ICA Mini Gem Show

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) will host the ICA Mini-Gem Show during its ICA Congress in Panyu, China, on May 9, 2009. The events will focus on new business opportunities in the gem and jewelry market in China.

Useful links:
www.gemstone.org
www.panyuicacongress2009.com

Marc Jacobs

Watch Marc Jacobs + Men in kilts @ www.marcjacobs.com

Stunning designs, really. Skirts for men were tried in the 80's, a bold identification, but will it work now? We shall wait and see. Hats off to Marc.

David Brooks Viewpoint

What Life Asks of Us
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/opinion/27brooks.html?_r=1&em

Useful link:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/davidbrooks

A brilliant opinion piece.

World Economic Forum 2009

- A beginners' guide to Davos
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/davos/7201300.stm

- Global crisis talks move to Davos
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/davos/7830633.stm

Useful links:
www.weforum.org
www.youtube.com/user/WorldEconomicForum

It would be interesting to see how the powerful elite that flocks to Davos every year behave/interpret events in 2009. Many have lost their shirt and credibility with the economic meltdown. Hopefully the events will offer them a chance to step back and take stock of crisis and conflict, and gather ideas for tackling the world's problems.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business reviews what the likely business and economic landscape will look like when the dust of collapse filling the business world’s eyes and ears finally clears @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Useful link:
www.csfi.org.uk

Thank you Peter. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme.

Proto.in

Proto.in = India’s largest start-up showcase event.

Useful link:
www.proto.in

My view is the organizers of Proto.in should diversify focus, which for now is on IT and related segments. I suggest the future events include ideas/innovations beyond IT which in turn provides equal opportunities/hope for start-ups of all sectors.

Survival Psychology

What It Takes To Survive
http://www.newsweek.com/id/181290/page/1

Luck is not a magical ability or a gift from the gods. Instead, it is a state of mind—a way of thinking and behaving.
- Richard Wiseman

Useful links:
www.psych.lancs.ac.uk/people/JohnLeach.html
www.richardwiseman.com
http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/djs_lab
www.psych.uiuc.edu/people/showprofile.php?id=11
www.thesurvivorsclub.org
www.resiliencycenter.com/albio.shtml

I found the interpretation (s) on luck very interesting.

Carbon Comparison

Carbon comparison site launched
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/blog/2009/jan/26/carbon-comparison-site-launched

Useful links:
www.thecarbonconsultancy.co.uk
www.globaltravelmarket.co.uk
www.responsibletourismpartnership.org

Great essay. Thank you Leo.

Neil Gaiman

'The Graveyard Book' Wins Newbery Medal
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/books/27newb.html?_r=1&8dpc

Useful links:
www.neilgaiman.com
www.ala.org
www.bookscan.com

Congratulations + Hats off to Neil.

Visible Music

Making music to Rothko's murals
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/7847356.stm

Useful links:
www.jimaitchison.com
www.tate.org.uk

I think music unifies the experience of mind and body. Brilliant visual and sound. I enjoyed it.

Burma Ruby/Jade Law Update

(via JCK Online) The Burma Task Force, JVC, the American Gem Trade Association, and Jewelers of America, has released guidance on the steps importers and exporters must follow to import non-Burmese rubies and jadeite. It includes:

- Importer Obligations - Under the new regulations, importers continue to be required to certify that their rubies and jadeite were not mined or extracted from Burma. The importer certification is created through the use of new Harmonized Tariff Codes.

In addition, exporters are obligated to assure that Burmese rubies and jadeite are not intermingled with non-Burmese origin rubies and jadeite. Importers are required to secure a written certification from the exporter stating that the rubies and jadeite were not mined or extracted from Burma. The exporter must also provide 'verifiable evidence' that tracks (if exporting rough) the rough from mine to place of first export, (if exporting polished loose gems) from mine to place of final finishing, and for finished jewelry, from mine to place of final finishing of the article of jewelry.

