In the glittering world of high-end jewelry, a pair of earrings has recently set tongues wagging and imaginations running wild.

The Oriental Sunrise, a set of diamond and colored diamond earrings, has not only secured a place among the top 10 most expensive earrings ever sold at auction but also sparked a frenzy of speculation about its mysterious new owner.

These extraordinary earrings feature two oval-cut fancy vivid orange-yellow diamonds as their centerpieces.

What makes these stones truly exceptional is not just their size, but their rarity and quality. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the 12.20-carat diamond boasts a VVS2 clarity, while its 11.96-carat counterpart has a VS1 clarity rating.

To put this in perspective, fancy vivid orange-yellow diamonds of this size and quality are incredibly scarce, with only a handful appearing at auction in any given decade.

The "fancy vivid" color grade is the highest intensity for colored diamonds, making these gems even more remarkable. 

To find a matching pair of such large, high-quality fancy vivid orange-yellow diamonds is akin to discovering a unicorn – twice.

But the magnificence doesn't stop there. Each earring is further adorned with a D-color diamond surmount (weighing approximately 3.02 and 3.03 carats, both with VS2 clarity) and a marquise-cut diamond link.

This thoughtful design creates a cascading effect of near-flawless white diamonds, drawing the eye from the dazzling colored diamonds to equally impressive colorless stones.

The earrings were sold at a Christie's auction in Hong Kong for an astounding US$8.6 million (A$13.6 million). 

Could the buyer be a tech billionaire looking to add some warmth to their cold, digital empire? Perhaps a Hollywood starlet preparing for her next red carpet appearance?

The earrings' autumnal hues have even led some to jokingly speculate that the buyer might be the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, looking to upgrade his Halloween Town wardrobe. After all, the timing of the sale, coinciding with Halloween, seems almost too perfect to be coincidental.

Maybe next time you're at a fancy gala, keep an eye out for those distinctive orange-yellow sparklers. You might just solve the mystery of The Oriental Sunrise's new home.

things to know

🌈 Remember that colorful LV monogram that didn't look like real LV? That was Takashi Murakami's magic! Back in 2002, Marc Jacobs tapped the Japanese artist to shake up Louis Vuitton, and boy did he deliver.

Their groundbreaking 2003 Monogram Multicolore collection changed the game forever.

Now, they're reuniting in 2025 to show everyone how it's done. From Supreme collabs to Kim Jones' whole vibe, this duo inspired it all.

Get ready for a nostalgia-fueled, rainbow-monogrammed victory lap that'll remind us why they're the OGs of luxury-artist mashups!

The 2025 collection will reimagine beloved motifs like Monogram Multicolor, Cherry Blossom, Panda, and Cherry designs across a wide range of products. Expect everything from handbags and small leather goods to footwear, skateboards, and trunks. Each piece will sport a special 20th-anniversary tag or stamp.

While details are scarce, leaked images hint at updated versions of classics like the Pochette Accessoires, Nano Speedy, Keepall 45, and even a unique LV Murakami puzzle.

Mark your calendars for January 1st – that's when this colorful celebration drops on the Louis Vuitton website!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The plaid party is in full swing! From Taylor Swift to Iris Law, celebs are embracing tartan as the cooler cousin of festive wear. Inspired by Dior and Fendi runways, this trend is all about versatility. Channel Saoirse Ronan's color-clashing co-ord or keep it simple with a statement piece.

Brands like Anthropologie and Ralph Lauren are plaid goldmines. It's the sustainable, chic way to do festive fashion.

🐍 Vera Wang's bringing her "Black Swan" edge to Jared! The bridal queen's new high jewelry line for Jared Atelier is all about nonchalant luxury. We're talking serpents, ribbons, and diamond strings you can knot or tie.

With 150 carats of bling, it's a far cry from mall jewelry. Wang's vision? Pair these bad boys with Hanes tees for ultimate cool-girl chic

🏠 Dior's gilded dream lands in Bangkok! The Dior Gold House concept store just opened, blending French elegance with Thai craftsmanship. This 1,000-square-meter space showcases everything from ready-to-wear to tableware.

Nine Thai artists contributed unique installations, including a rattan tuk-tuk. Bonus: A Michelin-starred chef curated Café Dior's dessert menu. It's where fashion meets art meets gourmet indulgence!

🛍️ Imagine a boutique where everything's free! This is Free Fashion, a Dutch brand, is making waves with innovative pop-ups throughout Holland. Customers can snag quality second-hand items at zero cost, with a daily limit. It's not just charity – it's a retail revolution.

Funded by municipalities and volunteers, they're spreading the message that one person's waste is another's wardrobe gold. Think your town could benefit from this concept?

💎 Tiffany blue, but make it Nike. The sportswear giant's bringing back its Air Max Plus in "Tiffany" colorway, proving you don't need an official collab to serve up luxe looks.

These kicks are pure eye candy, from the breezy blue base to those sleek black waves. Just landed in Japan, but fingers crossed for a worldwide drop.

Who needs breakfast at Tiffany's when you can rock it on your feet?

🧬 Brow revolution! Eyebrow growth serums are changing the game, with peptides leading the charge. 

These tiny protein fragments work wonders for brow growth by stimulating hair follicles and extending the growth phase. Peptides also boost collagen production, strengthening hair and preventing breakage.

They improve blood circulation to follicles, delivering essential nutrients for healthier, thicker brows. When combined with other ingredients like biotin and antioxidants, peptides create a powerhouse formula for lush, fuller eyebrows.

what else?

🌿 Helsinki Fashion Week says no to feathers! Evelyn Mora signed PETA's pledge, banning feather use in all HFW shows and events. This means designers can't showcase feather-adorned garments or accessories on HFW runways. It's a push for cruelty-free, sustainable fashion alternatives. HFW joins Stella McCartney in this ethical stance.

🌐 Unpacking the NEET phenomenon: It's not all lazy teens. About 20% of global youth are "Not in Education, Employment or Training," but the reasons vary widely. This diverse group includes job seekers, caregivers, and those with health issues. Contrary to popular belief, NEET rates have been declining since 2005. Women, surprisingly, make up two-thirds of NEETs worldwide. Some Gen Z-ers are even embracing the term to challenge stereotypes. While short-term NEET status is common, experts warn of long-term economic impacts.

🔥 Forget the Cartier Love bracelet – John Hardy's Spear Flex Cuff is the new IT accessory. Launched in 2023, it's already challenging jewelry icons. Reed Krakoff's design marries Balinese inspiration with modern tech, featuring a hidden titanium core for ultimate comfort. The woven gold motif and diamond-studded clasp make it a versatile showstopper.

🌚 Full moon alert! Dec. 15's lunation in Gemini is your cosmic cue to shed limiting beliefs. With Mercury retrograde ending, it's prime time for mental decluttering. Ditch old stories, make new connections, and prepare for a brain reboot. Just remember: facts over feels for now, stargazers.