At least one in a dozen stars show evidence of planetary ingestion, according to Australian scientists. ASTRO 3D director Professor Emma Ryan-Webber says the findings contribute to the big-picture quest to determine the chemical evolution of the universe. That might not sound earth-shattering in itself but literally could be, with a capital “e”. Much of the research into the concept of planet-eating has focused on the formation of Jupiter and the discovery that beneath the swirling vortex clouds in its upper atmosphere lie the remnants of countless baby planets. There is room for doubt as to whether the stars are swallowing planets whole or engulfing protoplanetary material but Dr Liu suspects both are possible. What makes the study compelling is that the stars were in their prime of life – so-called main sequence stars, rather than final phase red giants, as the Sun is eventually expected to become. Until now, it’s just been a theory. ANU professor and co-author Yuan-Sen Ting. However, an international team led by Australia’s ASTRO 3D project has placed planetary ingestion a step closer to reality by studying apparent differences in the make-up of twin stars, which should, by definition, exhibit the same composition. But the scenario doesn’t stop there, with some experts suggesting Earth may yet suffer a similar fate billions of years down the track as the Sun runs out of fuel, expands and similarly devours everything within its reach. The team’s dataset was collected using the 6.5-metre Magellan Telescope, the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile and Hawaii’s Keck Telescope. The phenomenon appeared in about eight per cent of the 91 pairs of twin stars examined. Monash University research fellow and lead author Fan Liu explained. Had these so called planetesimals not been gobbled up by the gas giant, as astronomers believe, some may eventually have become proper planets just like Earth. The findings have wide-ranging implications for the study of the long-term evolution of planetary systems.

Sterling Silver Replica Tiffany Jewlery

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. So she decided to make her own. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Pieces are made in sterling silver (click for more) with 18ct gold vermeil. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better.