AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
SourcingDec 06, 2019
On Netflix, Diamonds Are ‘Explained’
The popular gemstones are one of the topics explored in the second season of the Vox-produced documentary series.
A screenshot from “Diamonds” the season finale of the second season of “Explained,” the Vox-produced documentary series available on Netflix. (Photo courtesy of Netflix)
New York—Diamonds are the topic of an episode of “Explained,” a Vox-produced documentary series that just wrapped up its second season on Netflix.
The 23-minute episode, which aired Nov. 28, features familiar faces, including Alrosa North America President Rebecca Foerster and industry analyst Paul Zimnisky, and aims to answer the question, why do people like diamonds so much?
“Diamonds, Explained” begins with the scientific, noting that diamonds form deeper in the earth than other gemstones, at depths where the pressure reaches five to six gigapascals. (The pascal is a unit scientists use to measure pressure.)
RELATED CONTENT — Going Deep: What the GIA Just Learned About Blue DiamondsKaren Smit, a research scientist at GIA’s New York lab who’s featured in the show, described the pressure under which diamonds form using this analogy: “If you think of 80 elephants standing on your big toe, that is the pressure that is equivalent to five to six gigapascals.”
It also notes that the oldest diamonds, which formed 3.5 billion years ago, pre-date life on earth.
The show then moves into the history of diamonds as adornment, from crowns to pins to rings, including the diamond ring Archduke Maxmilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy when they got married in 1477.
It runs through the history of De Beers, beginning with its monopoly days and the introduction of “A Diamond Is Forever,” penned by copywriter Mary Frances Gerety, to stoke demand for diamonds by casting them as the stone of choice for engagement rings.
Named by AdAge as the top advertising slogan of the 20th century, the uber-successful marketing campaign precipitated the meteoric rise of the diamond’s use in engagement rings.
According to the documentary, around 10 percent of American brides would have gotten a diamond engagement ring in 1939. Today, that number is 85 to 90 percent.
WATCH: The Trailer for ‘Explained’ Season 2
{youtube}7DT6kyG7c-I{/youtube}
“Diamonds, Explained” also delves into lab-grown diamonds, interviewing Ada Diamonds founder Jason Payne, and mentioning De Beers’ pivot to selling the man-made stones with the launch of Lightbox.
“Explained” is produced by news website Vox, a property of Vox Media, whose portfolio includes New York magazine, Grub Street and Recode.
Other topics explored in the second season include the booming number of billionaires, the allure of cults and the rise of athleisure as acceptable everyday fashion.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
