The Button List

In this episode of The Button List , we delve into the Affair of the Diamond Necklace , a scandalous conspiracy that shook the French monarchy in the late 18th century. At the center of the plot was an extravagant diamond necklace, a desperate cardinal, a cunning swindler, and a queen whose reputation would be permanently damaged. We’ll explore how Jeanne de la Motte, a crafty noblewoman, deceived...

For this episode, Relics , we get all kinds of weird as we go deep into, shall we say, unique facts about dismembered saints' parts and dug-up bodies used to create unique pieces of relics. We’ll take you back in time with extraordinary items like The Veil of Mary (Sancta Camisa), a relic said to have adorned the Virgin Mary, and explore the unique and sometimes eerie practice of keeping these...

In this episode of the Button List, we are ready to unlock the secrets of Hiden Spaces ,  a fascinating world of design in jewelry—those secret compartments, concealed messages, and surprise elements that turn a simple accessory into a treasure trove of mystery and meaning. From antique pieces with secret compartments to lockets holding cherished memories, we explore how jewelers have crafted thes...

In part 2 of our exploration of the Hope Diamond , we finally start looking at all the tea surrounding this supposed cursed diamond. Beyond its stunning blue hue and impressive 45.52 carats, the Hope Diamond is shrouded in tales of mystery and misfortune. Join us as we uncover the stories of its famous owners, including Louis XIV, King George IV of the United Kingdom, and the Hope family. We'l...

For Part I of the Hope Diamond's episode, we break down the fascinating facts about the world-renowned Hope Diamond, leaving all the myths and tea for part two. Known for its deep blue color, the Hope Diamond weighs 45.52 carats and originated from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India. Discovered in the 17th century, it was initially a larger stone weighing 112 carats, known as the Tavernier Blu...

This week in the Button List , we're unwrapping the hidden magic of acrostic jewelry —a unique form of design that uses gemstones to spell out secret messages and convey heartfelt sentiments. Plus, we have a special treat: our very first guest joining us! Now, imagine a time when lovers and friends exchanged tokens of affection that held hidden messages. It was all the rage during the Georgian...

Two for the price of one, the Button List is jumping deep into the mystery of not one, but two stolen diamonds from the eyes of Hindu idols. We're exploring the dark history and legends surrounding the White Orloff Diamond and the Black Orloff Diamond —gems said to bring death to their owners until they were ground down to dispel the curse. Or did it really go away? The Orlov Diamond, also kno...

Welcome to a Tale of Three Pearls , where in this episode we will be diving deep into the intriguing tales of three famous pearls: La Peregrina, La Pelegrina, and the Tudor Pearl. We will try to unravel the mysteries and explore why these pearls have often been confused throughout history. First, we start with the La Peregrina, a pear-shaped pearl of remarkable size and beauty. With a recorded his...

Is the Burning of Troy Opal a mere legend, or did it truly exist? With no concrete origins and no verified physical sightings throughout history, this extraordinary gemstone remains shrouded in mystery. Join us as we explore the origins and captivating history of this remarkable opal, believed to weigh at least 700 carats, with some accounts suggesting an incredible 3,000 carats. Despite its magni...

Today, let's delve into why consuming gemstones, like diamonds, is never advisable. We'll uncover the myths and folklore surrounding the Sancy Diamond with us, including the intriguing tale of a messenger who, in an attempt to safeguard it, swallowed the diamond—only for it to be retrieved from his decaying stomach after his death. This cautionary tale underscores the risks and consequence...

Dive into the glittering world of gemstones as we explore the extraordinary tale of the Cullinan Diamond , the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. Unearthed in 1905 in South Africa, this colossal diamond weighed an astonishing 3,106 carats.  In this episode, we'll journey through the rich history of the Cullinan Diamond, from its remarkable discovery to its transformation into n...

This week, we explore the captivating history of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond , one of the world's most famous and contentious gems. The exact origins of the Koh-i-Noor are unclear, but it is believed to have been mined in the Golconda region of India, possibly as early as the 13th century. The diamond is mentioned in various historical texts and folklore, often surrounded by legends of its immense...

Embark on a captivating journey through time as we unravel the captivating story behind the Black Prince's Ruby. Nestled within the Imperial State Crown of England, this famed gemstone, despite its name, is a magnificent spinel steeped in myth and legend. Join us as we explore the rich history of the Black Prince's Ruby, tracing its origins to a fabled Moorish king and its eventual acquisi...

Join us on a captivating journey through history as we delve into the intriguing story behind the Napoleon Diamond Necklace. This iconic piece of jewelry, commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte for his second wife, Empress Marie Louise, has long been shrouded in myth and mystery. Today we explore the lavish craftsmanship from its creation in 1804 to its significance as a symbol of power and prestige,...

We pick up right where we left off and introduce new figures attempting to acquire the Pearl of Lao Tzu. Are they merely new contenders or potential villains in this unfolding saga? Stay tuned to discover where this journey leads. Is it truly a pearl, or merely a lump of unknown origin? Is it worth millions, or is it merely worthless? Join us on a captivating journey as we unravel the mysteries su...

Join us on a captivating journey as we unravel the mysteries surrounding one of the world's most legally disputed gems: The Pearl of Lao Tzu in part one. Is it truly a pearl, or merely a lump of unknown origin? Is it worth millions, or is it merely worthless? Tune in as we delve deep into the intricate details surrounding this enigmatic gem, exploring its fascinating history and the controvers...

Welcome to The Button List Podcast! Here's a brief introduction to who we are and our goals as we share our passion for and expertise in gemstones and jewelry-making, cultivated from years of operating a bead store in Dallas, Texas. Who doesn’t love a good chunk of carbon?  Or spinel, corundum, or any other gemstone?  Famous and fabulous gemstones entrance and delight us. In The Button List, A...