone bidders engaged in a spirited three-minute exchange that included 13 individual offers.

Bidding opened at 9 million Swiss francs (approximately $10 million) and advanced rapidly in increments of 500,000 francs. At the 14 million franc mark, the pace slowed, with bids increasing by 200,000 to 300,000 francs before auctioneer Quig Bruning brought down the hammer at 15 million francs (about $17.9 million).



Including buyer’s premium and fees, the final price came to 17.86 million Swiss francs—equivalent to $21.3 million, or $2.12 million per carat. The identity of the winning bidder has not been disclosed.

Ahead of the sale, Sotheby’s spotlighted The Mediterranean Blue for its exquisite cushion shape, exceptional size, clarity, and vivid saturation. With a pre-sale estimate of $20 million, the house positioned the stone alongside the world’s most iconic blue diamonds.

That elite list includes the 15.1-carat “De Beers Cullinan Blue” ($57.5 million, Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 2022), the 14.6-carat “Oppenheimer Blue” ($57.5 million, Christie’s Geneva, 2016), and the 12.03-carat “Blue Moon of Josephine” ($48.5 million, Sotheby’s Geneva, 2015).

“The Mediterranean Blue represents one of nature’s rarest gems,” said Bruning, Head of Jewelry for Sotheby’s Americas & EMEA. “Any vivid blue diamond is a discovery worth celebrating, but one as entrancing as this—especially over 10 carats—is a newsworthy event.”

In its Monograph, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) described The Mediterranean Blue as “a complete indulgence of the senses.”

The diamond received the highest possible color grading for a blue diamond from the GIA and was classified as Type IIb—a category that represents less than 0.5% of all diamonds.

The Mediterranean Blue was cut from a 31.94-carat rough diamond unearthed in 2023 at South Africa’s famed Cullinan Mine. Following a meticulous six-month planning and cutting process, the stone was transformed into a cushion modified brilliant.

Blue diamonds owe their remarkable hue to trace amounts of boron within the diamond’s carbon lattice. Scientists believe they form at extreme depths—around 400 miles below the Earth’s surface—approximately four times deeper than most other diamonds.

Credits: Images courtesy of Sotheby’s; screenshot via sothebys.com.

Nearly 2,000 carats of historic Colombian emeralds will be in the spotlight on June 17, as Christie’s New York presents "Magnificent Mughal Jewels: Property from a Royal Collection."



Steeped in dynastic prestige and displaying extraordinary craftsmanship, the three museum-worthy pieces — each with Mughal royal provenance — will offer collectors a rare chance to own a piece of South Asian imperial history.

Leading the collection is the "Mughal Carved Emerald Necklace," estimated at $2–3 million. Comprising five extraordinary Colombian emeralds with a total weight of approximately 1,150 carats, the necklace is anchored by a singular 470-carat carved gem inscribed with the name of Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the 18th-century Durrani Empire and a figure intimately tied to the Mughal legacy.

According to Christie's, the inscription itself mirrors those found on two of history’s most fabled gemstones — the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Timur Ruby (actually a red spinel) — connecting this piece to a lineage of legendary jewels that traversed empires through conquest and diplomacy.

The Mughal obsession with emeralds — particularly those of Colombian origin — stems from their rich color, spiritual symbolism and the exotic trade routes that brought them from the New World to the subcontinent. Beginning in the 16th century, these emeralds journeyed from Colombian mines, through Spanish traders, and into the hands of Indian emperors who regarded them as symbols of power and divine right.



The second piece from the Royal Collection is the "Mughal Antique Multi-Gem and Emerald Necklace," also valued at $2–3 million. Featuring nearly 800 carats of Colombian emeralds, the necklace exemplifies the Mughal court’s distinctive taste for richly saturated gemstones set in intricate goldwork. These emeralds, like their counterparts in the first piece, would have arrived in South Asia during the height of Mughal influence, a period marked by flourishing arts, architecture and gem carving techniques.



