World No. 1 tennis star Aryna Sabalenka is known for overpowering serves and blistering groundstrokes — but at the BNP Paribas Open this week, she may have added an unexpected new “weapon” to her game: a dazzling 12-carat diamond engagement ring.



The Belarusian champion recently got engaged to entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, and she hasn’t been shy about showing off the spectacular sparkler while competing in California. In fact, Sabalenka joked after one of her early-round victories that the diamond might give her a tiny competitive edge.



“It feels comfy, feels shiny,” the right-handed athlete told reporters with a laugh. “I hope that my opponent will get distracted with this diamond and it’s going to benefit me.”

So far, the playful strategy doesn’t appear to be hurting. The tournament’s top seed has powered her way into the quarterfinals, dispatching opponents with ease—including a win over Naomi Osaka.



What makes the story even more amusing is where Sabalenka wears the ring. In the United States, engagement rings traditionally adorn the ring finger of the left hand. Sabalenka, however, wears hers on the right hand — a choice that reflects cultural traditions from her home country of Belarus.

In many nations across Eastern and Northern Europe — including Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Belarus — engagement and wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand. The custom is also common in countries such as Germany, Austria, Norway, Greece and Spain, where Frangulis has roots. In these cultures, the right hand is historically associated with vows, strength and blessings, particularly within Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions.

Other regions follow similar customs for different reasons. In India, the right hand is often considered the “pure” hand used for sacred acts. In countries like Brazil and Turkey, engagement rings are worn on the right hand during the engagement and later moved to the left hand after the wedding ceremony.



Sabalenka’s ring itself is every bit as attention-grabbing as her tennis game.

The custom design, created by jeweler Isabela Grutman, centers on an oval-cut diamond weighing more than 12 carats — an impressive gemstone that experts estimate could be worth well over $750,000 depending on its quality. The elongated shape is a favorite among modern brides because it appears larger than many other cuts of the same carat weight and visually elongates the finger.

The diamond is set in platinum and accented by a hidden halo of emeralds — Sabalenka’s favorite gemstone and also her birthstone. The emerald accents add a subtle pop of color while also giving the ring a deeply personal touch. The band features elegant curves and secure double prongs designed to hold the sizable diamond firmly in place — an important detail when its wearer happens to be unleashing 120-mile-per-hour serves.

Before taking the ring onto the court, Sabalenka said she made sure it was completely secure.

“We double-checked if there is a possibility to lose the diamond,” she said. “There is none.”

With the diamond safely fastened — and perhaps flashing under California's desert sun — the world No. 1 appears to be playing some of her best tennis of the tournament.

Credits: Images via Instagram / arynasabalenka and georgiosfrangulis.

What if the most valuable “gold mine” in America isn’t in the mountains — but under your local landfill?



It sounds far-fetched, but there’s a compelling argument that today’s landfills, particularly those filled with discarded electronics, contain higher concentrations of precious metals than traditional ore mines. In an era of finite natural resources and surging precious metal prices, the concept of “urban mining” may be too important to ignore.

Consider this: A single metric ton of circuit boards can contain 40 to 800 times more gold than a metric ton of mined ore. That’s because electronics are engineered with concentrated amounts of highly conductive, corrosion-resistant metals — including gold, silver, palladium and copper — packed into tiny spaces.

The world now generates more than 53 million metric tons of e-waste annually, yet less than 20% is formally recycled. Industry estimates suggest that more than $10 billion worth of precious metals are discarded globally each year in electronic waste alone.

At first glance, the numbers seem modest. An average smartphone contains about 0.034 grams of gold, roughly 0.35 grams of silver, trace amounts of palladium and as much as 15–30 grams of copper. A laptop may hold 0.1 to 0.2 grams of gold, while a desktop computer can contain twice that. The precious metal value per device might range from $6 to $12.

But then the math becomes staggering. Consider that recycling one million cell phones can yield approximately 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver and 33 pounds of palladium, along with more than 35,000 pounds of copper. With billions of active devices worldwide — and more than 1.6 billion smartphones sold in a single recent year — landfills are quietly accumulating extraordinary concentrations of valuable material.

Now layer in today’s metal prices.

Gold is currently trading around $5,110 per ounce, up from $2,040 just two years ago — a 150% increase. Silver has climbed from $23 to $83 per ounce, a 260% surge. As prices rise and natural deposits become harder and more environmentally costly to extract, the economics of recovering metals from existing waste streams grow increasingly compelling.

