Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you festive songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, we celebrate the holiday season with a contemporary take on Eartha Kitt’s 1953 classic, "Santa Baby," performed by pop phenomenon Sabrina Carpenter and best-selling country artist Shania Twain.



A song that echoes the sentiments of 1949’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “Santa Baby” tells the story of girls appealing directly to Santa Claus for some of the finer things in life — a sable coat, a blue convertible, a yacht, a deed to a platinum mine and, finally, “a ring.” Carpenter and Twain claim to have been angels all year, so they don't think they're asking for a lot.

They sing, “Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring / I don’t mean on the phone / Santa cutie, hurry down the chimney tonight.”

The duo performed “Santa Baby” during the Netflix variety special, "A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter," which premiered on December 6.

A blockbuster hit for Kitt in 1953, “Santa Baby” has been covered by dozens of artists over the past 71 years. They include Madonna, Taylor Swift, Natalie Merchant, Kylie Minogue, The Pussycat Dolls, LeAnn Rimes, Faith Evans, Kellie Pickler, Gwen Stefani, Miss Piggy, and even Michael Bublé, who chose to address his benefactor as “Santa Buddy.”

Written by Joan Javits and Philip Springer, “Santa Baby” is reportedly one of the few Christmas hits penned by a woman.

Born in Quakertown, PA, in 1999, Carpenter earned her first acting gig as an 11-year-old on an episode of Law & Order. She gained stardom on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World (2014–2017), which eventually led to her rapid ascent as a singer, songwriter, actress and style icon. She is currently nominated for six Grammy awards, including Best Album, Best Song, Best New Artist, Best Record, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance.

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the 59-year-old Eilleen Regina (Shania) Twain is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the top-selling female artist in country music history. She has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned the moniker, the "Queen of Country Pop." She's claimed five Grammy Awards from 18 nominations.

Please check out the video of Carpenter and Twain performing “Santa Baby” during the Netflix special. The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Santa Baby”
Written by Joan Javits and Philip Springer. Performed by Sabrina Carpenter and Shania Twain.

Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, a '54 convertible too, light blue
I’ll wait up for you, dear
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the fun I’ve missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed
Next year I could be as good
If you’ll check off my Christmas list

Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that’s not a lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa honey, one little thing I really need, the deed
To a platinum mine
Santa baby, hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany
I really do believe in you
And let’s see if you believe in me

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don’t mean on the phone
Santa baby, hurry down the chimney tonight

Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight



Credit: Screen capture via YouTube / LetsGoShania.

The second- and seventh-largest rough diamonds ever recovered finally have official names, according to Lucara Diamond Corp., which sponsored a two-week Legacy National Diamond Naming Competition and received more than 39,000 entries from the citizens of Botswana.



The winning name for the epic 2,488-carat diamond unearthed at its famous Karowe Mine in August 2024 is "Motswedi," which in Setswana, the local language in Botswana, means a flow of underground water that emerges to the surface offering life and vitality.



The 1,094-carat diamond — discovered at the same mine one month later — will be known as "Seriti," which means aura or presence in Setswana and has deep cultural significance related to identity and legacy.

The submitted names were evaluated by a panel of judges based on creativity, originality, Botswana cultural significance, as well as relevance to the diamonds themselves.

The contestant who submitted Motswedi will receive a 100,000 Pula prize ($7,325), and the citizen who came up with Seriti will receive a 50,000 Pula ($3,662) prize. Both winners will enjoy an exclusive tour of the Karowe Mine.

“We are incredibly proud to announce the naming of two extraordinary diamonds recovered from our Karowe Mine in Botswana," commented William Lamb, Lucara’s President and CEO. "[They] represent pivotal moments in Lucara's commitment to discovering and preserving extraordinary geological treasures."

Lamb added that these diamonds are not just geological phenomena. They are a testament to the incredible potential of the Karowe Mine and Lucara's innovative approach to diamond recovery.

"Each stone tells a story millions of years in the making," he said, "and we are humbled to be the custodians of these remarkable gems as they prepare to enter the global market. We look forward to the next stages of their journey, confident that the Motswedi and Seriti will continue to inspire wonder and admiration around the world.”

