There’s no place like Liberal, KS — especially now, with the unveiling of the “Dorothy’s Slipper Slide,” a whimsical new roadside attraction celebrating the town’s cherished connection to The Wizard of Oz. On July 11, city leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the 10-foot-tall slide, modeled after the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film classic.



Located outside the Liberal Tourist Information Center at 1 Yellow Brick Road, the giant glittering slipper stretches 18 feet long and is designed for both children and adults to enjoy. The attraction was custom-made in Baltimore and transported to Liberal, where it now sparkles alongside the busy Highway 54 corridor in southwest Kansas, just above the Oklahoma panhandle. City officials expect it to become a must-stop photo op for travelers and Wizard of Oz fans alike.

“We see this roadside attraction as something that’s going to be a real show stopper,” Keeley Moree, Chief Communications Officer for the City of Liberal, told KSNW. “When people come to Kansas, there are two things that they want to see. It’s cowboys and it’s Dorothy.”

Liberal’s dedication to Dorothy Gale is long-standing. The city is home to Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz exhibit, which features a replica of Dorothy’s farmhouse and a guided tour through an interactive Oz experience. Now, with the addition of the Slipper Slide, visitors can add a playful moment to their journey along the Yellow Brick Road.



The slide also pays homage to one of the most famous — and valuable — pieces of movie memorabilia ever created. Only four pairs of the original ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz are known to survive. One pair remains on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where it continues to draw millions of visitors each year. Another pair shattered auction records in December 2024 when it sold at Heritage Auctions for $32.5 million, making it the most expensive piece of movie memorabilia ever sold.

Conceived by MGM’s chief costume designer Gilbert Adrian, the original slippers feature nearly 2,300 sequins per shoe and butterfly-shaped bows adorned with red bugle beads and rhinestones. Though Adrian originally intended to use actual bugle beads for the entire slipper, he opted for lighter sequins to capture the ruby red sparkle — perfect for Technicolor.

Thanks to Kansas Tourism grants and local funding, Liberal’s oversized slipper now welcomes visitors to slide into a bit of that magic themselves — no clicking heels required.

Credits: Image of Dorothy's Slipper Slide courtesy of Adventure Solutions. Image of Dorothy's actual Ruby Slippers at the Smithsonian by The Jeweler Blog.

TV personality Kelly Osbourne is officially engaged — and her stunning new ring is as sweet as its inspiration. Musician Sid Wilson, best known as the turntablist for Slipknot, proposed to Osbourne on July 5 backstage at Black Sabbath’s final concert, a milestone event for her father, Ozzy Osbourne. But it’s the symbolic design of the ring that has captured the jewelry world’s attention.



The custom creation was crafted by luxury jeweler Mouawad in collaboration with Wilson, who wanted the ring to reflect his personal nickname for Kelly: “Honeybee.” The result is a one-of-a-kind engagement ring that intertwines sentimentality with masterful artistry.



Set in 18-karat yellow gold, the ring features a brilliant 2.5-carat round white diamond, symbolizing unity and enduring love. Surrounding the center stone is a honeycomb-inspired design, intricately detailed with white and yellow diamonds, citrine accents, and diamond clusters that evoke the whimsical image of bees buzzing around a hive. The wide bezel setting adds a bold, modern touch while enhancing the ring’s beehive motif.



Wilson explained in a Mouawad video shared on Instagram that his inspiration came naturally.

“Kelly would buzz around and spread this good energy, like a bee,” he said, adding that he later discovered the late Joan Rivers, Kelly’s close friend and former Fashion Police co-host, also called her “Honeybee.” Wilson described the coincidence as “meant to be.”

Pascal Mouawad, Co-Guardian of the House of Mouawad, worked closely with Wilson to bring the vision to life.

“It was about more than just creating a ring — it was about capturing Kelly and Sid’s unique love story in a wearable piece of art,” Mouawad said.