Exceptions to these provisions include re-importation of rubies and jadeite (or jewelry containing the same) that were in the US prior to September 27, 2008 (if re-imported by the same entity or person who exported them originally from the US, as long as they have not been advanced in value) and those imported for personal use.

- Recordkeeping Obligations - Importers of non-Burmese rubies and jadeite must maintain records for five years pertaining to each transaction in covered articles. These records include complete information regarding purchase, manufacture or shipment of covered articles and the exporter’s certification. Importers are required to produce such records upon request by CBP. This includes maintaining the exporter certification and the statement regarding verifiable evidence indicating the source of rough, polished or finished jewelry, depending on which was imported. 'Verifiable evidence' could be an exporter’s warranty stating the country of origin of the covered articles, the place in which they were polished and the place where they were manufactured into jewelry. Such a warranty should also include a statement that the exporter has available records which corroborate the statement in the warranty.

- Responsible Employee of the Exporter - Importers and exporters are required to name on the invoice a responsible employee of the exporter who has or can obtain knowledge of the transactions. The information that this employee should have access to includes: the verifiable evidence of the source and movement of the covered articles.

Useful links:
www.jvclegal.org
www.agta.org
www.jewelers.org
www.cbp.gov
www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-3890

America's Best Jewelers Network

America's fine jewelry retailers have launched the ABJ Network, a social-networking site to increase communication among retail jewelers. Great idea.

Useful link:
www.abjnetwork.com

When will the fine jewelers in India launch a similar social networking concept?

Visual Illusions

Sculpting the Impossible: Solid Renditions of Visual Illusions
http://www.sciam.com/slideshow.cfm?id=sculpting-visual-illusions

Truly brilliant. I liked it.

Technology Update

Bend me, shape me, anyway you want me
http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12971020

Useful links:
http://flexdisplay.asu.edu
www.plasticlogic.com
www.liquavista.com

If they are designed to be recyclable, then these brilliant breakthrough technologies deserve the support.

Random Thoughts

Human beings are subject to wild swings in their levels of fear, risk tolerance and greed. That won’t change. I base my whole approach on buying when others are fearful and selling when others are greedy. The reason Shakespeare is so relevant still today is that his plays were all about human nature, and human nature never changes.

- Mark Sellers
www.sellerscapital.com

Rightfully true.

Gold 2009

What You Need to Know About Gold
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123284319920613125.html

Useful links:
www.everbank.com
www.mfglobal.com
www.credit-suisse.com
www.pamp.com
www.apmex.com
www.bostonbullion.com
www.kitco.com
www.gold.org

Buying gold is always a very good idea. Like every other asset class, gold goes through periods of appreciation and depreciation, yet gold holds its value rather well. Finally gold still represents the ultimate form of payment in the world so I like it.

Green School

A Greener Education in Bali
http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,1873213,00.html

Useful links:
www.greenschool.org
www.johnhardy.com

Inspiring concept + thoughtful design.

University Of The People

On the Internet, a university without a campus
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/25/technology/university.4-415520.php

Useful links:
www.uopeople.org
www.ocwconsortium.org
www.open.ac.uk
www.sloan-c.org
www.cramster.com
www.sloan.org

I think Shai Reshef is definitely a visionary. Best wishes.

Cash Is King

Cash Is King
http://www.valueresearchonline.com/story/h2_storyview.asp?str=12597

Great essay. Thank you Sanjeev.

Jewelers Alert

I came across an interesting website today called Jewelers Alert, a portal where jewelry companies are able to comment on a specific company regarding lost money, late payment or theft. Great idea. I hope the open communicaton system is not abused for personal reasons, because at times it's difficult to check the true facts of anonymous commentators. Check out the link at www.jewelersalert.com

Bargaining In Bangkok

Haggling with Attila the Hun
http://www.bangkokpost.com/life/family/10393/haggling-with-attila-the-hun

Bargaining when shopping is a way of life in many parts of Asia, and Bangkok is no exception to this. I have a different opinon about farangs in Bangkok. At times they are pennywise pound foolish, really.

