Diamond Market Review

Diamond Sales, and Prices, Plunge
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/business/21diamonds.html

Useful links:
www.debeersgroup.com
www.debswana.com
www.diamondintelligence.com

Interesting review. According to Chaim Even-Zohar, without new diamond discoveries the world may run out of new diamonds within 20 years. That makes natural diamonds rare. We shall wait and see. Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

MJSA Buyer's Resource Vol. 1

The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America has released a new manual entitled MJSA Buyer's Resource Vol. 1 for the jewelry industry. Go to http://www.mjsa.org/press/press_read.php?id=152 for further info.

Useful links:
www.mjsa.org
http://jic.org

Educational link + Video Games

Microsoft explores educational link to video games
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/MS-educational-link-to-video-games/articleshow/4163740.cms
http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/institutes/gamesinstitute.aspx

Useful links:
http://g4li.nyu.edu
http://gearsofwar.xbox.com
www.worldofwarcraft.com
www.commonsensemedia.org

Pros/cons. Great review. If they can make games fun not violent, that would be ideal.

Harlem Children's Zone

He’s the Angel of Harlem
http://www.newsweek.com/id/184622

Useful link:
www.hcz.org

Inspiring. Great interview.

Ancient Multiculturalism

Ancient Multiculturalism on Display at New York's Met
http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,1880518,00.html

Useful link:
www.metmuseum.org

Simply stunning + totally internally reflective.

Random Thoughts

I thought I was lucky to make some money, then lucky to make a living, then lucky to be a millionaire.

- Terry Pratchett
www.terrypratchettbooks.com

Spot on.

The Group Of Thirty

Check out the latest findings of the Group of 30, a panel of policy-makers and influential economists at www.group30.org

The Sound Of Music Musical

The surreal story of The Sound of Music
www.soundofmusiclondon.com

One of my favorite musicals, really.

Shah Abbas: The Remaking Of Iran

Exhibit ignores perplexing questions during Iranian king's rule
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/20/arts/melik21.php
http://www.iht.com/indexes/special/melikian/index.php

Useful links:
www.britishmuseum.org
www.nationalmuseumofiran.ir

Great review.

Million-Dollar Jewelry Heist

Twins arrested in Berlin jewelry heist
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/20/europe/berlin.php
www.imdb.com/title/tt0055277

There's no comparable crime in the store's history.
- Petra Fladenhofer
www.kadewe.de

Interesting story. Definitely a unique case. In February 2009, identical twin brothers escaped the death penalty in a Malaysian drug trafficking trial after the court ruled authorities could not prove which man committed the alleged crime. We shall wait and see.

Renewable Energy Projects India

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched model solar city projects to promote increased use of renewable energy + implement sustainable energy options through public - private partnerships. Nagpur will become a model solar city by 2012.

For more information visit http://mnes.nic.in

Birgit Nilsson Prize 2009

Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo has been awarded the first ever Birgit Nilsson prize for his contributions to the world of opera.

Useful links:
www.birgitnilssonprize.org
www.placidodomingo.com

Domingo is one of the greatest opera singers of all time. I am a huge fan. Congratulations!

Futurism

Back to the Futurists
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7894877.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/20_02_09_the_futurist_manifesto.pdf

Useful links:
www.estorickcollection.com
www.stuckism.com

Interesting perspective. I think the manifestos were great—telling it like it is.

The Jazz Age

Audio Slideshow: The jazz age hits Main Street
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7896380.stm

Useful links:
www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/america
www.hist.cam.ac.uk/academic_staff/further_details/reynolds.html
www.louisarmstronghouse.org

Brilliant review. Thank you David.

iPod Touch Artists

Check out French artist/videographer David Lasnier's art work at www.antisynoptique.com

Useful links:
www.flickr.com/photos/antisynoptique
http://brushesapp.com
www.flickr.com/groups/brushes/pool

Art Center Summit 2009

Expanding the Vision of Sustainable Mobility
Check out the keynote events at www.artcenter.edu/summit

Gems & Gemology

Gems and Gemology, a quarterly journal of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is now available in electronic format at GIA.Metapress.com.