When Wilson first saw the completed ring, he was visibly emotional. “It’s more than perfect. It’s like a fairytale,” he said in the behind-the-scenes video.

Kelly echoed that sentiment when she shared a video of the proposal on Instagram, writing, “Nothing means more to me than the thought and effort that went into this ring.”

The couple, who have known each other since first meeting during Ozzfest in 1999, began dating in 2022 and welcomed their son, Sidney, later that year. Now, with their engagement sealed by this deeply symbolic ring, Osbourne and Wilson are embracing the next chapter of their love story.

Credits: Engagement ring photo via mouawad.com. Jewelry screen captures via Instagram.com / mouawad. Screenshot of Osbourne via Instagram / kellyosbourne.

Welcome to Music Friday, when we spotlight classic songs that sparkle with references to jewelry, gemstones or precious metals. Today, we turn back the clock to 1977 and Don Williams’ chart-topping hit, “I’m Just a Country Boy.” It’s a tender ballad about love, humility and the kind of riches that can't be bought in a store.



In the song, Williams sings about a young man who falls for the prettiest girl in town, but doubts he can win her over. Why? She likes the finer things and he is struggling to make ends meet.

“I ain’t gonna marry in the fall / I ain’t gonna marry in the spring,” he sings. “’Cause I’m in love with a pretty little girl / Who wears a diamond ring.”

Instead of fine jewelry, all he can offer her is a devoted heart and an appreciation for life’s natural beauty.

He sings, "I never could afford / A store-bought ring / With a sparkling diamond stone / All I could afford / Is a loving heart / The only one I own / ‘Cause I’m just a country boy / Money have I none / But I’ve got silver in the stars / And gold in the mornin’ sun / Gold in the mornin’ sun…"

“I’m Just a Country Boy” appeared as the opening track on Williams’ Country Boy album and went on to top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. While Don Williams made the song famous, it was originally recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1954. Over the years, it’s been covered by a wide range of artists, from Jim Croce and Roger Whittaker to The Brothers Four and Bobby Vinton.

The song was penned by Fred Hellerman — best known as a founding member of The Weavers — and Marshall Barer, who also penned the theme song ("Here I come to save the day!") for the Mighty Mouse cartoons.

Williams, known as the “Gentle Giant” for his soft-spoken style and soothing baritone, racked up 17 #1 hits over his career and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He passed away in 2017 at age 78.

Trivia: Williams appeared as himself and played a number of songs in Smokey and the Bandit II (1980).

Be sure to check out the video of Williams performing “I’m Just a Country Boy.” The lyrics are below if you'd like to sing along with this gem of a tune…

“I’m Just A Country Boy”
Written by Marshall Barer and Fred Kellerman. Performed by Don Williams.

I ain’t gonna marry in the fall
I ain’t gonna marry in the spring
‘Cause I’m in love with a pretty little girl
Who wears a diamond ring.

And I’m just a country boy
Money have I none
But I’ve got silver in the stars
Gold in the mornin’ sun
Gold in the mornin’ sun.

Never gonna kiss
The ruby red lips
Of the prettiest girl in town
Never gonna ask her if she’d
Marry me
I know she’d turn me down.

‘Cause I’m just a country boy
Money have I none
But I’ve got silver in the stars
And gold in the mornin’ sun
Gold in the mornin’ sun.

I never could afford
A store-bought ring
With a sparkling diamond stone
All I could afford
Is a loving heart
The only one I own.

‘Cause I’m just a country boy
Money have I none
But I’ve got silver in the stars
And gold in the mornin’ sun
Gold in the mornin’ sun…



Credit: Screen capture via YouTube / Don Williams.

A Florida couple’s road trip turned into a dazzling dream come true when they discovered a 3.36-carat white diamond at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park while wet sifting just their third bucket of soil.



Scott and Jennifer Freitas of New Port Richey made the remarkable find on July 1 during a long-anticipated visit to the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search and keep what they discover.