Jonathan Harris

Meet Jonathan Harris, the visual artist/designer @ www.number27.org

Useful links:
http://thewhalehunt.org/whalehunt.html
http://metascopic.com
www.tivo.com

Heard On The Street

Sure the markets are down now, but wait a few years. When the economy takes off, it's going to make your head spin again. Its been in cycles like this for all of history. Don't cry. Get on with your life. There is always a tomorrow.

Art Market Update

Scattered to the winds
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13003395

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.sothebys.com
www.fondation-pb-ysl.net
www.grandpalais.fr

What is more secure today than a timeless masterpiece with an illustrious provenance? We are cautious, but we expect some world-record prices.
- François de Ricqlès

Beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder. We shall wait and see how events unfold in the coming days/weeks.

Bernard Madoff Update

The Talented Mr. Madoff
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/business/25bernie.html?_r=1&hp

Some of the characteristics you see in psychopaths are lying, manipulation, the ability to deceive, feelings of grandiosity and callousness toward their victims. People like him become sort of like chameleons. They are very good at impression management. They manage the impression you receive of them. They know what people want, and they give it to them.
- Gregg O. McCrary

Shockingly true. I have met a few Madoff's in my life. I think it's either genetic defect, unexplainable mental disorder or plain revenge of the first order. It's water over the dam situation. It's over. He is in his seventies, and he doesn't care about the consequences. He enjoyed the high life, and may be prefers to see the endgame done alone. A hard lesson for everyone.

The Psychopathic Mind

The Psychopathic Mind: Origins, Dynamics, and Treatment by J. Reid Meloy is insightful and practical. This is a classic/must read.

Useful link:

www.paladinnegotiations.com/security/psychological.html

Diamond Industry Update

Diamonds scary outlook
http://www.mineweb.net/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page37?oid=77195&sn=Detail

Useful link:
www.rbccm.com

Cash is King again. Even the likes of De Beers/Rio Tinto are learning lessons hard way.

Offshore Wind Power Technology

World's toughest wind turbines set to make debut off Germany's coast
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jan/23/wind-turbines

Useful links:
www.multibrid.com
www.carbontrust.co.uk
www.alpha-ventus.de
www.bwea.com
www.energytechnologies.co.uk

I think functional innovation in offshore-specific technologies will significantly advance renewable energy sector driving down costs and future development.

Rogue Traders

Rogue traders who went off the rails
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/2d78785c-e755-11dd-aef2-0000779fd2ac.html

At any given time there exists an inventory of undiscovered embezzlement in – or more precisely not in – the country’s businesses and banks. This inventory – it should perhaps be called the bezzle – amounts at any moment to many millions of dollars. In good times, when people are more relaxed and money is plentiful, the bezzle grows. In a depression, it shrinks. As a financial system disintegrates, the capital cushions that mask the bezzle vanish.
- John Kenneth Galbraith

It’s only when the tide goes out, you find out who’s swimming naked.
- Warren Buffett

Useful link:
www.rdicoaching.co.uk

The unfolding events in the business world shows lessons have not been learned, really. Looks like there will be more to come.

Heard On The Street

Give better service than people expect.

Crowd Behavior

A Crowded World: Researchers use computer scenarios to study crowd behavior in time and space
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=83577

Useful link:
www.nsf.gov

Interesting tipping points.

Exploring Coffee

The Digital Ramble Coffee
http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/the-digital-ramble-coffee

Useful links:
http://coffeegeek.com
http://ratemyrosetta.com
www.christophniemann.com
http://ecomm.davidlynch.com/catalog/coffee_house.php

I am a huge fan of coffee. I enjoyed it. Thank you Rosecrans.

The Winter Antiques Show

A Winter Wonderland of Old and Modern Invites Meandering
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/arts/design/23wint.html?_r=1

Useful link:
www.winterantiquesshow.com

A must visit. Allow your eyes to selectively absorb the widest possible variety of objects.

Jewelers Of Europe

Jewellers of Europe NV has launched The 'Top 100', a useful handbook of top jewelry retailers in Europe and the jewelry market landscape. Go to www.jewellersdirectory.eu/top100 for further info.