Rounding out the collection is the "Mughal Three-Strand Spinel and Natural Pearl Necklace," with a pre-sale estimate of $1–2 million. With more than 2,000 carats of vibrant red spinels and eight historically inscribed stones, this necklace offers a unique record of Mughal power. Inscriptions bear the names of emperors such as Babur, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, as well as earlier rulers, such as Muhammad ibn Tughluq. These inscribed gems reflect the tradition of immortalizing ownership and legacy through lapidary art — transforming the necklace into both adornment and archive.

According to Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewelry, the offering “honors the remarkable history and royal provenance of the Mughal Empire,” marking a cultural milestone in the world of jewelry auctions. Proceeds from the sale will benefit charitable causes, extending the legacy of these regal masterpieces into the present day.

The jewels will be available for public viewing in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York, ahead of the live auction on June 17.

Credits: Images courtesy of Christie's, photography by Steven DeVilbiss

Mining giant Alrosa just announced the discovery of the largest gem-quality diamond ever unearthed in Russia. The remarkable 468.30-carat rough diamond, described as a “fancy amber” crystal, was recovered from the recently reopened Mir mine in Yakutia, a remote region near the Arctic Circle long renowned for its diamond-rich permafrost.



Measuring 56 x 54 x 22 millimeters (2.2 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches), the stone has been named “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War” in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.

Alrosa CEO Pavel Marinychev emphasized the symbolic importance of the timing, noting, “Nature gave us such an incredible find in this meaningful year. Therefore, we decided to name it in honor of such a significant event for our entire country.”

This extraordinary find ranks 44th on the Wikipedia list of the Largest Rough Diamonds ever mined, making it not only a national milestone but a globally significant addition to the pantheon of remarkable diamond discoveries.

The announcement comes shortly after another landmark achievement by Alrosa: the unveiling of the “New Sun,” the largest polished colored diamond ever produced in Russia.

Weighing more than 100 carats, the fancy vivid yellow gem was meticulously crafted over two years from a 236-carat rough originally discovered at the Ebelyakh placer deposit, also in Yakutia, about 3,800 km (2,400 miles) northeast of Moscow.

The 468-carat rough gem was recovered from the Mir mine, one of Russia’s most iconic mining sites, which resumed operations in 2024 after a seven-year closure following a devastating flood in 2017.

With an estimated $762 million invested in safety upgrades and infrastructure modernization, the mine’s reopening is expected to boost Alrosa’s annual production capacity to 2 million carats. Full production capacity is targeted for 2030, with operations expected to continue through 2048.

Alrosa produces 99.6% of Russia’s diamonds and nearly 30% of the world’s supply. Facing restrictions from Western markets, Alrosa has shifted its focus to Asia and the Middle East, with exports to Hong Kong soaring and Dubai emerging as a major hub for Russian stones.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Alrosa.

Country music’s reigning queen of storytelling, Lainey Wilson, delivers a whimsical heartfelt ballad in “Counting Chickens,” the ninth track off her 2024 album Whirlwind. In true Music Friday fashion, we’re spotlighting this tune not just for its emotional pull, but for its glittering lyrical nod to a diamond — and, quite possibly, a wedding to come.



“Far as I know, you ain’t bought a diamond / You ain’t sat my daddy down and asked if it’s alright,” Wilson sings in the song’s very first line, setting the tone for a track that reads like a journal entry from someone a few steps ahead in a relationship. She admits to mentally fast-forwarding to a future filled with shared porch views, cross-stitched hearts and, yes, baby names.

In “Counting Chickens,” Wilson playfully confesses to dreaming about married life with boyfriend Devlin “Duck” Hodges, the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. At the time of the song’s release in August 2024, the couple hadn’t made it official. But in a sweet twist of fate, the proposal did come — in February 2025.

The engagement ring? A custom-designed, multi-stone cluster beauty that perfectly suits Wilson’s eclectic style. Featuring a bouquet of pear, marquise, oval and round diamonds, the ring is as multidimensional as her lyrics — romantic, vintage-tinged and unabashedly feminine.

The song closes with a wink and a punchline: “One chicken, two chickens, three chickens / Oh shoot, I think that’s a duck.” It’s a cheeky, not-so-subtle nod to Hodges, lovingly nicknamed “Duck,” and the final clue that the song is a musical love letter aimed straight at him. According to Wilson, Hodges took it all in stride — and was flattered.

