"Internet Daddy" Pedro Pascal Got A Darius Emerald Ring
Happy Father’s Day!
It’s the perfect Father’s Day gift for fans and jewelry lovers alike. The details of “Internet Daddy” Pedro Pascal’s emerald ring by Darius have come to light just in time for a deep dive on the holiday. But first things first. How did Pedro get his nickname?
Around 2023, the appellation "Internet Daddy" began to catch on for the Chilean-born charmer. In classic Pedro fashion, he has worn the mantel with ease. Sweetly, he has tried to explain what he thought it meant, figuring it must stem from his father figure-style roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us.
But I think the internet decided, the 50-year-old actor was "Daddy" because he is such a great caretaker and champion of important real-life causes. To name but two, he routinely stands up for transgender rights and pro-immigration issues with passion and authenticity. Pedro immigrated to America with his family and his stunning sister, Lux Pascal, is trans.
All of this supreme allyship, not to mention Pedro’s talent and rugged good looks, have made him a source of huge fascination on the same internet that gave him the term of endearment. So, when he started wearing an enormous emerald ring last summer while promoting Gladiator II, Reddit chats lit up with theories about it.
Some wondered if the bold accessory was related to the ring worn by Pedro’s character, General Acacius. The ring's significance was emphasized in the film, and the two designs look similar. You can see the movie ring at the 2:18 mark in the trailer. While the theory seemed plausible, it was not the case.
The emerald ring was part of Pedro’s costumes in his role as Henry Castillo in Celine Song’s The Materialist which was filmed before he promoted Gladiator II. It landed on his finger after the costume designer, Katina Danabassis met Anahid Mishek, who works for Darius, at a wedding in Florida.
Katrina explained that she had wanted to reach out to the independent label, founded in 2000 by creative director Darya Khonsary and her wife, brand director Arielle Chiara.
“Katrina said there is this scene in the movie I’m working on where Pedro Pascal is dressed formally and we’ve been thinking he needs a big statement ring. I wanted to request a pull from you guys,” explained Darya who I reached by phone in Hawaii. “Anahid wasn’t even sure if we did those kinds of loans because she had only been working for us for about a month. When she told me about it, I was thrilled to do it, particularly because I have such admiration for Pedro.”
I haven’t seen the movie yet (I have tickets for this evening!) and I don’t know if there is any plot point surrounding it, but the jewel does reflect a unique sense of style. Like the Jaeger LeCoulture Reverso Tribute Chronograph that Pedro wears in the same scene, the ring is from an if-you-know-you-know label, rather than a flashy, easily identifiable brand.
The one-of-a-kind Ziggurat ring centers on an over 5-carat Colombian emerald set in an 18K Fairmined gold ring with a satin finish. Like all Darius jewelry, the ring was handcrafted in Los Angeles by the company’s master goldsmith. Ancient cultures, acknowledged with the subtle Ziggarat motif, is a theme that runs throughout the jewelry collection.
Not only was the ring perfectly chosen for Pedro’s character in the movie, but he also loved it personally. After filming, he took it home, explaining to the costume designer that he wanted to buy it. “The costume designer texted me that he was ‘obsessed’ with it,” Darya remembers. “A couple of days later, his manager sent the payment.”
This is a real movie star Old Hollywood glamour move. The ring was a small fortune and Pedro just bought it and has worn it routinely ever since. He has also graciously tagged Darius in his photo gallery from The Materialist on Instagram revealing to all where the design came from.
Dakota Johnson helped accelerate the story when she and Pedro did a Q & A video session for Vogue. One of the questions she asked him was, “What has been the most extravagant fashion purchase you have ever bought?” See the exchange at the 9:08 mark in the video below.
While the emerald ring has been a joy to follow for the glamour of it all, there is one more layer to the story of Internet Daddy’s new jewel. Darya is trans. Pedro’s purchase from her Darius label, at a time when supporting the trans community is crucial, holds symbolic meaning.
"The launch of my jewelry collection ended up happening right around the time that I publicly transitioned," Darya explains. "I didn't intend for it to be such a big part of the brand's story, but people were interested because, as far as I know, I'm the only trans fine jewelry designer working at the moment. Now, trans people have talked to me about their desire to be jewelry designers. I believe visibility is important.” Indeed, I would say it is a gift.