Useful link:
www.jewellersdirectory.eu

India: Retail Diamond/Jewelry Update

Diamond industry to bounce back soon
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Features/The_Sunday_ET/Special_Report/Diamond_industry_to_bounce_back_soon/articleshow/3995448.cms

Useful links:
www.ckcsons.com
www.gjepc.org
www.debeersgroup.com
www.orra.co.in
www.rosyblue.com

My view is the wedding market in India is huge, amorphous, and surprisingly recession proof. So most well-known jewelers will do well.

YouTube/Vatican

It was intriguing to see the Pope on YouTube welcoming viewers that knows no borders to get involved via dialogue of truth. Go to www.youtube.com/vatican for more info.

Useful link:
www.vatican.va

Bernar Yslaire

The Louvre embraces comics for first time
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/22/arts/EU-France-Comics-In-The-Louvre.php

Useful links:
www.louvre.fr
www.yslaire.be

I think the diversity of art creates new forms and mediums to connect the dots. A must visit.

Eco-documentaries

Underwater treasures
http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12970826

Useful links:
http://festival.sundance.org/2009

My view is good documentaries always reveal the incovenient truth + help find solutions to the problems.

Faces Of Lawsuit Abuse

Stay informed. Go to www.facesoflawsuitabuse.org for more info.

Useful link:
www.instituteforlegalreform.com

Back To Basics

Back To Basics: A Bailout For The DTC
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.dtc.com
www.adiamondisforever.com
http://ec.europa.eu/competition

Chaim, you are right. These are unusual days requiring exceptional solutions.

S H Raza

Indian artist S. H. Raza finds exhibition of his work full of fakes
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5544692.ece

Useful links:
www.shraza.net
www.dhoomimalgallery.com

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.
- Warren Buffett

Heard On The Street

You should socialize with the best gem dealers who practice endlessly and learn to identify and predict trading patterns. It's priceless education.

New President/New Website

The new White House has launched a website to provide up-to-date information on the state of the government. Great design. Impressive. I liked it.

Useful links:
www.whitehouse.gov
www.whitehouse.gov/blog

Global Trends 2009

Dr James Canton is the CEO of The Institute for Global Futures. The Institute has identified interesting trends for 2009. Check out Global Trends Report 2009 @ www.globalfuturist.com

Tucson Gem Seminars

AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Seminars
http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/gft-seminars.html

Useful links:
www.tgms.org
www.agta.org

The Tucson gem fair = the world’s greatest gem and mineral show. A must visit.

Famous Diamonds

The fifth edition of Ian Balfour’s Famous Diamonds is available at Antique Collectors’ Club. Go to www.antique-acc.com for further info. A great diamond classic.

Factors Behind The Financial Crisis

Lesson One: What Really Lies Behind the Financial Crisis?
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/2148.cfm

Start a new bank. You won't have the problems of existing banks, and the federal loans interest rate is near zero. Demand for loans is high, and you will face no competition from the private market. You could become very profitable.
- Jeremy Siegel

Useful link:
www.jeremysiegel.com

Great advice. Thank you Jeremy.

Random Thoughts

So if the entire country became securities analysts, memorized Benjamin Graham’s Intelligent Investor and regularly attended Warren Buffett’s annual shareholder meetings, most people would, nevertheless, find themselves irresistibly drawn to hot initial public offerings, momentum strategies and investment fads. People would still find it tempting to day-trade and perform technical analysis of stock charts. A country of security analysts would still overreact. In short, even the best-trained investors would make the same mistakes that investors have been making forever, and for the same immutable reason – that they cannot help it.

- Seth Klarman
www.baupost.com

How true!

Coming Soon ! Opera/Ballet Online

Major operas to be shown online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/7841965.stm

Useful links:
www.classicaltv.com
www.eno.org
www.metoperafamily.org
www.operainfo.org

I am a huge opera/jazz/classical music fan. I hope all goes well.