The couple, avid rockhounds who frequently hunt for rubies, sapphires and smoky quartz, had added the Murfreesboro, AR, park to their travel bucket list after hearing about it on the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones Show.

Jennifer, who holds a geology degree, was especially excited to visit. The couple arrived at the 37 1/2-acre search field at 8:30 am, eager to try their luck. After collecting a few buckets of soil at a depth of only 6 to 8 inches, they began the task of wet sifting — a popular and highly effective method where visitors wash dirt away in water troughs and sort through the remaining gravel for gems.

“This isn’t like mining for rubies; we may end up walking away empty-handed,” Jennifer remarked early on. But on their third bucket, the couple’s fortunes changed.

Scott pulled a screen from the water and immediately spotted a sparkling stone.

“Hey, I think I have one!” he called out.

“Oh yeah, right,” Jennifer joked in reply.

But upon closer inspection, even she was stunned.



They took their find to the park’s identification center, where staff confirmed it was indeed a 3.36-carat white diamond — crystal clear at the center with off-white edges, and roughly the size of a blueberry.

“I was stunned when I saw the pictures of the diamond,” said Park Superintendent Caleb Howell. “The shape, clarity, color and size made it a beautifully natural gemstone. It was a great reminder of the awesomeness of Crater of Diamonds State Park.”

The Freitas named the gem the "Dash Diamond," in honor of their beloved dog. It’s the second-largest diamond registered at the park so far in 2025. This year's top find remains the 3.81-carat “Duke Diamond,” also named after a canine companion.

The park has seen a total of 332 diamonds registered this year. Since diamonds were first discovered at the site in 1906, more than 75,000 have been unearthed — making it a glittering destination for gem lovers around the world.

Credits: Photos courtesy of Crater of Diamonds State Park.

NFL star Deshaun Watson and model-author Jilly Anais tied the knot in dazzling style on July 3 in Miami with an opulent celebration that put diamonds front and center. The couple showcased matching wedding bands with a combined total of more than 50 carats — custom creations that are already making waves across social media and the jewelry world.



Designed by luxury jeweler Vikar Ahmed, Watson’s band features more than 34 carats of D-color, internally flawless emerald-cut diamonds. The Cleveland Browns quarterback flashed the ice-packed ring on TikTok alongside his new bride, who wore a matching 16-carat diamond band. Both rings were made in Germany and reflect, according to Ahmed, “the pinnacle of craftsmanship.”

“These wedding bands not only symbolize an unbreakable commitment to love, but also embody perfection in craftsmanship,” Ahmed told TMZ Sports. “Together, they represent radiant brilliance and extraordinary artistry.”

The groom’s ring is estimated to be worth between $1.1 million and $1.3 million, while Anais’s band is valued between $500,000 and $650,000. But beyond the price tags, the coordination of the couple’s jewelry reveals a deeper design narrative: Anais’ band is a flawless complement to her show-stopping engagement ring, also designed by Ahmed and famously dubbed “The Glory Treasure.”



That engagement ring — boasting a massive emerald-cut center stone with a diamond band totaling over 20 carats — made headlines earlier this year with an estimated value exceeding $2 million. The continuity between Anais’ engagement ring and her new wedding band reflects the couple’s keen attention to detail and dedication to timeless elegance.

In their wedding-day TikTok, the couple joyfully displayed their sparkling ring fingers while still dressed in their formalwear. Anais’ caption simply read, “July 3, 2025 [diamond ring emoji],” confirming the date of their nuptials.

The Miami ceremony was an intimate affair. Eschewing a traditional wedding party, the couple selected their brothers as best man and man of honor. Afterward, the newlyweds jetted off to the South of France for a honeymoon planned entirely by Watson.

In an interview with SI Swimsuit, Anais said of the romantic getaway, “I’m still on cloud nine.”

From touchdown passes to high jewelry, Watson and Anais continue to capture attention with rings that radiate star power.

