Latest news with #Tavernier
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Billions Of Years In The Making: Why Natural Gems Still Reign Supreme
When Maisie Plant, the young wife of the American industrialist, Morton Plant, was seated next to Pierre Cartier at a dinner party in 1917, she was said to have marveled over two strands of pearls so exquisite and perfect in its graduation that she wasn't surprised at its $1 million dollar price tag. However, feeling trepidation about spending that amount of money on jewelry, Cartier proposed a trade. In exchange for the necklace, the Plants could offer their newly completed neoclassical townhouse her husband had built at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street. The Plants were eager to leave the area as it was becoming more commercialized. The exchange was made, and Cartier established his New York flagship boutique, a cornerstone of the brand's global presence. Two decades later in 1937, movie star Hedy Lamarr quietly escaped her first husband, an Austrian arms dealer, taking with her the wedding jewelry from Cartier. Disguised as a maid, she found her way to Paris and eventually London. When she heard that the head of MGM studio, Louis B. Mayer, would be on board the SS Normandie bound for NY, she sold her jewels to secure first-class passage to meet him and negotiate a contract. She eventually met Mayer and befriended his wife during the transatlantic journey, and thus began her life in Hollywood. Evaluating a gemstone at GIA. Gemological Institute of America Intrepid french traveler and gem merchant, Jean Baptiste Tavernier, was known for his self financed travels into the far east during the 17th century. His far flung adventures, well documented in his books, most notably 'The Six Voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier,' were well read by the luminaries of the time as insight to understanding Persia, India, and Japan. Over the years, Tavernier found and traded gemstones during his travels and on one fortuitous journey to India in 1666, he acquired a deep blue colored 112 carat diamond from the Kollur mine in Golconda. Tavernier would eventually sell the stone to Louis XIV, who would induct the jewel into the French Crown Jewels. Its mysterious journey of becoming part of the French Royal Family to being recut, bought, stolen, found and sold would find its final resting place at the Smithsonian as the iconic Hope Diamond, one of the largest blue diamonds in the world. Such a discovery brought Tavernier not just wealth, but a barony, estates, and a place in history, a reminder that gemstones, in the right hands, can alter fortunes entirely. They have provided passage, negotiated futures, and held value when other assets could not. Their small scale allows them to move silently through history, yet their impact is often considerable. Whether in a private collection, a royal treasury, or a discreet safe deposit box, natural gemstones remain among the most concentrated and enduring stores of wealth. 'I think it truly ties to this magical and mystical value that people have always placed on gemstones,' explains Susan Jacques, CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 'We often talk about jewelry that's been around for millennia, from the first shell with a little hole in it that somebody on a beach tied some twine around and put it around their neck as a first piece of adornment all the way through different civilizations. There has been such tremendous value ascribed, whether it be political power or personal emotional power. There were talismans.' The Gemological Institute of America is at the heart of establishing and preserving that value of gemstones. Since its founding in 1931, GIA has built its global reputation for impartiality, consistency, and scientific rigor. Its grading reports have become the definitive benchmark in the trade and its documents not only certify a gemstone's attributes but also offer assurance in a marketplace where provenance and precision matter. GIA's grading system for diamonds, first introduced in the 1950s, is now considered the universal language for assessing quality. The '4Cs,' cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, are so widely adopted that they underpin virtually every gem transaction. Behind the standard lies a commitment to neutrality, with the Institute operating as a nonprofit entity, free from the pressures of commercial interests. GIA diamond grading lab. Gemological Institute of America A recent visit to GIA's offices and laboratories, guided by Tom Moses, Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer, revealed the sophisticated blend of advanced technology and exacting human expertise that sustains the Institute's reputation as the gold standard in gem grading and evaluation. Among the most iconic stones ever assessed by the GIA are the Hope Diamond and the more recent Winston Red, the 5th largest fancy red diamond at 2.33 carats. Their grading reports attached to these gemstones provide more than a summary of their physical characteristics. They document rarity, origin, and detail that is meticulously observed and recorded. To own a gem with a GIA certificate is to possess not just the stone but the validation of its place in the broader narrative of gemological excellence. Hope Diamond on Cartier necklace. Hope Diamond by Chip Clark/Smithsonian. 