Urban mining offers more than financial upside. Traditional mining requires moving massive amounts of rock, consuming enormous energy and water resources, and generating significant environmental disruption. Recovering metals from end-of-life electronics can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, limit habitat destruction and keep toxic materials out of soil and groundwater.

Of course, challenges remain. Extracting precious metals from mixed, contaminated waste streams is technically complex. Collection systems are fragmented. Informal recycling practices in some parts of the world create environmental and human health concerns. And while roughly 86% of gold from industrial and consumer sources is eventually recycled, overall e-waste recycling rates remain stubbornly low.

Yet the opportunity is enormous. The global metal recycling market is projected to exceed $900 billion, and the precious metals recovery sector alone is valued in the billions and growing rapidly. As technology improves and recovery processes become more efficient, yesterday’s discarded devices may become tomorrow’s primary resource.

Credit: Image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.

March babies claim one of the coolest gems in the jewelry world: aquamarine, the serene blue variety of the mineral beryl. True to its name — derived from the Latin aqua (water) and marina (sea) — aquamarine captures the tranquil hues of ocean waves in gemstone form.



A breathtaking example resides in the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection: a 52-carat aquamarine ring donated in 1992 by Samantha Stevens. The gem boasts an intense, saturated blue hue and is set in an unusual yellow gold mounting, where ribbon-like prongs appear to “float” over the corners of the stone.

Aquamarine belongs to the versatile beryl family, which includes some of the most beloved gems in jewelry. Emerald, the rich green variety, gets its color from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Morganite, known for its blush pink to peach tones, derives its hue from manganese. Heliodor, or yellow beryl, glows golden thanks to iron (Fe2+). In fact, pure beryl is completely colorless — it’s the presence of trace elements that transforms the crystal into a rainbow of gemstones.

For aquamarine, that magic ingredient is a slightly different type of iron (Fe3+). Tiny amounts within the crystal lattice produce shades ranging from pale blue to vivid blue-green. The gem can even display pleochroism, appearing deeper blue from one angle and lighter from another. The most prized aquamarines exhibit a rich, clear blue reminiscent of tropical waters.

Beyond beauty, aquamarine offers durability. Ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s well suited for rings and everyday jewelry when properly set. Routine care is simple: warm water, mild soap and a soft brush will keep it sparkling.

Aquamarine’s history is as captivating as its color. Ancient sailors believed the gem was a treasure from Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and carried it for protection on long voyages. Medieval brides wore aquamarine to ensure harmony in marriage, and today it symbolizes youth, hope, health and fidelity. It’s also the traditional gemstone gift for a 19th wedding anniversary.

Royal fans have embraced its oceanic elegance, too. The late Queen Elizabeth II famously adored aquamarines, often wearing pieces from her Brazilian Aquamarine Parure, including a striking tiara and matching jewels that shimmered beneath palace lights.

Aquamarines can be found in many countries, including Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Madagascar, Vietnam, Mozambique and the US, but the finest-quality specimens come from the Minas Gerais region of Brazil.

Credit: Photo by Greg Polley / Smithsonian.

On Iceland’s rugged South Coast, "diamonds" spill across jet-black sand — but they’re not mined from deep within the Earth. They’re born of ice, tide and time.



Known locally as Breiðamerkursandur, Diamond Beach sits just across the road from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in southeast Iceland. Here, luminous chunks of glacial ice wash ashore and glisten against volcanic sand like gemstones on velvet. The spectacle is one of the country’s most photographed natural wonders — and remarkably, it’s free to visit year-round.

The process begins at Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest ice cap. Massive pieces of ancient ice calve from the glacier and drift slowly through Jökulsárlón’s icy lagoon. Eventually, they slip out of a narrow channel into the Atlantic Ocean.

But not all of them journey out to sea.

Ocean currents and powerful tides push many of these fractured icebergs back onto the shore. As they tumble in the surf, wind and waves sculpt and polish them into crystal-clear forms. Some pieces are transparent as cut glass; others glow milky white or shimmer with deep sapphire-blue tones.v
The contrast is what makes the illusion so convincing. The beach’s jet-black sand — formed from basaltic lava ground down by glaciers and the ocean — creates a dramatic backdrop that makes the ice appear even more brilliant.