Watson is expected to start the 2025 NFL season on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list due to an Achilles injury. He underwent surgery in January to repair a torn Achilles tendon and will miss a significant portion of the season.

Credits: Wedding images via TikTok / jillyanais. Engagement images via Instagram / Deshaun Watson.

A major new publication is set to dazzle the jewelry world this fall. The Jewelry Book, edited by noted jewelry expert and author Melanie Grant, offers a sweeping, visually rich encyclopedia of the most influential names in jewelry over the past 200 years.



Arranged alphabetically from Adler to Zendaya, the book features legends such as Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bulgari, alongside avant-garde artists and contemporary influencers like Gabby Elan Jewelry, which is known for creating custom grills for Rihanna and Marc Jacobs. In all, the 328-page publication highlights 300 artists, designers, collectors, icons and luxury houses who have shaped — and continue to shape — the global jewelry landscape.

Grant worked with a 17-member international advisory panel to curate a list that balances geographic diversity, gender representation and historical impact. The result is a wide-ranging compilation, featuring not only household names, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Josephine Baker, but also lesser-known figures such as Hopi artist Charles Loloma, Māori jade carver Joel Marsters and pioneering Black metalsmith Winifred Mason Chenet.

Choosing the final 300 from a long list of more than 700 wasn’t easy.

In discussing the role of her advisory panel, Grant told The New York Times, “I tried to get a mix of people who had different opinions about what is important and who should be in it... You need to have people who don’t agree with you telling you why.”

The Jewelry Book doesn’t just tell the stories behind the sparkle — it presents them in high style. The hardcover edition boasts a metallic, faceted cover meant to resemble a cut gemstone and includes imagery from renowned photographers, such as Irving Penn and Juergen Teller. Each entry is paired with a large-format image and a concise, compelling write-up.

The New York Times reported that, timed with the book's September 24 release, select pieces featured in the book will be showcased at free exhibitions at Sotheby’s New York (Sept. 10–21) and Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery in London (Sept. 22–27).

Lavish, scholarly and endlessly browsable, The Jewelry Book, published by Phaidon, is poised to become a definitive reference for collectors, professionals and jewelry lovers alike.

Credit: Book image via phaidon.com.

Fancy-color diamonds have appreciated a stunning 205% in value since 2005, according to a new report from the Natural Diamond Council (NDC).



The inaugural Fancy Color Diamond Report, produced in collaboration with Choron Group and the Fancy Color Research Foundation (FCRF), attributes this meteoric rise to a combination of extreme scarcity, strong collector demand and growing recognition of colored diamonds as enduring investment pieces.

Leading the surge are pink diamonds, which have increased nearly 394% in value since 2005, followed by blue diamonds (up 242%) and yellow diamonds (up nearly 50%). Overall, fancy color diamonds have appreciated at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% over the past two decades, according to the FCRF.

“Fancy color diamonds are the ultimate expression of passion, desire, personal style and enduring value,” said NDC CEO David Kellie. “No two are ever the same. We're not talking about just jewels, we're talking about a vibrant legacy of Earth's ultimate power and beauty.”

This colorful segment of the diamond market — accounting for just 0.01% of all diamonds mined — continues to dazzle at major auctions. This June, Christie's New York sold the storied Marie-Thérèse Pink, a 10.38-carat gem with ties to French royalty, for nearly $14 million, doubling its estimate.

One of the most buzzworthy auctions in recent memory came in 2022, when the Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, sold for $21.4 million at Sotheby’s Geneva, translating to $2.1 million per carat. Auction houses now regularly feature full rainbows of fancy color diamonds, underscoring their collectible allure.

To highlight this fascination, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, is currently showcasing the Winston Red Diamond and 40 other fancy color diamonds in a new exhibit.

Gifted by Ronald Winston, son of famed jeweler Harry Winston, the 2.33-carat Winston Red is among the rarest known, bearing the GIA’s coveted “Fancy Red” designation — an honor given to fewer than one in 25 million diamonds. The display offers a once-in-a-lifetime view of nature’s most spectacular palette, from deep teal to rich canary yellow.