'If you look at the fact that the earth is only 4.5 billion years old, these were created as all that shifting heat, pressure and everything was occurring in the Earth's formation. To be able to find that treasure and then own that treasure, I think comes with such an emotional tie to it that is not replicated with man made products today,' describes Jacques of the true value of mined gems. CEO of Gemological Institute of America, Susan Jacques. Gemological Institute of America That trust is particularly vital in today's market, where the emergence of lab-grown diamonds introduces a new layer of complexity. Grown using high-pressure, high-temperature, or chemical vapor deposition processes, these stones are chemically and physically comparable to natural diamonds, but lack the time-bound provenance of their mined counterparts. Lab-grown diamonds have gained traction, particularly among younger consumers drawn to their price accessibility and perceived sustainability. They offer an alternative for buyers seeking the optical properties of diamonds without the cost or environmental considerations often associated with traditional mining. As their market share grows, the industry has responded by developing clearer labeling standards and more nuanced pricing structures. GIA has approached this shift with characteristic precision. It offers a separate grading report for lab-grown diamonds, clearly distinguishing them from natural stones while still applying the same analytical rigor. GIA's 'Lab Grown Diamond Report' is scheduled to be released at the end of Q3. 'I do believe that there is a coexistence that can happen with different gem materials. One is not better than the other. The most important factor is that the consumer understands exactly what they're buying,' explains Jacques. Still, the distinction between the two remains meaningful. While lab-grown diamonds have found a place in the jewelry landscape, natural gemstones continue to command a different kind of reverence. Their geological origins, shaped over eons, connects them to the earth in a way that cannot be replicated. Their scarcity ensures that each remains a unique object, not just in form but in story. The role of GIA in articulating and certifying that story is foundational. Through its laboratories, research, and educational outreach, the Institute reinforces a set of standards that both reflect and shape the values of the industry. Its work ensures that gems are not only admired for their appearance but respected for their integrity. Amid a marketplace shaped by shifting values and constant change, the enduring presence of a natural gemstone remains. Discreet yet significant, it continues to represent permanence and meaning. That its quality and provenance can be established with precision reflects the vital role of institutions like GIA, which quietly aligns science and technology with the human appreciation for rarity. More information and historical stories about gems can be found on GIA's website.
STV News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Tavernier: We have to take advantage of Ibrox atmosphere in Euro clash
James Tavernier says Rangers will look to use the Ibrox atmosphere to their advantage when they take on Panathinaikos to get a good first leg result and avoid having to chase the game in the intense Greek heat next week. The captain, who is preparing for his tenth season at the club, is aiming for a win to take to Athens for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier. Rangers are hoping to return to the top competition for the first time since the 2022/23 campaign, and Tavernier knows they will likely need a victory in Glasgow to give them the best chance of progressing further. They have been particularly strong at Ibrox in the Europa League in recent seasons, with the passionate home support helping them over the line on many occasions. And as new head coach Russell Martin is set for his first competitive game in the Rangers dugout, the skipper wants nothing less than a strong start. Speaking to the media on Monday, Tavernier said: 'We have to take advantage of Ibrox, with our fans and aim to take a good result over to the second-leg. 'And then obviously focus on the game over there when that comes. 'We want to show everyone what we are capable of and what we are working to do. 'Our objective is to get the win at home, and we have to make sure we get the job done. You have to set a tone in every single game, from the first whistle. 'We want a positive result to show where we are at and show everyone what we are capable of, and put ourselves in a good position to get through. 'We know it's going to be a hot one over there for the second leg, so you obviously want to prioritise getting a good result in the first leg, hopefully with a clean sheet and a few goals, then we can go over there knowing they will have to chase the game.' Tavernier is excited for what is to come under Martin after being impressed by the early signs of another 'fresh start'. He said: 'You will see on Tuesday, and as the season goes on, a different style of play both on and off the ball. 'You have to win games here; that is the demand at this football club. We really want to put in a performance against Panathinaikos. 'I'm really excited with the philosophy of the manager, both on and off the ball; it is going to be intense. 'In football, you see the squad change every season. 'A lot has changed around the club. It is a fresh start for the club, and we are all really excited to get behind it.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