The “diamonds” vary wildly in scale. Some are no larger than your hand, glittering like scattered crystals. Others are the size of a suitcase, a dining table — even a small automobile. The largest chunks can weigh tons, too heavy for a person to budge.

And the display is never the same twice.

Because the ice is constantly melting, drifting and returning to the sea, the landscape changes hourly. A stretch of sand that appears nearly empty can be transformed within a few tides. New formations arrive as others shrink, fracture or slip back into the surf.

Diamond Beach is accessible in every season, but the experience shifts with the calendar.

Winter (November to March) often delivers the most dramatic colors, with dense blue ice glowing under low Arctic light. Fewer crowds and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights add to the magic.

Summer (June to August) brings the midnight sun, casting a golden glow across the ice late into the evening. Increased glacial melt can mean more ice washing ashore, though pieces may be smaller and quicker to disappear.

Spring and fall offer quieter shoulder seasons with ever-changing light conditions that photographers love.

Whenever you go, early morning or late afternoon provides the most flattering light. Visitors should use caution: the waves here are powerful and unpredictable, and climbing on unstable ice is dangerous.

Credits: Photos via pexels.com.

Welcome to Music Friday, where songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics take the spotlight. Today we revisit Canadian rockers The Trews and their 2005 track “The Pearl (More Than Everything).” The song casts love as a treasure, with nautical and jewelry imagery weaving through Colin MacDonald’s storytelling.



In the lyric threads, the narrator adores his beloved as “the pearl,” and he compares her beauty to a diamond ring. He sings of pursuit and longing, noting, “Though the pearl eludes me while I’m sinkin’ still there’s no finer thing,” and adds, “I want you more than everything.”

The ballad paints a winter tempest as a backdrop for a vow to persevere, with the sea’s siren call echoing in the background. The moment of clarity arrives as the mist lifts and reveals the cherished prize he’s sought.

He sings, “Now I can find the gold and silver that I prayed tomorrow would bring.”

“The Pearl” appears as the eighth track on The Trews’ Den of Thieves album. It marked the band’s second studio album and climbed to #6 on the Canadian Albums Chart, signaling their growing national footprint.

The band formed in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in the late 1990s and broke through in 2002 after winning a contest with Ontario rock station CHTZ-FM, which led to a Bumstead Productions deal. They earned Juno nods in the mid-2000s, including New Group of the Year (2004) and Single of the Year nominations for “Not Ready to Go” (2005). A standout moment came in November 2010 when they performed the Canadian National Anthem at the Grey Cup in Edmonton, a televised moment that echoed the country’s musical pride.

In 2024, reports highlighted the three principal members’ invitation to perform their 2010 release “Highway of Heroes” at Juno Beach, Normandy, for the D-Day 80th anniversary — a moment broadcast worldwide and watched by leaders and fans alike. As of 2026, The Trews — still featuring core founding members MacDonald (vocals), John-Angus MacDonald (guitar), and Jack Syperek (bass) — remain active on tour, with the band promoting their latest material and celebrating a heritage of rugged, melody-driven rock.

Check out the video of their 2009 live performance of “The Pearl” at the Myer Horowitz Theatre in Edmonton. The lyrics are here if you’d like to sing along…

“The Pearl (More Than Everything)”
Written by Colin MacDonald, John-Angus MacDonald and Gordie Johnson. Performed by The Trews.

The search of one true heart
Deep within you
The ocean will part
The clearness of blue
Though the pearl eludes me while I’m sinkin’ still there’s no finer thing
Diamonds do you justice only cause your beauty shines like a ring

I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything

The four winds on high
Of virtue they sing
It sharpens my eye
Determines these things… determination

Though the pearl eludes me while I’m sinkin’ still there’s no finer thing
Diamonds do you justice only ’cause your beauty shines like a ring
Fighting through the winter tempest I can hear the sea sirens sing

I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything

I feel your heart
It fades into view
The mist pulls apart
And reveals the…

Pearl that I've been seeking while I’m sinkin’ see there’s no finer thing
Diamonds do you justice only ’cause your beauty shines like a ring
Fighting through the winter tempest I can hear the sea sirens sing
Now I find the gold and silver that I prayed tomorrow would bring

I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything
I want you more than everything

More than everything
More than everything
More than everything
More than everything…



Credit: Photo by Lildreamer22, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

For some of the world’s ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) elite, marriage proposals have evolved into meticulously engineered spectacles played out with synchronized drones, private islands and helicopter-pad theatrics.