Check out the link at www.gia.edu/gemsandgemology/70/main_page.cfm

Random Thoughts

Discounted cash flow to us is sort of like the Hubble telescope – you turn it a fraction of an inch and you’re in a different galaxy. There are just so many variables in this kind of analysis – that’s not for us.

- Curtis Jensen
www.thirdavenuefunds.com
www.valueinvestorinsight.com

Spot on.

Bamboo Designs

Bamboo-zled: Eco Veneers Storm the Design World
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/02/bamboo-pcs-catc.html

Useful links:
www.newdealdesign.com
www.calfeedesign.com
www.frogdesign.com

Bamboo has become the new titanium + the trendsetter. It's green, stylish, natural and reconnects the audience.

Color Stories 2009

Color Stories 2009 by Stuller, Inc, highlights the importance and beneficial aspects of promoting gemstones by color instead of by birthstones. I completely agree. In my view Stuller's color-centric approach to selling gemstones is the right way.

Useful link:
www.stuller.com

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

In Court Of Public Opinion: Kimberley System vs Accountability & Transparency
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful link:
www.kimberleyprocess.com

In my view compliance, accountability and transparency may have different interpretations among the KPCS members, but it's encouraging to see Chaim bring out into the open the important issues via the media. Hats off to Chaim.

The Rig Hotel

What's the Big Idea?
http://www.hdmag.com/hospitalitydesign/content_display/projects/e3i0d287909ecf291eb1aa42ff1bfdd58c4

Useful links:
www.radicalinnovationinhospitality.com
www.morrisarchitects.com
www.centre-prop.com

The Rig Hotel is really one-of-a-kind design. I liked it.

Celebrity Calamity

Celebrity Calamity: A Game That Teaches Finance Through Stardom
http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/anya-kamenetz/green-day/help-im-celebritys-budgeter

Useful links:
www.celebritycalamity.com
www.d2dfund.org
http://indebted.com/the-challenge

I really liked the new approach to teaching financial literacy via video game. Thanks Anya.

Beaujolais

The Revival of Beaujolais
http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,1878757,00.html

Useful links:
www.marcel-lapierre.com
www.closdemez.com

I think beautiful wines are for beautiful people, really.

Old Lessons

Old lessons for a new financial crisis
http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/18/magazines/fortune/loeb.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2009021811

- Once in every seven to ten years, there is a period of excessive general speculation culminating in a severe panic or depression when the man who is borrowing money is at great disadvantage and he who has ready cash stands like a tower, four-square to the ill winds that blow.
- Extreme situations do not last, no matter what the apparent justification. While we may have 'new eras,' old laws will still operate.
- Avoid commitments, particularly of the delayed variety; they are more insidious. Also, be definite about commitments made to you by others. When the storm comes, misunderstandings are so easy and so natural.
- In both 1920 and 1929, the so-called 'big fellows' in general said everything was okay. But if the big fellows in general thought otherwise the stage could not be set for the unexpected. Panics occur because the leaders themselves have lost their way.
- Never borrow money without continually reviewing and questioning your ability to pay it back under the worst conditions.
- It's right to be an optimist, but always be prepared for the worst.
- People borrow money in good times and pay it back in bad times - just the opposite of what they should do.
- The public is just as blind in recognizing the bottom of a depression as it is in recognizing the top of a boom. While there is no ladder that reaches to Heaven, the ladder that reaches all the way down to Hell in a country like America is just as fantastic.
- A reputation for fair and honest dealing will be your greatest asset.
- As my father used to say, 'Don't forget, the soup is never eaten as hot as it is cooked.'

Thank you Carol. I will never forget the 'old lessons'.

The Management Lab

The Management Lab = Management Innovation
www.managementlab.org

Heard On The Street

We are in trendless markets. Find a good colored stone + diamond/colored diamond selection, do your homework; there's plenty of value out there, but it's all about selection, really.