James Tavernier reaches a decade on Rangers rollercoaster as one constant remains amid yet another clean slate
Tavernier led Russell Martin out as captain and now works for him as Champions League chance rolls around again James Tavernier has spent a decade spinning round the Rangers rollercoaster. More often than not, he's finished up crashing into the buffers. But for all those repeated disappointments, the Ibrox skipper is still setting out with the hope that this year's thrill ride will be the one that stays on track right until the triumphant end. Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of the day the right-back arrived in Glasgow alongside Wigan team-mate Martyn Waghorn as part of a joint £200,000 swoop. Tavernier has certainly repaid that sum in goals down the years. But silverware has been harder to come by for a man crowned British football's highest ever scoring defender. He picked up his solitary league winner's medal under Steven Gerrard in 2021, with a Scottish Cup coming a year later under Gio van Bronckhorst only days after his side had lost out on Europa League glory in Seville. He completed the set under Philippe Clement with Gers' 2023 League Cup success but that's scant reward for 10 years at Ibrox. Yet, as he begins life under Russell Martin on Tuesday tonight - his seventh full-time boss since joining the club - the excitement levels remain as high as they were the day Mark Warburton brought the 33-year-old to the club back in 2015. 'My wife sent me a picture this morning to remind me that it was my tenth anniversary at the club,' he grinned. 'So yes, it's gone quickly, really quick. 'I've said in previous years, all the years of being here have been a rollercoaster. But throughout it all, I've always given 110% no matter what and I'll continue to do that. 'I always want to win. That's always been instilled in us as a little boy. I've always wanted to win no matter what. If it's playing PlayStation against my son or it's playing a match or in training, I always want to win. 'So I'm always going to continue to do that until even later in my career and even after I've retired and something that I'll go into afterwards, I want to win whatever I do. 'I'm always excited for every season to begin because it's always a fresh slate. 'The philosophy that the manager wants us to play with the ball and off the ball. It's going to be intense and that's been shown in the preseason that we've been doing - lots of running and the games behind closed doors and just the implements that he wants us to play and you'll see a real big difference of how we played over the past few years to this season. 'It's obviously been a quick four weeks during pre-season. The training's been really intense. The manager's really drilled in his philosophies of how he wants to play as a team, the structure. So the boys have really taken it on board and we're really looking forward to tomorrow night. 'I think you'll see in the way we play, with the ball and without the ball. I think that'll be evident when tomorrow unfolds and as the season unfolds, you'll certainly see a different style of play that I've probably not played since I've been here. Back in 2018 when Martin was spending a brief stint at Ibrox on loan as a player, he was being led out by Tavernier. Now he's the man barking the orders. 'I've had a couple of conversations with some of the younger lads, letting them know my age and that I've played with him and that I was captain! 'But, it's been really smooth and the conversations that we've been having, you can see his mindset of what he wants. And that's the bright side of it and what he's demanding from us as a team, me myself and it's really exciting. 'Could I see his managerial credentials back then? Typically not when you play. He was a really intelligent footballer, had a great career. 'But you obviously saw what he was starting to build when he went to Swansea, and obviously Southampton. 'The way he wants his teams to play. So it's obviously different compared to what he was playing as a player, but it's nice to see.' The heat will be on Gers tonight as they kick-off their Champions League campaign against Panathinaikos at Ibrox. But with temperatures around the 35 degree mark expected in Athens for next week's return, Tavernier knows Gers can't afford to be caught cold. He said: 'We want a positive result just to show everybody what we're capable of, what we're working to. 'But obviously, we want to put ourselves in a good position going over there. We know it's going to be a hot one over there in the second leg, so you obviously want to try and prioritise getting this first leg, hopefully with a clean sheet with a few goals, and then you can go over there and the other team has to chase. Our objective is to win tomorrow.'