Proposal Dubai, one of the region’s premier experiential agencies, has unveiled its 2026 Collection, a portfolio of what it calls “high-impact engagement productions” designed specifically for UHNW clients. The launch reflects not only rising expectations around proposals, but also the extraordinary wealth and youthful demographic driving demand in the emirate.

As of early 2026, Dubai ranks as the fourth wealthiest city in the world, home to roughly 81,200 to 86,000 millionaires, along with 237 to 251 centi-millionaires (those worth more than $100 million) and 20 to 23 billionaires. Even more telling: About 58.5% of Dubai’s 4 million residents are between 25 and 44 years old — prime engagement years. By contrast, only about 27% of New York City’s population falls into that age bracket.

Situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has become a magnet for global wealth migration, fueled by tax-friendly policies, luxury real estate and a lifestyle built around spectacle. Proposal Dubai’s new offerings lean directly into that environment.



At the center of the 2026 Collection is “Love Story in the Sky,” a private drone light show featuring 1,000 synchronized drones that narrate a couple’s relationship across the Dubai skyline. The aerial storytelling is paired with fireworks and custom projection mapping on Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel.

Founder Ankur Bagga describes the experiences as “live theater where the couple is the protagonist,” made possible by exclusive access to some of the city’s most restricted and recognizable landmarks.

Among the new-to-market venues is The Next Level at The Palm Tower, the highest vantage point on Palm Jumeirah, offering 360-degree views that sweep from the marina to the sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab. That same architectural icon — famous for its 24-karat gold interiors and its dramatic 212-meter-high helipad — is now available for sunrise or sunset proposal productions. The helipad has previously hosted everything from a Roger Federer–Andre Agassi tennis rally to an airplane landing.

For those seeking seclusion, Sweden Beach Palace on The World Islands offers ultra-private waterfront mansions inspired by Scandinavian design, while AURA SKYPOOL — the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool — provides a suspended-in-the-sky backdrop 200 meters above the city.

Not every proposal in the collection is sky-high. In the desert dunes at Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Proposal Dubai introduces its “10,000 Candles” experience. A private desert arena is transformed into a literal sea of light, with a bespoke dinner and live string quartet. Comparable ultra-luxury desert dining experiences in Dubai have reached prices as high as AED 500,000 (approximately $136,000) for a single evening.

The company’s upcoming global portal aims to streamline bookings for international clients seeking curated UAE proposal itineraries — further positioning Dubai as the epicenter of cinematic engagements.

With extraordinary wealth concentrated among a largely young population, Dubai has become a place where even the most intimate question — “Will you marry me?” — can unfold on a billion-dollar stage.

Credits: Couple photo by Proposal Dubai. Ferris wheel at night by Richard N Horne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

If it’s been a few years since your fine jewelry was last appraised, your insurance coverage may no longer reflect what it would actually cost to replace your pieces today.



The reason is simple: precious metal prices have surged dramatically. Gold is now trading around $5,235 per ounce, up from $2,040 just two years ago — a 157% increase. Platinum has climbed from $905 to $2,165 per ounce (+139%), while silver has jumped from $23 to $87 (+278%).

For consumers, those increases translate directly into higher replacement costs — and a growing risk of being underinsured.

Jewelry insurance is typically based on a specific appraised value, known as the retail replacement value. If that appraisal is several years old, the amount listed on your policy may fall far short of what it would cost to replace the piece today.

For example, a ring insured for $5,000 a few years ago might now cost significantly more to recreate due to higher metal prices and rising labor and material costs. If the piece is lost, stolen or damaged, your insurer will generally pay only up to the scheduled amount — leaving you responsible for any shortfall.

That gap could mean the difference between replacing a piece “like kind and quality” or settling for something smaller or less valuable.

Some insurance policies include automatic inflation adjustments, often in the range of 1% to 5% annually. While helpful during stable markets, these increases rarely keep pace with the rapid swings seen recently in gold, platinum and silver.

Even policies that apply broader “Insurance Value Adjustments” may not fully capture sudden spikes in specific metals or the unique characteristics of your individual piece.

