All-American Diamond Dazzles at Trump Inauguration
January 27, 25
(IDEX Online) - Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wore an all-American rough diamond to Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
Her Heart of Arkansas brooch featured an uncut heart-shaped 4.87-carat diamond mined at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, where day trippers pay $10 a day to sift the soil keep any gems they find.
The brooch was crafted by master jeweler Christo Kiffer, at Sissy's Log Cabin, in Arkansas, in a starburst design with an additional 16.22 carats of diamonds set in 18K yellow gold.
"The Heart of Arkansas is not only a one-of-a-kind piece, but a one-of-a-kind project," he said. "To be part of this process, where we are enhancing a natural treasure to be enjoyed for generations, is an extraordinary experience both personally and professionally.
"Every part of this piece was designed to honor the natural beauty of Arkansas while creating something elegant and timeless."
The Crater of Diamonds State Park says it is the only place in the world where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source.
Diamonds were first discovered there in 1906 and the site was operated as a commercial mine, though not with any great success, until the Great Depression in 1932.
Pic of Sarah Huckabee Sanders with husband Bryan Sanders, courtesy Sanders' Instagram. Pic of the Heart of Arkansas brooch courtesy Sissy's Log Cabin.