The New Lead Law

New lead law worries jewelers
http://www.pbn.com/detail/39662.html

Useful links:
www.argo-products.com
www.mjsa.org
www.fjta.org
www.cpsc.gov

I wonder whether India + other countries in Asia have rules and regulations to improve protection of children from lead poisoning. The law in the US requires importers and domestic manufacturers of children’s products to have their products tested for lead content by an authorized third-party laboratory, with the results certified in writing. Buyer beware.

The Gentlemen's Guide To Engagement

I was really impressed by Tacori's innovative The Gentlemen’s Guide to Engagement website + video testimonials/professional advice from the experts. I liked it.

Useful links:
http://gentlemensguide.tacori.com
www.tacori.com

Roberto Burle Marx

A New Look at the Multitalented Man Who Made Tropical Landscaping an Art
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/arts/design/21burl.html?_r=1

Useful link:
www.burlemarx.com.br

It's stunningly beautiful.

Heard On The Street

It is fair to say that some gem traders and jewelers are destined to be great and others not to.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business talks about the state of mind of the business world (protectionist, ridiculously hardworking, same party in power for 40 years, complete corporate lack of interest in shareholders, with companies interested in market share/market success, hugely cartelised and driven by preserving employment, and a complex intertwining of politicians, business, and the all-important civil servants) in Japan/the impact @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Great commentary. I enjoyed it.

Random Thoughts

The psychology of people/economic business cycles/state of mind: It's like a beauty contest where you're not judging the pictures of the 10 most beautiful girls; you're judging from the 10 beautiful girls what the other people will think is most beautiful in trying to predict who will win the beauty contest.

- John Maynard Keynes

Spot on.

Nebamun Tomb Paintings

Nebamun Tomb Paintings = One of the best-loved Egyptian art works in the British Museum. The whole gallery brings ancient Egypt to life in a touching way. Visit the museum.

Useful link:
www.britishmuseum.org

Art Hotels

Sleeping With Warhol: America’s Art Hotels
http://www.petergreenberg.com/2009/01/16/sleeping-with-warhol-americas-art-hotels

Useful links:
www.petergreenberg.com
www.21cmuseumhotel.com
www.sfhoteldesarts.com
www.icohare.com
www.chambersminneapolis.com
www.jumeirahessexhouse.com
www.hotelmuranotacoma.com
www.gramercyparkhotel.com

It's a great immersive experience. I love it. Thanks Karen Elowitt/Susannah Sachdeva.

Atlas Shrugged

'Atlas Shrugged': From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB123146363567166677-lMyQjAxMDI5MzExNjQxNjYzWj.html

Politicians invariably respond to crises -- that in most cases they themselves created -- by spawning new government programs, laws and regulations. These, in turn, generate more havoc and poverty, which inspires the politicians to create more programs . . . and the downward spiral repeats itself until the productive sectors of the economy collapse under the collective weight of taxes and other burdens imposed in the name of fairness, equality and do-goodism.
- Stephen Moore

Useful link:
www.objectivistcenter.org

Atlas Shrugged should be a required reading for everyone, really. The message is crystal clear. Thank you Stephen.

Burmese Jade Act Update

Pres. Bush Uses Authority to Alter Burmese JADE Act
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=24978

Useful links:
www.cbp.gov
www.jvclegal.org

Gem dealers: If you have any question (s) to customs, contact jade.act@cbp.dhs.gov

The Imagineering Way

The Imagineering Way by The Imagineers is an insightful book about the Imagineers' creative process/the impact. A must read.

Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths, exploring and experimenting are the beginning of creative imagination and technical know how. Not only are the imagineers curious, but they are courageous, outrageous, and their creativity is contagious.
- Disney

Useful link:
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/who_imagineering.html

U.S Presidential Inauguration 2009

It was really inspiring watching a dream become reality. President Barack Hussein D. Obama takes the oath of office today, January 20, 2009.