Scotsman
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers reap benefits of La Liga and Real Madrid experience - even if it didn't go according to plan
Defender could oust Tavernier as club's first-choice right-back Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Intrigue surrounds the arrival of Max Aarons at Rangers. The 25-year-old Englishman has joined the club on a season-long loan from Bournemouth and arrives at Ibrox with a good reputation. His position is right-back, the spot that club captain James Tavernier has made largely his own for ten years. A pretender to Tavernier's throne is in town. Aarons is an attack-minded, modern-day full-back with energy and pace. He is new head coach Russell Martin's first signing. He doesn't appear to be a man here to warm the bench. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Max Aarons is driven to succeed at Rangers. | SNS Group With Dujon Sterling out with a long-term Achilles issue, it is a straight fight between Aarons and Tavernier for the right-back spot. The new boy responded diplomatically when asked if he would need to displace the skipper on his first press duties as a Rangers man. 'When I look back, nearly every club I've been at it's been a similar situation where the right-back has been the captain,' Aarons said. 'But you know, Tav's a great guy who has been a really successful player here, so anything I can pick up from him will be amazing. 'But obviously I'm here to hopefully put my marker down and play as many games as I can and contribute to a successful season.' Could Aarons and Tavernier play together at Rangers? There could be room for both Aarons and Tavernier. Martin may choose to adopt the back-three he used as Southampton boss. Last season, Tavernier was deployed as a centre-half at times and performed admirably. But Rangers have already brought in one new centre-half in Emmanuel Fernandez and have been linked with a couple more, including Leicester City's Conor Coady. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We may find out more on Martin's plans for his right-backs on Sunday when Rangers play their first pre-season match against Belgian side Club Brugge. It is their first match ahead of a challenging Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. Aarons is delighted to be involved. He was given a glowing endorsement of life at Rangers by Tavernier's brother Marcus, who was a teammate at Bournemouth. 'I'm fully aware of the expectation levels, the challenge, whatever you want to call it, that lies ahead,' he said. 'Obviously I believe in the project here and with the manager coming in here, the players that are being signed to add to a squad that I already think is a really good group, I can sense there's a real positive feel around the place every day now. I believe I'm ready to come here and earn a spot.' Max Aarons is on loan at Rangers from Bournemouth. | AFP via Getty Images Aarons is making up for lost time after a season of being in the wilderness. Under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, he found first-team opportunities last term hard to come by and spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Spanish side Valencia. However, he only started one La Liga match - albeit a memorable one. Aarons played 75 minutes as Valencia, threatened by relegation for much of the campaign, defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu. 'That was amazing,' he smiled. 'I think in the seasons before I'd played near enough 40 games each season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'That was probably in the experience that got me through at that point because I hadn't played for months before being thrown in what would probably be one of the toughest games in Europe. Valencia stint a big help for Aarons 'I felt great until the 75th minute when the legs went. But, yes, it was a really good game and a successful night. So, yeah, that was amazing. Those games and those little bits of experience that you pick up along the way stand you in good stead to come to a club like this with this expectation.' Aarons believes six months away from his comfort zone at Valencia prepared him well for moving to Scotland and that he is a better person and player. 'For sure, that helped massively,' he said of his development. 'I obviously went there to play, but everything else, from a life point of view and experience, on and off the pitch, it taught me a lot. 'It's a big club there as well and a lot of expectation there. When I went there, we were down at the bottom. It was a great experience.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Max Aarons helped Valencia defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu earlier this year. | AFP via Getty Images Aarons has past experience of working with Martin while a teenager at Norwich City and is excited about linking up with the Scotland internationalist again. 'Obviously I played with the manager,' added Aarons. 'It crossed over for a little bit then he came here [Rangers] himself on loan as a player. 'That was when I first broke through at Norwich. We had a really good relationship back then and the same with Matt Gill, the assistant here who was my under-18s and under-21s coach.