Of the top nine diamonds ever unearthed, the Karowe Mine has been the source of seven of them.

Sitting at #2, the newly named Motswedi has a rugged silvery-white appearance and weighs in at 17.58 ounces (1.1 pounds). Maintaining the top spot is the 3,106-carat Cullinan, which was found at South Africa’s Premier Mine 2 in 1905.

Currently ranked #7, Seriti was discovered in Karowe’s south lobe, which has historically produced large, high-value diamonds. The stone bears striking similarities to the 692-carat diamond the company unearthed in August 2023. That stone, which ranks #23, was polished by HB Antwerp and yielded diamonds that sold for more than $13 million.

Lucara’s newest treasures remained unscathed during the recovery process thanks to the company’s state-of-the-art Mega Diamond Recovery (“MDR”) X-ray Transmission (“XRT”) technology, installed in 2017 to identify and preserve large, high-value diamonds.

Lucara’s $683 million underground expansion at Karowe aims to extend the life of the mine beyond 2040.

Credits: Photos courtesy of CNW Group/Lucara Diamond Corp.

In her new book titled The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance, author and historian Marion Fasel explores the true narrative behind the origin of one of the most universally accepted symbols of love and marriage.



Within the 128 illustrated pages, Fasel exposes several misconceptions, such as the notion that diamond engagement rings only became popular after the “A Diamond Is Forever” DeBeers advertising campaign launched in 1947 or that the first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

"Researching the true narrative involved a deep dive into the archives of museums and libraries in Europe and New York, where I found diamond engagement rings depicted in Renaissance masterpieces and documented in original manuscripts," she noted. "Experts also guided me to historic examples of rings, beginning with the first styles featuring point-cut diamonds."

Fasel added that bringing this story to light has been one of the most fascinating experiences of her career.

The book's cover art reflects the long history of engagement rings. There is a Renaissance-period design with the Latin inscription “I am a token of love,” a 1920 Tiffany setting and an early Asscher cut diamond (circa 1915) in an ornate platinum ring. Also featured is a mid-20th century emerald-cut diamond ring, contemporary cushion-cut diamond and gold ring, and an oval diamond in a platinum design.

Fasel reviews the engagement ring selections of luminaries from the past and present. They include Britain’s Queen Charlotte, poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Grace Kelly, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lawrence and Blake Lively.

The author includes style guides, which review the vocabulary of diamonds and break down the technical parts of a ring. Her "ring timeline" chronicles diamond-cutting techniques and trends through the ages.

“Marion’s been an invaluable contributor to Only Natural Diamonds since its inception, and we couldn’t be more excited to join forces in celebration of this extraordinary new book," stated the website's Editor-in-Chief Sam Broekema. "Her expertise and passion shine through on every page, making this volume on the brilliant, yet not fully told, history of natural diamond engagement rings — and the eclectic styles and stories that reflected significant cultural moments over time — a must-read.”

Fasel is the founder of the online fine jewelry magazine, The Adventurine. Her new hardcover book, published by The Adventurine Limited Editions in partnership with Only Natural Diamonds, is available at naturaldiamonds.com, amazon.com and independent bookstores across the US.

Credit: Cover image courtesy of Only Natural Diamonds.

Scientists and engineers from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have successfully created the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery with the potential to power devices for thousands of years.



Several game-changing applications are possible. Bio-compatible diamond batteries can be used in medical devices, such as ocular implants, hearing aids and pacemakers, minimizing the need for replacements and distress to patients.

The batteries could power active radio frequency (RF) tags where there is a need to identify and track devices either on earth or in space, such as spacecraft or payloads, for decades at a time, thus reducing costs and extending operational lifespan.

The battery leverages the radioactive isotope, carbon-14, known for its use in radiocarbon dating, to produce a diamond battery.

The carbon-14 diamond battery works by using the radioactive decay of carbon-14, which has a half-life of 5,700 years, to generate low levels of power. It functions similarly to solar panels, which convert light into electricity, but instead of using light particles (photons), they capture fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure.

“Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants," commented Tom Scott, Professor in Materials at the University of Bristol. "We're excited to be able to explore all of these possibilities, working with partners in industry and research, over the next few years.”



Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, described how diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power.

"They are an emerging technology that use a manufactured diamond to safely encase small amounts of carbon-14,” she said.

Fatimah Sanni, a Senior Process Engineer at UKAEA, told gizmodo.com that researchers can imagine a future in which diamond batteries are used in almost everything. She listed small satellites, computer chips, remote controls and wrist watches as some day-to-day examples.

Diamond batteries, which have no moving parts and require no maintenance, could potentially replace lithium ion batteries, which are taxing on the environment.

Credits: Diamond battery and diamond battery team images courtesy of University of Bristol.

Exactly one year after their relationship became Instagram official, record producer Benny Blanco proposed to songstress Selena Gomez with a marquise-cut diamond in a yellow gold diamond pavé band.



An excited Gomez turned to Instagram last Wednesday to share a close-up look at the ring with her 423 million followers. She posted four pics with the simple caption, "forever begins now."

Blanco seemed to reveal his motivation for picking a marquise diamond via a short video on his own Instagram page, which showed the couple clinking wine glasses to the track of Gomez's 2015 hit song "Good for You." The lyrics go like this: "I’m in my marquise diamonds / I’m a marquise diamond / Could even make that Tiffany jealous.”



Jewelry-industry insiders believe Gomez, 32, and her new 4-plus-carat diamond could launch a new rush for marquise-shaped center stones and relegate the previously popular oval diamonds to second-shelf status.

The marquise cut, featuring an elegant, tapered shape, is known for its flattering effect of making fingers appear longer and more slender.



In one of Gomez's Instagram photos, the singer/actress is sitting on a blanket while admiring her ring on what seems to be a commercial set arranged to look like an outdoor picnic. Fans pointed out the curious product placement of a Taco Bell box along with a Mexican pizza. Is it possible the fast food chain sponsored the proposal? Or maybe Blanco, 36, proposed during the shooting of a Taco Bell commercial.



In December of 2023, Gomez doubled down on the concept of going “Instagram official” by not only confirming her relationship with Blanco via the popular social media platform, but also revealing a diamond-accented “B” ring on the ring finger of her left hand.

Gomez wrote, “He is my absolute everything in my heart.”

At the time of that announcement, Gomez and Blanco had been secretly dating for six months after having worked on a number of music projects together.

During her November 2024 guest appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, Gomez described her relationship with Blanco.

“I’m beyond proud to know that there is someone in the world that deeply cares about every tiny detail about who I am,” she said. “And [to] have someone support me, encourage me, inspire me and motivate me. It brings me joy. And more than anything he’s just my best friend. I’m really, really lucky.”

The comments section of Gomez's engagement post reflects an outpouring of love from a slew of A-listers, none A-listier than her BFF Taylor Swift, who wrote, "yes I will be the flower girl." The quip earned 1.76 million likes.

Credits: Images via Instagram / selenagomez.

Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you classic songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the release of “Goldfinger,” the title song of one of the all-time great James Bond thrillers.



Many music critics recognize Dame Shirley Bassey's brass-infused, big band rendition of the John Barry-Leslie Bricuss-Anthony Newley composition as the gold standard for all movie soundtracks.

Goldfinger is also often cited as the best film of the Bond franchise. The film borrows its name from Auric Goldfinger, a villain who hatches a plan to increase the value of his own gold holdings by raiding Fort Knox and contaminating the US bullion supply with radiation. He also has a penchant for gilding his victims.

In the song, Bassey describes "the man with the Midas touch."

She sings, “Golden words he will pour in your ear / But his lies can’t disguise what you fear / For a golden girl knows when he’s kissed her / It’s the kiss of death from / Mister Goldfinger / Pretty girl beware of this heart of gold / This heart is cold.”

“Goldfinger” presented a challenging recording session for the then-27-year-old Bassey. A frustrating series of retakes due to musical and technical issues forced the session to extend throughout the night. Bassey remembered how composer Barry demanded that the dramatic final note of the song be held for an extended count — seven seconds to be exact.

“I was holding it and holding it,” Bassey said. “I was looking at John Barry and I was going blue in the face, and he’s going, ‘Hold it just one more second.’ When it finished, I nearly passed out.”