Most jewelers, appraisers and insurers recommend updating jewelry appraisals every two years — or even annually in periods of significant market movement.

You should also consider a new appraisal if (1) Your piece has been repaired, resized or redesigned; (2) You’ve added stones or changed the setting; (3) Precious metal or gemstone prices have risen sharply.

Your trusted jeweler or certified gemologist can provide an updated retail replacement value based on current market conditions.

Here are a few steps to protect your coverage: (1) Check the date on your most recent appraisal. (2) Schedule a professional reappraisal if it’s more than two years old. (3) Submit the updated valuation to your insurance provider. (4) Confirm your policy covers full replacement value, not cash value or a capped amount.

Precious metals are often viewed as “safe haven” assets, which means their prices can rise quickly during periods of economic uncertainty, inflation or global instability. While that may increase the intrinsic value of your jewelry, it also raises the cost to replace it. Regular appraisals will help ensure your coverage keeps pace with the market.

Credit: Image by The Jeweler Blog, generated by aichatapp.ai.

If your spare change looks a little different in 2026, don’t worry — it’s not a mistake. To celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, the US Mint is releasing a special series of one-year-only coin designs that honor the nation’s history, founding principles and enduring spirit of liberty. Each piece will carry the dual date 1776 ~ 2026 and will return to its familiar look in 2027.



The most collectible pieces you’ll likely spot first are the five new quarter designs, each highlighting a defining moment in America’s journey.



The Mayflower Compact Quarter features two Pilgrims embracing on the obverse, symbolizing unity and shared purpose. The reverse shows the Mayflower under full sail, honoring one of the earliest expressions of self-governance.



The Revolutionary War Quarter presents George Washington on the front, while the reverse depicts a determined Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge — a powerful tribute to perseverance during the fight for independence.



The Declaration of Independence Quarter showcases Thomas Jefferson, the document’s primary author. On the reverse, the Liberty Bell appears with its famous crack, a reminder of both freedom’s promise and the fragility of a young nation.



The US Constitution Quarter features James Madison, known as the “Father of the Constitution.” The reverse highlights Independence Hall and the inscription “We the People,” emphasizing government by the consent of the governed.



Rounding out the series is the Gettysburg Address Quarter, with Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse. The reverse shows two clasped hands alongside the phrase “A New Nation Conceived in Liberty,” reflecting unity and national resolve.



Beyond the quarters, the dime is getting one of the most dramatic redesigns in its history. Replacing the long-standing Roosevelt portrait is an “Emerging Liberty” design showing a windswept Liberty wearing a stars-and-stripes liberty cap. The reverse features an eagle in flight carrying arrows and the inscription “Liberty Over Tyranny.”



The nickel keeps its familiar Thomas Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse, but adds the commemorative 1776 ~ 2026 dual date — a subtle but meaningful nod to the Semiquincentennial.



Collectors will also have two special options not intended for everyday circulation. The Enduring Liberty Half Dollar features a close-up of the Statue of Liberty on the obverse, while the reverse depicts Liberty passing her torch to the next generation — symbolizing continuity and the transmission of American ideals.



There’s also a commemorative 1776–2026 penny available directly from the Mint. Although the one-cent coin is no longer being produced for general circulation, collectors can purchase this special edition featuring Abraham Lincoln and the dual anniversary dates.

According to the U.S. Mint, the designs are meant to reflect America’s ongoing journey toward a “more perfect union” and to give citizens a tangible connection to 250 years of history.

So in 2026, it might be worth taking a second look before tossing your change into a jar. For one year only, the newly minted coins in your pocket won’t just be currency — they’ll be miniature works of art celebrating a milestone in the American story.

Credits: Images courtesy of the US Mint.

When it comes to popping the question, today’s couples share one clear priority: getting the engagement ring exactly right. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study 2026, the ring is no longer a solo decision but a collaborative effort, with 79% of recipients involved in the selection process and one in four couples shopping together at a retailer before the proposal.



Nearly 9 in 10 proposers had a ring in hand when they popped the question, and 96% of couples exchanged rings to mark their engagement. But the process behind that moment has become far more of a team effort. Only 21% of rings were chosen without any input from the recipient.