Le Corbusier's Legacy

Audio slideshow: Le Corbusier's legacy
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7894000/7894066.stm

Useful links:
www.barbican.org.uk
www.fondationlecorbusier.asso.fr

Le Corbusier who was famous for being one of the pioneers of what now is called Modern architecture, was also an urban planner, painter, sculptor, writer, and modern furniture designer. I am a huge fan.

A Zero-Carbon Home

Eco-home uses medieval technique
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7896287.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2009/feb/18/grand-designs-crossway-eco-home-kent?picture=343387569

Useful link:
www.hawkesarchitecture.co.uk

I loved it. Hats off to Richard.

Video Game Update

Grand Theft Auto: The story continues, as gritty as ever
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/18/arts/18gta.php
http://www.rockstargames.com/grandtheftauto

Useful links:
www.rockstargames.com

I think Grand Theft Auto defines your own tastes/preferences + the immersive experience.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business profiles Liam Casey and PCH International, based in the Chinese city of Shenzhen + a new business model called capitalism without capital @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Useful link:
www.pchintl.com

Gold Market Update

GFMS Limited has released The Gold Demand Trends on behalf of World Gold Council (WGC) for peer review. The report highlights a surge in demand for gold jewelry, bars and coins + investment demand for gold, including gold exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Go to www.gfms.co.uk for further info.

Useful link:
www.gold.org

Code Of The West

Code of the West by Aaron Latham is a great read + in my view the rules that the cowboys follow are good for life/trade. A must read.

Useful link:

www.aaronlatham.com

Olderpreneurs

Silver start-ups could come of age
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/12df6abc-fd00-11dd-a103-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

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

Luke, I completely agree. Many of us will have to work until we are well past 60. Great essay and inspiring, really. Thank you Luke.

Celebrate Pensacola

The Spanish royals are visiting Pensacola to mark the 450th anniversary of the landing of Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna. Go to www.celebratepensacola.com for further info.

Best Blogs 2009

TIME's Best Blogs of 2009
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1879276_1879279,00.html

Great review.

Silk Road Treasures

Rare treasures from the Silk Road
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/17/arts/seno.php

Useful links:
www.hku.hk/hkumag
www.hermitagemuseum.org
www.ntm.gov.tw
www.fine-arts-museum.be
http://idp.bl.uk

The insights of the Silk Road and its once-mighty trade hubs are unique reminders of cultures and influences. I have always been interested in the past because the exceptional quality of the antiquities highlight cultural diversity/impact. It's inspiring, really.

A Grand Collection

Paris: A Grand Collection at the Grand Palais
http://blogs.iht.com/tribtalk/travel/globespotters/?p=692
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/02/15/magazine/20090215-ysl-slideshow_index.html

Useful links:
www.grandpalais.fr
www.ysl.com

A must visit. The collection will be on display to the public at the Grand Palais, on February 21 + 22, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, and on February 23, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Admission is free.

HRD Antwerp

The new HRD Antwerp website www.hrd.be looks great and interactive.

CIBJO Congress 2009

CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation's 2009 Congress will be hosted by the Turkey Jewelry Association and will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 3 - 5, at the Ciragan Palace Kempin.

Useful links:
www.cibjo.org
www.immib.org.tr

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street A Fashion Love Affair
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/02/13/fashion/20090215-street-feature/index.html#

Thank you Bill. I enjoyed it.

Prison Entrepreneurship Program

Turning crack dealers into chief executives
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7839957.stm

Useful links:
www.prisonentrepreneurship.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn5oyytSchI

Inspiring initiative. Hats off to Catherine. Thanks Lucy for sharing the story.

Raman Spectroscopy/Gemology

Raman spectroscopy is becoming an important analytical gem testing instrument in gemology. It's quick and reliable + provides information on treatments in diamond/colored stones, origin determinations, classification of inclusions, fillers and coloring materials. Though expensive, portable/affordable versions are available for gem identification and research applications. The online RRUFF Database have also become useful for gemologists to compare/analyze spectrums of most colored stones/diamonds + mineral specimens.