“Goldfinger” was an instant global phenomenon — in record stores and at the box office. The single netted Bassey her only Top-10 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song peaked at #8 and charted in seven countries. The movie had a production budget of $3 million and grossed $125 million. It opened officially in the US on December 22, 1964.

Bassey’s remarkable rendition of “Goldfinger” has stood the test of time. In 2008, the single was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2013, the then-76-year-old Bassey performed the song during the Academy Awards as part of a tribute to the James Bond franchise’s 50th anniversary.

A native of Cardiff, Wales, Bassey went on to record the theme songs for two other James Bond films, including Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Moonraker (1979). In 2000, she became a Dame in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. She was honored for her services to the performing arts.

In October of this year, the now 87-year-old Bassey placed more than 80 of her own jewels on the auction block at Sotheby’s Paris to benefit her favorite charities. According to Sotheby’s, every jewel in the sale represented a particular moment in Bassey’s life, as well as iconic performances.

Bassey has always been excited to talk about her life-long love affair with fine jewelry, especially diamonds.

“I fell in love with jewelry when I first discovered natural pearls as an up-and-coming singer, and I bought myself my first string of pearls – the first piece of jewelry I’d ever bought,” Bassey told naturaldiamonds.com. “However, I quickly graduated to my lifelong passion for diamonds, which preceded the recording of ‘Diamonds Are Forever.'”

She explained that she accepted the offer to sing the title track of the 1971 Bond flick because the lyrics “rang true” to her: “Diamonds never lie to me / For when love’s gone, they’ll luster on / Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.”

Please check out the video of Bassey’s memorable live performance of “Goldfinger” at the Royal Albert Hall in 1974. The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

“Goldfinger”
Written by John Barry, Leslie Bricuss and Anthony Newley. Performed by Shirley Bassey.

Goldfinger
He’s the man, the man with the Midas touch
A spider’s touch
Such a cold finger
Beckons you to enter his web of sin
But don’t go in

Golden words he will pour in your ear
But his lies can’t disguise what you fear
For a golden girl knows when he’s kissed her
It’s the kiss of death from

Mister Goldfinger
Pretty girl beware of this heart of gold
This heart is cold

Golden words he will pour in your ear
But his lies can’t disguise what you fear
For a golden girl knows when he’s kissed her
It’s the kiss of death from

Mister Goldfinger
Pretty girl beware of this heart of gold
This heart is cold

He loves only gold
Only gold
He loves gold
He loves only gold
Only gold
He loves gold



Credit: Photo by Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

An 18-karat white and rose gold turtle pavé set with 112 exceptionally rare Argyle Pink Diamonds, 52 natural white diamonds and two emeralds seems to crawl across the face of The Perth Mint’s latest 3D “Jewelled” solid gold coin.



Priced at $171,220 (AUD $269,000), The Jewelled Turtle of 2024 represents the seventh in a series of highly collectible coins that have included the 2018 Jewelled Phoenix, 2019 Jewelled Dragon, 2020 Jewelled Tiger, 2021 Jewelled Horse, 2022 Jewelled Koi and 2023 Jewelled Snake.

The Perth Mint chose to celebrate sea turtles because they are integral to the cultures of coastal communities around the world, as well as being revered in mythology and folklore as symbols of longevity, wisdom, patience, endurance, protection and healing. For some, the sea turtle is considered to be the sacred creator of Mother Earth.

Designed by coin artist Natasha Muhl, the latest release features a turtle shell rendered in rose gold and pink diamonds, while the turtle's head and limbs are set with white diamond in 18-karat white gold. More white diamonds are set in a ribbon-shaped line symbolizing the sea surface and a single Argyle Pink Diamond is set at the heart of a stylized sun. Muhl used emeralds to represent the turtle's eyes.

“Six of the world's seven species of sea turtles are found in Kimberley waters," Muhl said, "and five of those are known to nest there. They really are special animals to me.”

The pink diamonds used in the coin’s design were sourced at the now-depleted Argyle mine in Western Australia. The mine, which had been the world’s leading source of pink diamonds, was shuttered in November of 2020 after 37 years of operation. Each of the colored diamonds has a color rating of Fancy Intense Vivid Pink and Purplish Pink.