The NDC report also pinpoints the key origins of these rare gems, with discoveries primarily in Botswana, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Australia and Canada. A recent extraordinary purple diamond uncovered at Canada’s Diavik mine only heightens excitement in a market already fueled by celebrity buzz and runway glamour.

With such exceptional rarity, striking beauty and historical significance, fancy-color diamonds continue to captivate connoisseurs, collectors, jewelers and gem lovers alike.

Credit: Image courtesy of the Natural Diamond Council.

Amid a broader slowdown in US luxury spending, fine jewelry has emerged as a glimmering standout, according to a new report from Citigroup. Based on credit card transaction data from more than 10 million US cardholders, Citi found that while spending on luxury goods overall fell in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, luxury jewelry sales have continued to rise.



In May alone, luxury jewelry spending surged 10.1% year over year, continuing a monthly growth trend that began in September 2024. In contrast, categories such as handbags and apparel saw declines, weighed down by rising prices and waning consumer enthusiasm.

Citi analyst Thomas Chauvet told CNBC that the durability of jewelry sales likely reflects a shift in consumer values.

“When you have $3,000 to spend on luxury, are you going to buy a piece of jewelry or a handbag for the same price?” he asked. “Perhaps the piece of jewelry gives you superior intrinsic value given the precious metals content and superior emotional value and meaning.”

While luxury handbag brands have raised prices by as much as 30% to 40% since the pandemic — often without delivering clear improvements — jewelry appears to offer both financial and sentimental rewards. Chauvet noted that gold prices have risen more than 25% in 2025, yet many jewelers have kept price increases modest. That combination is making jewelry look like a smarter investment.

Jewelry was also the only luxury category in May to see an increase not just in average spend per customer but also in the number of customers overall. Even within the high-end segment — where a 2.7% drop in customer count was recorded — those who remained spent 11.7% more on average.

Looking ahead, Chauvet cautioned that economic uncertainties remain—from a weakening US dollar to geopolitical tensions and the possible expiration of a 90-day pause on new tariffs.

Still, the data suggests that in uncertain times, consumers are gravitating toward purchases with lasting value — both emotional and financial. And jewelry fits the bill.

Credit: Photo by BigStockPhoto.com.

In celebration of July’s birthstone, we look back at one of the most iconic ruby jewels ever to hit the auction block: Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor’s "perfect" 8.24-carat gem that actor Richard Burton gave her as a Christmas gift in 1968.



Burton, who famously showered Taylor with extraordinary jewels, promised early in their relationship to find her a very special ruby with perfect red color.

“But it has to be perfect,” he warned.



Four years later, he delivered on that promise with a Van Cleef & Arpels masterpiece nestled in a box at the bottom of her Christmas stocking.

Taylor recalled nearly overlooking the teeny package, only to be reminded by her daughter Liza that something special was still waiting to be unwrapped. When she opened the box, she found a rich Burmese ruby surrounded by diamonds.

“It was the most perfect colored stone I’d ever seen,” Taylor later said.

Auction bidders clearly shared her sentiment. When Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection was sold by Christie’s after her passing in 2011, the ruby ring fetched $4.2 million — more than quadrupling its high estimate. It also set a world record at the time for highest price-per-carat ever paid for a ruby: $512,925.

(The current world record for the most expensive ruby per carat is held by the "Estrela de Fura," a 55.22-carat Mozambique ruby that sold for $34.8 million at the Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" auction in New York on June 8, 2023. This price paid translated to $630,288 per carat.)



Another ruby treasure in Taylor's collection — a Cartier necklace featuring seven oval and cushion-cut rubies with diamond accents — also stunned auction watchers in 2011. Initially estimated at $300,000, the necklace soared to a final price of $3.8 million.