Useful links:
http://projects.nytimes.com/44th_president/inauguration
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/17/washington/20090117_ADDRESSES.html?hp
www.usa.gov/Topics/Election_2008/Inauguration.shtml
http://change.gov

A Closer Look at the Inaugural Ceremony
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/20/us/politics/2009-inauguration-zoom-photo.html
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/01/20/us/politics/1231545769118/barack-obamas-inaugural-speech.html?hp
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-obama.html?_r=1

Anyone can grow up to be president is becoming more true than it had been previously.

The Cathedral & The Bazaar

The Cathedral & the Bazaar: Musings on Linux and Open Source by an Accidental Revolutionary by Eric S. Raymond is an insightful book on critical design rules of successful open source projects + the impact. I think open source movement = bazaar + businesses = cathedrals. A must read.

Useful link:

www.catb.org/~esr

Pearl Market Update

Pearl Market Prospects 2009: Less Money Not Less Demand
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/pearl-prospects.cfm

Useful link:
www.pearlparadise.com

In a recession, understanding customer's tastes (aesthetically/financially) requires specials skills. Jeremy, thank for your advice.

Liberian Art Gallery

Peace paintings: First post-war art gallery for Liberia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/africa_liberian_peace_gallery/html/1.stm

It's stunningly beautiful and natural. I liked it.

Live|Work

Creating social solutions for MS patients
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/16/arts/design19.1-407337.php

Useful links:
www.livework.co.uk
www.institute.nhs.uk
www.nmss.org
www.mssociety.org.uk

I think user-experience designs are the new business models for 21st century. Alice, Thank you.

Saharan Solar Energy

Out of Africa: Saharan Solar Energy
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1872110_1872133_1872141,00.html

Useful links:
www.exploration-architecture.com
www.desertec.org
www.e-parl.net

My view is build it piece by piece + when the concept begins to profit, companies and goverments will jump in. It's a state of mind.

Tea Market Update

Storming the Teacup
http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,1871630,00.html

Useful links:
www.rareteacompany.com
www.tea.co.uk

Great essay. I loved it. I've always been a fan of tea.

Green Jewelry Buying Guide

The National Geographic Green Jewelry Buying guide is simple and easy-to-understand.

Go to http://www.thegreenguide.com/greenguide/buying-guide/jewelry for more info. It's definitely educational and useful.

Random Thoughts

The best leader knows how to make his followers actually feel power themselves, not merely acknowledge his power.

- Mary Parker Follett
www.follettfoundation.org

I think her advice is more timely than ever before.

Art Market Update

Financial squeeze was inevitable for auction houses
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/16/arts/melik17.1-407482.php
http://vernissage.tv/blog/2008/06/04/interview-with-ellsworth-kelly-art-39-basel-2008

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com
www.phillipsdepury.com
www.matthewmarks.com

Thank you Souren for the insightful art market update. As you also rightly put it there are many who can read catalogues but cannot see art.

Algenol

Biofuels: The New Alchemy
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1872110_1872133,00.html

Useful links:
www.algenolbiofuels.com
www.worldfutureenergysummit.com
www.mascoma.com
www.verenium.com

Great essay. Thank you Bryan. I think in a warming world we have little choice but to pursue alternatives to food-crop biofuels.

Wine Market Update

Bargains on the grapevine
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/d8c1c546-e35a-11dd-a5cf-0000779fd2ac.html

Useful link:
www.jancisrobinson.com

Great advice. Thank you Jancis.

Amedeo Modigliani

Sex, drugs and deep, deep eyes
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12960052

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com

What a unique total internal reflection via paintings?

Simon Mayo Interview

Film director Danny Boyle tells Simon Mayo about his new movie: Slumdog Millionaire
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/videos/kermode_interviews.shtml

Useful links:
www.film24.com
www.imdb.com/name/nm0000965

Great interview. I enjoyed it.