While Wilson hasn’t spoken in-depth about "Counting Chickens," she has described Whirlwind as a deeply personal record, one born from a period of profound change and reflection following the meteoric rise resulting from the success of her 2022 album, Bell Bottom Country. Whirlwind is full of tender confessions and joyful anticipation, but “Counting Chickens” stands out for its sincerity and giddy hope.

Born in Baskin, LA, Wilson grew up immersed in country music, inspired by legends such as Buck Owens and Glen Campbell. From singing as a Hannah Montana impersonator to living in a Nashville camper trailer while chasing her dream, Wilson’s rise to stardom is a testament to grit and storytelling talent.

In fact, Wilson was named Variety magazine's Storyteller of the Year at the "Variety Hitmakers" event in December 2024.  Variety's executive music editor Jem Aswad praised her as one of the most important new voices in country music. 

Now a Grammy winner and CMA Entertainer of the Year, Wilson continues to charm fans with her blend of tradition and modern flair.

Please check out the audio track of Lainey Wilson performing "Counting Chickens." The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along...

"Counting Chickens"
Written by Dallas Wilson, Jon Decious, Lainey Wilson and Trannie Anderson. Performed by Lainey Wilson.

Far as I know you ain't bought a diamond
You ain't sat my daddy down and asked if it's alright
I don't mean to jump the gun on perfect timing
But if you brought up Vegas I'd be on a plane tonight

I'm already counting chickens pecking corn in our backyard
Hanging up a frame with both our names cross stitched in a heart
Might be off my rocker dreaming 'bout a hilltop front porch view
Baby maybe cart and horsing ain't the smartest thing to do
'Cause they ain't even hatched yet but my eggs are in one basket
And I'm loving counting chickens with you

Tell my heart to slow down but it's tripping
I can't help but be full steam ahead and halfway down the road
Boy I'd be fibbing if I told ya that I didn't
Have a laundry list of baby namеs that I saved in my phone

I'm already counting chickеns pecking corn in our backyard
Hanging up a frame with both our names cross stitched in a heart
Might be off my rocker dreaming 'bout a hilltop front porch view
Baby maybe cart and horsing ain't the smartest thing to do
'Cause they ain't even hatched yet, but my eggs are in one basket
And I'm loving counting chickens with you

Oh and I ain't tryna scare ya
Make you high tail fly the coop
But I'm counting on ya, baby
Hope you're counting on me too

I'm already counting chickens pecking corn in our backyard
Hanging up a frame with both our names cross stitched in a heart
Might be off my rocker dreaming 'bout a hilltop front porch view
Baby maybe cart and horsing ain't the smartest thing to do
'Cause they ain't even hatched yet but my eggs are in one basket
And I'm loving counting chickens with you
Yeah, I'm loving counting chickens with you

One chicken, two chickens, three chickens
Oh shoot, I think that's a duck



Credit: Photo by Ben Childers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

Two hikers traversing the Krkonoše Mountains in northeastern Czech Republic recently unearthed a remarkable stash of gold coins and jewelry — hidden for nearly a century. What began as a casual hike ended in the discovery of nearly 600 gold coins and an assortment of valuable personal items, now under the care of the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové.



The find began innocently enough. The hikers were at the edge of an overgrown field when they spotted a small metal can peeking out from a crevice in a moss-covered stone wall.



What they found inside the can were 598 gold coins meticulously arranged in 11 stacks, each wrapped in black fabric. Just a few feet away, they uncovered a second container — an iron box housing 10 bracelets, 16 cigarette cases, a powder compact, a comb, a silver-mesh purse, and a chain with a key, all crafted from precious metals.

The complete cache weighed more than 15 pounds and is valued at more than $680,000.

“This kind of find is extraordinary not only because of its volume, but also the variety and geographic spread of the coins,” said Miroslav Novák, head of the archaeological department at the Museum of East Bohemia, in a translated statement. “It was clearly not about the nominal value of the coins or what they could buy. Rather, it was deliberately hidden because it was a precious metal.”