Useful links:
www.rri.res.in
http://rruff.info

Lead Glass Treated Ruby/Blue Sapphire

Glass or Corundum, that's the Question
http://www.gemlab.net/website/gemlab/fileadmin/user_upload/Research/GEMLAB-Research-Newsletter-09-2008.pdf

Useful link:
www.gemlab.net

Lead glass treated rubies/blue sapphires has become so abundant in the market, I am wondering whether the treated stones should be called corundum, really. Today treated stones have become perfect tools for scams because many people are unaware that the lead-glass treatment exists + the materials are sold at low prices. If you are doubtful always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Real-life Environment

Invaluable tips from the coal face
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ebd23b68-fc3f-11dd-aed8-000077b07658.html

If you just sit around a boardroom table, you don’t have a clue. In fact, we often find that many of our clients don’t really understand what motivates people at the sharp end.
- Kuljit Kaur

Useful link:
www.summersault.co.uk

There’s no substitute for immersion, really. Thank you Rhymer.

Heard On The Street

Fortunes are made at bottoms not at tops.

Elle Muliarchyk

The Immaculate Collection
http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/the-immaculate-collection

Useful link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtAJY4spSVw

Definitely guerilla style tactics + the photographs are stunningly beautiful/artistic.

U.S. Jewelry Census 2008

IDEX Online Research: 2008 U.S. Jewelry Census Confirms Industry Consolidation
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?SID=&id=31917

Useful links:
www.kennethgassman.com
www.jewelersboard.com

Thank you Ken for the jewelry industry update.

Ring Seller

Ring Seller Makes A Living Out Of Love
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100655882

Once, a woman came in to buy a ring for her fiance. "She says, 'Tell me — if he doesn't like it, could I give it back to you?' " Schifrin recalls. "I said, 'No, this is a custom job. I'm making the ring special for your fiance.' She gave me the order, gave me the deposit and says, 'This is what I want engraved in there: No refunds, no returns.' " Schifrin laughs and says, "I couldn't get over that."

A great story. Bill is enjoying his business and his life.

Heard On The Street

The gem market resembles a game of Hot Potato in which dealers/specula­tors kept tossing high-priced gems back and forth, hoping not to be the last holder when the reckoning comes.

Andy Grove Viewpoint

Think Disruptive
http://www.portfolio.com/views/columns/2007/11/15/Innovation-At-Big-Companies
http://www.portfolio.com/video/strategy-and-advice/andy-gove-theory

Useful link:
www.andygrove.com

Interesting perspective.

A Shepard Fairey Moment

Hope And Glory
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/artworld/2009/02/23/090223craw_artworld_schjeldahl
http://www.newyorker.com/online/2009/02/23/slideshow_090223_shepardfairey

Fairey reverses a revolution achieved by Warhol, along with Roy Lichtenstein. He embraces a trend in what the critic Dave Hickey has called ‘pop masquerading as art, as opposed to art masquerading as pop.
- Peter Schjeldahl

Useful links:
http://obeygiant.com
www.icaboston.org

Rightfully true. I liked Fairey's work. Thank you Peter.

The Weather Makers

The Weather Makers: The History and Future Impact of Climate Change by Timothy Flannery is an insightful book on climate change and its impact on our lives. A must read.

Useful link:

www.theweathermakers.org

Art Update

Dressed to impress
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/feb/14/anthony-van-dyck-portrait-painting

Useful link:
www.tate.org.uk

Definitely a visual pleasure. Thank you Keith.

Consumer Jewelry Site

Go to Jewelry.com's modified consumer-friendly site at www.jewelry.com

Marc Choyt + Tracey Williams Interview

Diamond Mining Impact on People, Wildlife in NWT of Canada
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=25304

Useful links:
www.fairjewelry.org
www.madisondialogue.org
www.cpaws.org

Great interview.

Fast Company 50/2009

Fast Company 50 / 2009
http://www.fastcompany.com/fast50_09/profile/list/team-obama

Brilliant review.

The Next 100 Years

The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century by George Friedman is an interesting book about future events and the impact. A must read.

