Bling as in diamonds.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/22/world/africa/large-diamond-botswana.html
Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Is Discovered in Botswana
The diamond was unearthed using new technology, and miners hope it will bring back luster to a struggling industry.
By Lynsey Chutel, The New York Times, Aug. 22, 2024
…
The diamond is a 2,492-carat stone that is the biggest diamond unearthed in more than a century and the second-largest ever found…
Such whopping stones are no longer once-in-a-lifetime finds thanks to evolving technology. Lucara spotted an opportunity in Botswana when it dug up large quantities of small but coarse stones that looked like “chewed glass,” said William Lamb, the company’s chief executive. It was a hint that larger diamonds were probably being crushed in the retrieval process…“A diamond is hard and you can’t scratch it, but it’s actually very easy to break,” Mr. Lamb said…
Advanced X-ray technology, along with a more refined grinding process to separate precious gems from slabs of rock, have allowed Lucara to set and break multiple records for unearthing large gems… [end quote]
Nice to know that new technology will save more large natural diamonds.
Meanwhile, the supply of lab-produced diamonds has multiplied 10 times over since 2018. Lab-grown diamonds can be larger, clearer and cheaper than natural diamonds. Not to mention more profitable for retailers and free of potential “blood diamond” taint.
Bling is fun. But I personally declined a diamond engagement ring from DH since I have no desire to support the international cartel that keeps prices high.
Wendy