Research begins early. Fifty-seven percent of proposers start their search more than six months in advance, although 63% make the final purchase within two months of the proposal. More than half say it’s important to shop in person, with proposers visiting an average of two retailers and viewing about 10 rings before deciding. While 64% purchase in-store, roughly one-third complete the transaction online.

When it comes to design priorities, couples are clear about what matters most. Cut and shape rank #1, followed by style or setting (#2) and metal choice (#3).

The most popular diamond shape remains round (26%), closely followed by oval (25%). Other top choices — each at 8% — include emerald, princess, pear and marquise cuts.

Metal preferences continue to evolve. Yellow gold now leads at 39%, marking a dramatic rise in popularity over the past five years, while white gold continues a gradual decline.

Price and size expectations vary depending on diamond type. The average natural diamond engagement ring costs $7,000, with an average center stone of 1.6 carats. For lab-grown diamonds, couples spend an average of $4,300, but opt for larger stones averaging 2.0 carats.

The engagement journey often follows a familiar timeline. Couples dated an average of three years before getting engaged, and about 40% remained engaged for 11 to 18 months, with the average engagement lasting 14 months. Nearly 60% begin wedding planning within a month of the proposal.

As for popping the question, December remains the most popular month, with Christmas Day topping the list, followed by Christmas Eve and Valentine’s Day.

The study also offers insight into modern romance. One-third of couples met online, the leading way partners connect for the fourth consecutive year, followed by meeting through friends (14%) and at school (12%).

Once engaged, couples quickly turn their attention to wedding planning — and the budget. The venue is the top priority, with 83% calling it the most important decision and an average cost of $12,900. Other major expenses include photography ($3,000), florals ($2,800), the wedding dress ($2,100), rentals ($2,000) and a DJ ($1,800). Catering averages $80 per guest, while couples spend about $330 on groom’s attire, $530 on the cake and $300 for hair and makeup.

The “Real Weddings Study” is based on responses from 10,474 US couples married between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

Credit: Photo by BigStockPhoto.com

Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you classic songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the title or lyrics. Today, the incomparable Neil Young searches for love, purpose and personal redemption in his 1972 chart-topping classic, “Heart of Gold.”



He sings, “I want to live, I want to give / I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold / It’s these expressions I never give / That keep me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old.”

Young's “heart of gold” links the precious metal to an inner worth: a soul’s rare quality that shines when tested by loneliness, time and the prospect of a life unfulfilled. The “miner” is us all — digging for an authentic self that can love and be loved in return. His metaphor implies a core of warmth, generosity and openness — qualities that, in Young’s world, must be cultivated as one ages.

Penned by Young in 1971 and released as a single in February 1972 from his fourth album, Harvest, “Heart of Gold” became the Canadian artist’s only #1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped Canada’s RPM chart and was later ranked #259 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Interestingly, this enduring favorite was born from a pair of unexpected circumstances. After suffering a painful back injury, Young was unable to stand long enough to play his electric guitar. The limitation pushed him toward a quieter, more introspective sound built around acoustic guitar and harmonica — the setting in which “Heart of Gold” took shape.

A second stroke of serendipity occurred in Nashville, where Young was recording Harvest. Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor happened to be in town for a television appearance, and producer Elliot Mazer recruited the two stars to provide the original recording's now-iconic background vocals.

In the decades since, “Heart of Gold” has been covered and reinterpreted by a wide array of artists from Fiona Apple, Willie Nelson and Tori Amos to Roxette, Diana Krall and Johnny Cash (with the Red Hot Chili Peppers). Its inclusion in films, such as the 2010 romantic comedy Eat Pray Love, has kept the melody in public consciousness.

Today, at age 80, Young remains a towering figure in rock lore, but his performing status has shifted. In early February, Young announced the cancellation of his 2026 European tour, stating he needed to "take a break" and that it was "not the time" to tour.

Please check out the video of Young’s live performance of “Heart of Gold.” The clip is taken from his 1971 appearance at the BBC Radio Theatre in London.

“Heart of Gold”
Written and performed by Neil Young.

I want to live, I want to give
I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold
It’s these expressions I never give
That keep me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old
Keep me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old

I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold
I’ve been in my mind, it’s such a fine line
That keeps me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old
Keeps me searching for a heart of gold and I’m getting old

Keep me searching for a heart of gold
You keep me searching and I’m growing old
I've been a miner for a heart of gold
Keep me searching for a heart of gold

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