Piece of the Week: A Pair of Cufflinks Jimmy Carter Wore
The 39th president and longtime humanitarian donned these Oscar Heyman-made American flags when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Born and raised in the small town of Plains, Georgia, the 98-year-old Carter served as a Georgia state senator and governor before winning the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in 1976 and, ultimately, defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford.
He served a single term, from 1977 to 1981, but lost his bid for re-election to Ronald Reagan.
In 1982, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, opened The Carter Center in Atlanta in partnership with Emory University.
The center works to prevent and resolve conflicts, improve health, and enhance democracy worldwide, with the Carters personally dedicating years to flying around the globe to monitor elections, fight tropical diseases, and promote progress in developing countries.
The former president and first lady also have worked as Habitat for Humanity volunteers for more than three decades.
For what The Norwegian Nobel Committee described as his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development,” Carter was granted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
He wore these Oscar Heyman cufflinks when accepting the award in Oslo, Norway.
First designed around 1940, Oscar Heyman’s American flag cufflinks feature 56 square rubies totaling 1.98 carats, 26 baguette-cut diamonds (0.96 carats), 10 square sapphires (0.79 carats), and 10 round diamonds (0.12 carats).
The jewelry house said it sold this particular pair to a store in 1994, and they subsequently were gifted to Carter.
It got the cufflinks back, along with the note for authenticity (both pictured above in a post from the @oscarheyman Instagram account), around the time the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston published a book on the company’s history. “Oscar Heyman: The Jewelers’ Jeweler,” came out in April 2017.
Oscar Heyman said it was told Carter had written the note so the cufflinks could be auctioned off one day.
The Latest

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.


Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
