Useful links:

www.stratfor.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=12eNAovkDTM

Kagem Emeralds

Rich Indians go for Kagem Emeralds
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Rich-Indians-go-for-Kagem-Emeralds-15175-3-1.html

Through a tie-up with leading labs, these completely traceable Emeralds will be certified and provided with a complete disclosure as either untreated or treated as per industry acceptable norms. This in turn will boost the confidence of customers.
- Rajiv Gupta, Executive Vice Chairman

Useful link:
www.gemfields.co.uk

I think today any valuable colored stones mined in environmentally friendly, socially responsible and conflict free zones are the most desirable gems. They are easy to describe and sell.

Art Business Update

The Boom Is Over. Long Live the Art!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/arts/design/15cott.html?_r=1&ref=arts
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/holland_cotter/index.html

Useful links:
http://artforum.com
www.newmuseum.org
www.nea.gov

Holland, I completely agree. The present crisis is of a different magnitude. I think it's time for total internal reflection.

Home Movie Making Update

Mike Figgis Makes Some Cheap Home Movies
http://moreintelligentlife.com/story/mike-figgies-camcorders

Useful links:
http://services.manfrotto.com/figrig
www.busbi.biz
http://us.creative.com
www.puredigitalinc.com

Great review. I think within a short time, their quality will get a lot better.

Art Auction Update

Shock and the new
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13130552

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

Interesting perspective. As they say the very top tier will hold its own—period.

Doghouse Prevention Week

'Doghouse Prevention Week' Begins Today
http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/%22;Doghouse+Prevention+Week%22;+Begins+Today/4368898.html

Useful links:
www.bewareofthedoghouse.com
www.jcp.com
www.jcpenney.net

What a brilliant PR! Hats off to JC Penny/Saatchi & Saatchi!

Valentine's Day Impact 2009

Shoppers Showing No Valentine's Love for Retailers
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1878843,00.html?iid=tsmodule

Last year, this was the high-end room. Now, it's the markdown room. Everything's on sale — for example, a $2,500, 18-karat-gold, diamond and amethyst ring now costs $597. We're selling things at or even below cost. We have to adapt.
- Louis Martin Jewelers

Valentine's Day business may be down but I think people will still give their loved ones what they deserve.

Clancy Martin Viewpoint

Valentine’s Day From My Side of the Counter
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/14/opinion/14martin.html?_r=1

Useful link:
http://cas.umkc.edu/philosophy/Martin.htm

What a pleasure to read your opinion piece! Thank you Clancy.

Jim McCann/Flower Power

Flower Power in a Recession
http://feedroom.businessweek.com/?fr_story=cfe18d7ccb5c4967720a5effe360ee97d5c21a1f

Useful link:
http://ww11.1800flowers.com

Interesting business model.

World Press Photo Contest

World Press Photo of the Year 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7888061.stm

Useful link:
www.worldpressphoto.org

Stunningly vivid and sharp hues/natural-looking tones/beautiful, really.

Chris Vermeulen Viewpoint

Chris Vermeulen = A veteran trader of gold and oil running a one-man show offering investors well-developed insights into investing in gold, silver and crude oil.

Useful link:
www.thegoldandoilguy.com

Art Market Update

Low estimates and high profiles buoy the contemporary art market
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/13/arts/melik14.php

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com
www.iht.com/indexes/special/melikian/index.php

Interesting perspective.

UN Global Compact + Responsible Jewelry Council

The Responsible Jewellery Council (a trading name of the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices) has joined United Nations Global Compact - Civil Society, in order to implement Global Compact principles/business practices + corporate social responsibility in advancing high ethical standards in the jewelry industry.

Useful links:
www.unglobalcompact.org
www.responsiblejewellery.com

Flowers 2009

Audio slideshow: Behind the scenes at Kew
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7884523.stm

Useful link:
www.kew.org

Stunningly beautiful!

Bulgari + Rewrite The Future Campaign

Bulgari has created a special ring (limited edition 125th anniversary silver ring to support Save the Children's 'Rewrite the Future' campaign) as part of a global campaign to help improve education for millions of children living in conflict-affected areas.

Go to http://shop.bulgari.com for further info.