The Minsky Moment

The Minsky Moment
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/02/04/080204taco_talk_cassidy

There are basically five stages in Minsky’s model of the credit cycle: displacement, boom, euphoria, profit taking, and panic.
- John Cassidy

Can it happen again? My view is financial markets are frequently dyed, coated and fracture-filled, whenever there is a crisis. Even today the so-called gurus of the financial world have difficulty interpreting the linkages between the financial markets and the economy. The Minsky effects are inevitable in a free market economy. What's shocking to me is that the regulatory institutions and the goverment have no functional tools/mechanisms to respond quickly. They are in state of momentary autism, really. We are paying for it dearly, forever. Thank you John for the insightful essay.

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street Winter Whiteout
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/16/fashion/20090118-street-feature/index.html#

I think the designs were stunningly beautiful, elegant + different. I liked it. Thank you Bill.

Gold: The Global Obsession

The Real Price of Gold
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/01/gold/randy-olson-photography

Useful link:
www.randyolsonphotography.com

The characters are so natural, bright and stunningly vivid, would you join the gold rush?

Look-alike Jewelry

Keeping Up Appearances
http://www.newsweek.com/id/178821

Useful links:
www.kennethjaylane.net
www.justingiunta.com
www.subversivejewelry.com
www.bagborroworsteal.com
www.gilt.com
www.yoox.com

Great essay. Thank you Sameer. My view is social climbers will go the extra mile to put forth a prosperous image regardless of the balance in their bank account(s). It's a state of mind.

The American Consumer

IDEX Online Research: Don’t Bet Against the Spending Power of the American Consumer
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=31747

Useful links:
www.kennethgassman.com
www.stuartvyse.com
www.annieontour.com

Ken, I completely agree. American economy = Spending. It's a habit, it's embedded in the (created) culture, forever.

Amberif International Fair

The 16th Amberif International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones will be held in March 11 – 14, 2009 at the Exhibition Centre (MTG SA), 5 Beniowskiego Street, Gdańsk, Poland. Don't miss it.

Useful links:
www.amberif.pl
www.amber.org.pl

National Gallery Of Art

Amid Intimate Galleries, a Jewel of a Painting Collection
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/arts/design/16coll.html

Useful links:
www.nga.gov
www.metmuseum.org

It's a good place to start. There is no question about it. Thanks Roberta.

Andrew Wyeth Dies

Andrew Wyeth, Revered and Ridiculed Artist, Dies
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/arts/design/17wyeth.html?_r=1&hp

Useful link:
www.andrewwyeth.com

People only make you swerve. I won’t show anybody anything I’m working on. If they hate it, it’s a bad thing, and if they like it, it’s a bad thing. An artist has to be ingrown to be any good.
- Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth was one the best known artists of the 20th century + I have always loved Wyeth's style of painting because he was the painter of the people (realist painter) and distinctively natural. He will be greatly missed.

Random Thoughts

If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples then you and I will still have one apple. But if you have an idea and we exchange these ideas each of us will have two ideas.

- George Bernard Shaw
http://shawsociety.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
http://nobelprize.org/mediaplayer/index.php?id=389

Spot on.

Heard On The Street

Life's better with a badly cut diamond than an equity share with bleak outlook. Sad, really.

The Urban Heat Island Effect

Paint it white
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jan/16/white-paint-carbon-emissions-climate

Useful links:
http://eetd.lbl.gov/staff/akbari-h
http://eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland
www.lbl.gov
www.tyndall.ac.uk
www.pwri.go.jp

Akbari's idea sounds simple and effective. I have learned something new and practical. Thank you David.

Luke Johnson Viewpoint

Graft, not genes, brings success
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/58575a56-e18e-11dd-afa0-0000779fd2ac.html

Useful links:
www.lukejohnson.org
www.riskcapitalpartners.co.uk

It is better for a man to go wrong in freedom than to go right in chains.
- Thomas Huxley

Luke, I completely agree. As you rightly put it the current unprecedented creative destruction going on within the capitalist system will create a new order.

Jim Rogers Interview

Exclusive Interview with Jim Rogers: Inflation Is Coming
http://seekingalpha.com/article/114966-exclusive-interview-with-jim-rogers-inflation-is-coming

Useful link:
www.jimrogers.com

It's always interesting/insightful to read to what Jim has to say about the markets. Thanks Grace.