Taylor’s entire collection of 80 iconic pieces netted $115.9 million, setting multiple records at the time, including highest price ever paid for a pearl jewel ($11.8 million), highest price paid per carat for a colorless diamond ($8.8 million), highest price ever paid for an Indian jewel ($8.8 million), highest price paid for an emerald jewel ($6.6 million), and the highest price paid for natural pearl earrings ($1.9 million).

For those born in July, the ruby remains a symbol of passion, love and vitality — qualities Taylor embodied both on screen and in life. Her ruby ring continues to stand as a dazzling reminder of love’s promise… and of the enduring power of a truly perfect gemstone.

Credits: Jewelry images courtesy of Christie's. Elizabeth Taylor promotional headshot by Unknown authorUnknown author Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio publicity photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor from the film Cleopatra by Trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Russia and Botswana once again led the world in rough diamond production in 2024, according to newly released statistics from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. But while Russia retained the top spot in both volume and value — despite international sanctions — Namibia stole the spotlight for quality, with the highest average value per carat among major producers.



Russia: Still on Top Despite Headwinds
Russia accounted for 32% of global rough diamond production by volume (37.3 million carats) and 29% by value ($3.335 billion). Though its carat production remained level with 2023, value slipped slightly from $3.61 billion, reflecting a drop in average price per carat from $97 to $89.

Botswana: Impressive Runner-Up
Botswana increased its carat output from 25.1 million in 2023 to 28.2 million in 2024, but its dollar value barely budged ($3.31 billion vs. $3.28 billion), due to its average price per carat declining from $131 to $117. Still, Botswana’s reputation for gem-quality diamonds remains intact, keeping it a close second in both volume and value.

Namibia and Lesotho: Small Producers, Big Prices
Namibia produced just 2.3 million carats — ranking #8 by volume — but topped the global list in quality, with an average value of $417 per carat. Though lower than its 2022 peak of $601, the figure reflects the ongoing strength of Namibia’s offshore mining sector. Lesotho followed closely with $333 per carat. With fewer than 700,000 carats mined, the country still earned $232 million — good for #7 in value rankings.

Angola and Canada: Solid Mid-Tier Players
Angola remained #3 in value ($1.412 billion) on the strength of its high-grade rough, as volume stood at 14 million carats. At $101 per carat, Angola’s rough output continues to trend toward higher-quality goods. Canada ranked #4 by volume (13.3 million carats) and #4 in value ($1.075 billion), although its average price per carat dropped to $81 from $111 in 2022.

South Africa and Sierra Leone: Heritage and Promise
South Africa, once the epicenter of the global diamond industry, ranked #6 in volume (5.3 million carats) and #6 in value ($662 million). Its diamonds fetched a respectable $124 per carat — above average and consistent with its long-standing reputation for producing large, high-quality stones. Though its output has declined from historic highs, South Africa remains a steady contributor of gem-grade material.

Sierra Leone, meanwhile, barely made the Top 10 in both volume (573,983 carats) and value ($103 million). However, its $180-per-carat average ranks third globally — behind only Namibia and Lesotho. This speaks to the enduring value of its artisanal and small-scale mining operations, which occasionally yield extraordinary finds.

Zimbabwe and the DRC: High Volume, Low Value
Zimbabwe produced 5.3 million carats, valued at $163 million, for an average of just $31 per carat. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) followed a similar pattern with 9.8 million carats but only $106 million in value — a mere $11 per carat — indicating a continued focus on industrial-grade stones.

Total global rough output in 2024 was 118 million carats, up 6% from 2023. However, overall value fell 10% year-over-year to $11.48 billion. Only 10 countries accounted for over 99% of all diamond production, a testament to the industry’s geographic concentration.

While Russia and Botswana dominate the conversation, the 2024 data underscores how value and quality can shift the narrative, as seen with the high per-carat performances of Namibia and Lesotho.

Credit: Image of rough diamonds mined in Russia, courtesy of Alrosa.