Scotsman
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers reap benefits of La Liga and Real Madrid experience - even if it didn't go according to plan
Defender could oust Tavernier as club's first-choice right-back Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Intrigue surrounds the arrival of Max Aarons at Rangers. The 25-year-old Englishman has joined the club on a season-long loan from Bournemouth and arrives at Ibrox with a good reputation. His position is right-back, the spot that club captain James Tavernier has made largely his own for ten years. A pretender to Tavernier's throne is in town. Aarons is an attack-minded, modern-day full-back with energy and pace. He is new head coach Russell Martin's first signing. He doesn't appear to be a man here to warm the bench. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Max Aarons is driven to succeed at Rangers. | SNS Group With Dujon Sterling out with a long-term Achilles issue, it is a straight fight between Aarons and Tavernier for the right-back spot. The new boy responded diplomatically when asked if he would need to displace the skipper on his first press duties as a Rangers man. 'When I look back, nearly every club I've been at it's been a similar situation where the right-back has been the captain,' Aarons said. 'But you know, Tav's a great guy who has been a really successful player here, so anything I can pick up from him will be amazing. 'But obviously I'm here to hopefully put my marker down and play as many games as I can and contribute to a successful season.' Could Aarons and Tavernier play together at Rangers? There could be room for both Aarons and Tavernier. Martin may choose to adopt the back-three he used as Southampton boss. Last season, Tavernier was deployed as a centre-half at times and performed admirably. But Rangers have already brought in one new centre-half in Emmanuel Fernandez and have been linked with a couple more, including Leicester City's Conor Coady. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We may find out more on Martin's plans for his right-backs on Sunday when Rangers play their first pre-season match against Belgian side Club Brugge. It is their first match ahead of a challenging Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. Aarons is delighted to be involved. He was given a glowing endorsement of life at Rangers by Tavernier's brother Marcus, who was a teammate at Bournemouth. 'I'm fully aware of the expectation levels, the challenge, whatever you want to call it, that lies ahead,' he said. 'Obviously I believe in the project here and with the manager coming in here, the players that are being signed to add to a squad that I already think is a really good group, I can sense there's a real positive feel around the place every day now. I believe I'm ready to come here and earn a spot.' Max Aarons is on loan at Rangers from Bournemouth. | AFP via Getty Images Aarons is making up for lost time after a season of being in the wilderness. Under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, he found first-team opportunities last term hard to come by and spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Spanish side Valencia. However, he only started one La Liga match - albeit a memorable one. Aarons played 75 minutes as Valencia, threatened by relegation for much of the campaign, defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu. 'That was amazing,' he smiled. 'I think in the seasons before I'd played near enough 40 games each season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'That was probably in the experience that got me through at that point because I hadn't played for months before being thrown in what would probably be one of the toughest games in Europe. Valencia stint a big help for Aarons 'I felt great until the 75th minute when the legs went. But, yes, it was a really good game and a successful night. So, yeah, that was amazing. Those games and those little bits of experience that you pick up along the way stand you in good stead to come to a club like this with this expectation.' Aarons believes six months away from his comfort zone at Valencia prepared him well for moving to Scotland and that he is a better person and player. 'For sure, that helped massively,' he said of his development. 'I obviously went there to play, but everything else, from a life point of view and experience, on and off the pitch, it taught me a lot. 'It's a big club there as well and a lot of expectation there. When I went there, we were down at the bottom. It was a great experience.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Max Aarons helped Valencia defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu earlier this year. | AFP via Getty Images Aarons has past experience of working with Martin while a teenager at Norwich City and is excited about linking up with the Scotland internationalist again. 'Obviously I played with the manager,' added Aarons. 'It crossed over for a little bit then he came here [Rangers] himself on loan as a player. 'That was when I first broke through at Norwich. We had a really good relationship back then and the same with Matt Gill, the assistant here who was my under-18s and under-21s coach.
