The Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Always Wear Your Platinum Crown
After dreaming of the perfect engagement ring for years, most people approaching marriage likely have an idea of what they want their ring to look like.

Brought To You By Platinum Guild International
We know from consumer research that consumer desire for platinum engagement rings and wedding bands is very high (77 percent), but they may not be aware of the benefits of choosing platinum.
- Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold and platinum jewelry is typically 90–95 percent pure (vs. 14kt. gold which is only 58.5 percent gold)
- It’s naturally white, unlike white gold (which is yellow gold that is mixed with white metals and then coated with rhodium to make it appear white). Platinum will never fade or change color over time
- It’s hypoallergenic, so it’s kind to sensitive skin
- Platinum is enduring—very little metal is lost as a result of daily wear, unlike gold
- Platinum requires very little maintenance and, over time, is actually 2.5 times less expensive than white gold (after factoring in the approximate cost of re-plating, replacing and/or re-tipping white gold prongs over 10 years)
While the 4C’s are very important in selecting the perfect diamond, it’s the “5th C” that ensures that diamond will be held securely in place. What is the 5th C? It’s the platinum crown. While the industry commonly refers to the prong setting that sits atop an engagement ring as a “head,” when that setting is platinum we call it a crown—a name befitting the world’s most precious metal.
Platinum is the most secure setting because of its density and durability, so it will protect your customer’s diamond and stand the test of time.
If your customer would rather have a different color metal for their ring design, they can still protect the security of their diamond when you set it in a platinum crown.
- Take the platinum sales training course at www.platinumlearning.com
- Always present The 5th C (a platinum crown) to every one of your engagement ring customers because it’s the most secure setting for their diamond
- Offer your customers platinum first
- If they choose a different metal for their ring, let them know that they can still have their diamond set in a platinum crown. It’s the most secure setting.
The Latest

The discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.


Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
