Measuring 61 mm (2.4 inches) across, the proof-quality coin is struck from 10 ounces of 99.99% pure gold. The coin’s reverse artistry includes imagery of corals and reef fish, the inscription THE JEWELLED TURTLE 2024 and The Perth Mint’s special “P125” anniversary mintmark.



The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III, the weight and fineness, the “2500 DOLLARS” monetary denomination, “AUSTRALIA” and the King's name.

In this limited-edition offer, only eight coins will be minted and each one will be made to order.

Credits: Images courtesy of The Perth Mint.

While zoisite has been known to gemologists since 1805, its most famous blue-violet variety was discovered in 1967 along the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania by a Maasai tribesman named Jumanne Ngoma.



Ngoma revealed his find to a prospector named Manuel d’Souza, who had the sapphire-like specimens analyzed by the Gemological Institute of America. The results revealed the intense, electric blue gems were a never-before-seen variety of zoisite.

In less than a year, the marketing team at Tiffany was preparing a broad-based advertising campaign to introduce the unique gem to the world — but one large hurdle stood in the way.

Zoisite, pronounced "zow-uh-site," sounded a little too much like "suicide," so the gem was cleverly rebranded as "tanzanite" to honor its country of origin.

The original campaign advertised that tanzanite could now be found in two places — "in Tanzania and at Tiffany's." It was wildly successful and tanzanite soon became a household name.

In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association added tanzanite to the jewelry industry’s official birthstone list. Tanzanite joined turquoise and zircon as the official birthstones for December.

Interestingly, while other varieties of zoisite — in a range of colors from pink, brown and yellow to green, grey and colorless — are found in Kenya, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, India, Pakistan and the US, the vibrant blue-violet crystals are mined in only one location on earth. The area in Merelani Hills near Arusha, Tanzania, measures just 2km wide by 4km long, and the remaining lifespan of the mine is said to be less than 30 years.

The half-carat zoisite specimens seen in the photo, above, reside in the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, and were gifted to the National Gem Collection by Edward W. Boehm in 2008.

The Smithsonian’s website explains that tanzanite exhibits the optical phenomenon of pleochroism, appearing intense blue, violet or red, depending on the direction through which the crystal is viewed.

In 2018, Asha Ngoma, the daughter of Jumanne, made a desperate plea to then-Tanzanian President John Magufuli on behalf of her nearly 80-year-old dad, who was ill, partially paralyzed and struggling financially. The President responded in April of that same year with a reward of 100 million shillings (about $44,000) and well-deserved words of praise.

“Mr. Ngoma is a veritable Tanzanian hero,” Magufuli told The Citizen.

The man credited with the discovery of tanzanite passed away less than a year later in January of 2019.

Credit: Photo by Greg Polley / Smithstonian.

On Thursday, The Pantone Color Institute selected a warm brown hue to be its 2025 Color of the Year. The institute said "Mocha Mousse" nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort.



The fashion community was surprised by the subdued selection, which is less a color and more a state of being. It's a far cry from the vibrant selections of the past, such as 2012's Tangerine Tango, 2018's Ultra Violet and 2023's Viva Magenta.

Each year, Pantone selects a color that captures the global zeitgeist. The selection for 2025, according the color authority, reflects a growing movement by consumers to align more closely with the natural world.

“Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230) extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe," noted Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Laurie Pressman, the Pantone Color Institute’s vice president, added that Mocha Mousse is inspired by “little treat culture,” which involves embracing life's simple pleasures, such as a cup of coffee or a piece of chocolate.

Mocha Mousse unseats Peach Fuzz, Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year. That color's warm and welcoming embrace was said to convey a message of compassion and empathy.

Consumers looking to accessorize Mocha Mousse fashion in 2025 might consider fine jewelry adorned with brown-family gemstones, such as smoky quartz, brown topaz, brown garnet, brown zircon and even brown diamonds.