Experts have dated the coins from 1808 to 1915, with some reissued in 1921 in what was then Yugoslavia. The gold pieces come from a broad swath of Europe and beyond, including France, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Romania, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and even North Africa. Curiously, coins from Czechoslovakia and Germany are absent, adding to the mystery.

Theories about the treasure’s origin abound. The Museum suggests that it may have been hidden by Jewish families or fleeing citizens during the Nazi occupation in the late 1930s. Others speculate it could have belonged to Germans fearing postwar expulsion in 1945, or perhaps someone protecting assets during the 1953 Soviet-imposed monetary reform in Czechoslovakia.

“There are a huge number of possibilities,” noted historian Martin Vesely of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in an interview with The New York Times. “Anything could have happened.”

Regardless of the true story, the find has captured public imagination and sparked interest among historians and archaeologists alike. The treasure carries historical significance that far exceeds its monetary worth.

Novák remembered his reaction to seeing the treasure for the first time.

“My jaw dropped,” he said.

The hikers are set to receive a 10% finder’s fee, and the Museum of Eastern Bohemia plans to display the trove to the public after further analysis.

Credits: Images courtesy of Museum of Eastern Bohemia.

For centuries, gold has symbolized wealth, beauty and permanence. But its origins lie not just in the Earth's crust or the ingenuity of ancient metalworkers — they go back more than 10 billion years, to some of the most violent and mysterious events in the universe.



New findings from a team of astrophysicists, based on decades-old NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) data, suggest that some of the gold, platinum and other heavy metals in the universe may have been forged not only in neutron star collisions — as previously believed — but in rare, violent eruptions called starquakes on magnetars, a highly magnetic type of neutron star.

This groundbreaking research, led by Columbia University doctoral student Anirudh Patel and published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, changes our understanding of how some of the universe’s most valuable materials came to be. And it means that the ring on your finger or the chain around your neck might trace its roots back to a cataclysmic flare from the crushed core of a dying star.

After the Big Bang, the universe consisted primarily of hydrogen, helium and trace amounts of lithium. Heavier elements, such as iron, formed in the hearts of massive stars. But the creation of elements heavier than iron, such as gold or platinum, require extreme environments — the kind where atoms are bombarded with neutrons in rapid succession, a process called rapid neutron capture or r-process nucleosynthesis.

Until recently, astrophysicists believed that this process primarily occurred during kilonovas, the dramatic collisions of neutron stars. Such events were observed in 2017, providing definitive proof that gold and other heavy elements could be produced this way. However, these events are rare and occur relatively late in cosmic history — too late to explain how ancient stars, and by extension early planets, already contained heavy metals billions of years ago.



Enter the magnetar.

A magnetar is a type of neutron star with a magnetic field a thousand trillion times stronger than Earth’s. These stellar remnants are so dense that a teaspoon of their matter would weigh as much as a billion tons. On rare occasions, magnetars experience “starquakes,” when their crust fractures under magnetic stress. These eruptions — called magnetar giant flares — unleash enormous amounts of energy and, as this new study suggests, may eject neutron-rich material into space, where it cools and forms heavy elements.

Remarkably, Patel’s team found gamma-ray signals in archival satellite data from a 2004 magnetar flare that matched predictions for this heavy element formation process. Their work indicates that magnetar flares could contribute up to 10% of the galaxy’s supply of elements heavier than iron — including gold, platinum and uranium.

This discovery not only fills in gaps in our understanding of cosmic chemistry but adds depth to the story behind every gold or platinum object we wear. The necklace you treasure, or the heirloom ring passed down through generations, may contain material that was born in an event more explosive and ancient than our own Sun.

Looking forward, scientists hope NASA’s upcoming Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI), set to launch in 2027, will confirm these results by detecting the elemental signatures from future magnetar flares. With this new window into stellar alchemy, researchers are one step closer to fully mapping the cosmic origin of the elements — and unlocking more secrets hidden in the precious materials we cherish.

So the next time you admire a gold bracelet or platinum ring, consider this: You’re wearing a relic from one of the universe’s most powerful explosions, a piece of stardust forged in a cosmic quake over 10 billion years ago.

Credit: Upper illustration courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech. Lower illustration courtesy of ESA.