Gustavo Dudamel

A 'yes we can' maestro
http://www.economist.com/books/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12926136

Useful link:
www.gustavodudamel.com

I think Dudamel is brilliant + amazingly music improves society, really.

BETT 2009

The best of the tech that teaches
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7831827.stm

Useful links:
www.bettshow.com
www.becta.org.uk
http://secondlife.com
www.intel.com
www.microsoft.com
www.facerec.com
www.unimatic.co.uk
www.culture.gov.uk

Interesting show + the next generation learning tools were brilliant.

De Beers Staff

De Beers Staff: 'Individuals at Risk' – 25% Will Lose Jobs
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.debeersgroup.com
www.dtc.com
www.forevermark.com

Cost control is on almost everyone's list to stay afloat + as Chaim rightly put it there is life beyond De Beers.

Gemstones: Non-Disclosure Debacle

How to survive the coming non-disclosure debacle
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/groom-on-disclosure.cfm

Useful links:
www.eternitynaturalemerald.com
www.arthurgroom.com

My view is if you have made full disclosure an integral part of your business, you stay afloat in the gem and jewelry industry, retain the luster and build credibility. Those who have failed to disclose have been sued, gone bankrupt or were forced to settle out of court.

Random Thoughts

More than education, more than experience, more than training, a person’s level of resilience will determine who succeeds and who fails. That’s true in the cancer ward, it’s true in the Olympics and it’s true in the boardroom.

- Harvard Business Review, May 2002
www.hbsp.harvard.edu

Spot on.

The Essential Guide To Advertising Law

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has announced a new publication, 'The Essential Guide to Advertising Law,' a comprehensive overview of the regulations pertaining to the advertising of fine jewelry. Go to www.jvclegal.org for further info.

Jazz: America's Triumphant Music

How Jazz Helped Hasten the Civil-Rights Movement
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123197292128083217.html

Useful links:
www.thekingcenter.org
www.lincolncenter.org
www.rockfound.org
www.wyntonmarsalis.org
www.johncoltrane.com
www.louisarmstronghouse.org
www.bixbeiderbecke.com
www.dukeellington.com
http://dizzygillespie.org
www.ellafitzgerald.com
www.buddyrich.com

I am a huge jazz fan. My view is the genesis of jazz was a social force and this music has reached deeply into many cultures and have inspired people of all colors, naturally.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's interview with Chris Anderson + Kevin Kelly @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml was educational and insightful. Thanks Peter.

Useful links:
http://longtail.typepad.com
www.kk.org

Skin Deep

Audio slideshow: The cutting edge of opera
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7827000/7827186.stm

Useful links:
www.operanorth.co.uk
www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

The story was told in a uniquely artistic way. I loved it.

Nerima Art Museum

Sticking point: Tape artist's show
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7829816.stm

Useful links:
www.city.nerima.tokyo.jp/museum
www.nichiban.co.jp

This is definitely an imaginative art.

Stanislav Kaufman + The American Egg

I was really impressed with Stanislav Kaufman's work of art: The American Egg. It took him 12 years to create the egg. Go to http://www.jckonline.com/enewsletter/CA6627633/2791.html for further info. Hats off to Stanislav!

Useful link:
www.vancraeynest.com

Gemstone Disclosure Information

My view is disclose the status of the gemstone(s) and their treatment(s), if any, as much as possible. Gem testing laboratories have their own issues and global warming to worry about so don't expect 100% fool-proof god-like statements from them. Do the right thing without excess flash or showmanship.

Cause Marketing

Cause Marketing = Consumers basing purchasing decisions on how much good it can do for others. I think that's what Russell Simmons does via D.E.F (Diamond Empowerment Fund), educating and promoting the concept for a good cause. I think its only fair that we give back to the continent that has provided so much for the gem and jewelry industry, really.

Useful links:
www.diamondempowerment.org
www.simmonsjewelryco.com
www.dtc.com
www.adiamondisforever.com