Those looking for extra depth and a pop of color might look to Pantone's Mocha Mousse color pairings. Neatly complementing the neutral brown of Mocha Mousse are Tendril Green (think green jade, tourmaline, peridot and malachite), Cornflower Blue (think sapphires, blue topaz, aquamarine, indicolite, blue spinel), Viola Purple (think amethyst, purple sapphire, tanzanite, purple garnet, purple spinel) and Rose Tan (think pink diamonds, pink sapphires, morganite, pink garnet and rose quartz).

Typically, Pantone’s yearly selection influences product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.

The Pantone Color Institute originally created the Pantone Color of the Year educational program in 1999 to engage the design community and color enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around color.



Here are the Pantone Colors of the Year dating back to 2011…

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz (2024)
PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta (2023)
PANTONE 17-3938 Veri Peri (2022)
PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray (2021)
PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating (2021)
PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue (2020)
PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral (2019)
PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet (2018)
PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery (2017)
PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)
PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity (2016)
PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)

Credits: Color swatch images courtesy of Pantone.

One of four surviving pairs of Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz just sold at Heritage Auctions for $32.5 million, establishing a new record for the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction and decimating the previous record holder — the billowing white dress worn by Marilyn Monroe over a subway grate in 1955's The Seven Year Itch — by nearly $27 million.



Saturday's live bidding opened at $1.55 million, and for about 15 minutes bidders in attendance battled with those making offers over the phone. The price quickly ticked up in increments of $1 million until the slippers hit their final price of $28 million and the auction room erupted with applause. With the buyer's premium included, the total price was $32.5 million, nearly 10 times the pre-auction estimate. The buyer has chosen to remain anonymous.



This is a fitting final chapter to the story of "The Traveling Shoes," the name given to this particular pair because they were frequently on the road at exhibitions.

Michael Shaw, a collector and former child actor, had acquired the slippers from Kent Warner, a Hollywood costumer, who discovered them in an MGM warehouse shortly before the famous May 1970 auction that liquidated costumes and props from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Shaw told The Los Angeles Times in 1988 that when Warner brought him the ruby slippers, “I was so thrilled I literally started crying… I told him that if I never owned another possession, I’d be happy.”

In 2005, the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, MN, borrowed Shaw’s Ruby Slippers for its annual Judy Garland Festival. It was scheduled as a 10-week exhibition, but on August 28, 2005, someone slipped into the museum after hours, shattered the plexiglass case holding the slippers and stole them, leaving behind only a single red sequin.

“It’s the worst nightmare for me,” Shaw said at the time.

In July 2018, after Shaw feared the slippers had disappeared forever, the FBI and Grand Rapids Police Department recovered the pair during a sting operation.

Earlier this year, Shaw was finally reunited with his treasured Hollywood memorabilia.

“It’s like welcoming back an old friend I haven’t seen in years,” said a teary-eyed Shaw as he stood beside a display of the slippers, along with the federal agents and local authorities who spent almost two decades tracking down the Technicolor treasures.

In May 2023, a federal grand jury had indicted Terry Martin for stealing “an object of cultural heritage” from the museum. Five months later, Martin pleaded guilty. Shortly before sentencing, Martin told the court he’d stolen the shoes because he thought the sequins were genuine rubies.

Unable to sell them on the black market, Martin said he ditched the slippers with someone who had recruited him for the job.

“There is simply no comparison between Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers and any other piece of Hollywood memorabilia,” said Heritage Auctions' Executive Vice President Maddalena. “The breathtaking result reflects just how important movies and movie memorabilia are to our culture and to collectors. It’s been a privilege for all of us at Heritage to be a part of the slippers’ epic journey over the rainbow and off to a new home.”

Gilbert Adrian, the chief costume designer at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, created the ruby slippers for Victor Fleming’s big-screen adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel. (The magical slippers were silver in the book, but Adrian reinterpreted them as ruby because this was to be the first feature film shot in Technicolor).

Adrian had intended to use bugle beads to simulate rubies, but when they proved to be too heavy he swapped most of them for sequins, 2,300 on each slipper. The butterfly-shaped bow on the front of each shoe features red bugle beads outlined in red glass rhinestones in silver settings.

Only four pairs of Ruby Slippers are known to have survived. One pair remains among the most popular attractions at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.

Credits: Photos courtesy of Heritage Auctions / HA.com.