Useful links:
www.bulgari.com
www.savethechildren.org

Botswana Diamond Market Update

Botswana: Crisis Opens a Window of Opportunities
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.iiconf.com
www.debeersgroup.com
www.debswana.com
www.gemdiamonds.com

I hope the global financial crisis is temporary, not severe. Thanks Chaim for the update.

Random Thoughts

The best investors often employ checklists for each idea, to ensure that no data-gathering shortcuts are made. General impressions also should not be mistaken for facts. As the saying goes, the plural of anecdote is not evidence.

- Michael Mauboussin
www.michaelmauboussin.com
www.valueinvestorinsight.com

Spot on.

Berlin International Film Festival 2009

Berlin International Film Festival 2009
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/12/arts/berfest.php

Useful link:
www.berlinale.de

Cross cultural ideas = Fiction-documentary hybrid = Globalism = Art in motion. Great venue for an immersive experience.

Great Values In Italian Wines

Italy's fruit of the vine is ripe for picking
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/11/travel/trwine.php

The beauty of ancient wine cultures like Italy's is that a wine nobody thought worth noting, simply because it had been satisfying only the locals for, oh, a thousand years, is tasted by an enterprising young importer. It happens, thankfully, again and again.
- Eric Asimov

Useful links:
http://thepour.blogs.nytimes.com
www.caveduvinblanc.com
www.vaona.it
www.riomaggio.it
www.consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it
www.produttoridelbarbaresco.com

Rightfully true. Thank you Eric.

Buckingham Palace

Queen launches new-look website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7885005.stm

The website celebrates a really important part of the British cultural tradition - the monarchy - and is a great resource for the people within Britain, so it deepens that culture. But at the same time it's there for anybody to see it from other countries, where they really don't understand how the monarchy works - what it does do, what it doesn't do - so now they can go and look.
- Sir Tim Berners-Lee

Useful link:
www.royal.gov.uk

Spot on.

Forevermark Precious Collection

Behind every Forevermark diamond is a precious story
http://www.forevermark.com/en/The-World-of-Forevermark-/Precious-Collection

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

Brilliant PR.

The Moonstone Story

The Moonstone Story
http://addmorecolortoyourlife.com/jewelryfashion/moonstone.asp

Useful link:
www.agta.org

Interesting trend, really.

Art In Two Germanys

Art in Two Germanys Often Spoke the Same Tongue
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/arts/design/12abro.html?_r=1&hp
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/02/11/arts/20090212_LACMAABROAD_SLIDESHOW_index.html

Useful link:
www.lacma.org

Interesting perspective.

Afghan Archives

Audio slideshow: From the Afghan archives
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7883784.stm

Useful link:
www.rgs.org

Twestival 2009

Tweet + Meet + Give = Twestival
http://twestival.com

George Soros Viewpoint

George Soros on The New Paradigm for Financial Markets
http://mitworld.mit.edu/video/633

Useful links:
www.georgesoros.com
www.soros.org
http://econ-www.mit.edu/faculty/caball

Great lecture. Thank you MIT.

Gemstones Overiew: Australia

Gemstones overview - Australia
http://www.austrade.gov.au/Gemstones-overview/default.aspx

Useful links:
www.austrade.gov.au
www.australianjewelleryfair.com.au
www.gem.org.au
www.jaa.com.au

Expecting The Unexpected

Expecting the Unexpected: Why You Should Not Let Experience Be Your Guide
http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1747
http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/kahneman_taleb_DLD09/kahneman_taleb_DLD09_index.html

Useful link:
www.fooledbyrandomness.com

Nicholas, I completely agree.

Golden Globe/Color Trend

Golden Opportunities for Globe Guests to Shine in Color
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan09/golden-globes.cfm

Useful links:
www.goldenglobes.org
www.dior.com
www.vancleef-arpels.com
www.fredleighton.com
www.hstern.net

The colored stone designs/jewelry were one-of-a-kind/elegant.

Green Valentine Jewelry

Green Valentine's Day gifts: jewellery
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2009/feb/11/green-valentines-gifts-jewellery-cufflinks

Useful links:
www.fifibijoux.com
http://uncommonlybeautifulrecycledaccessories.bigcartel.com
http://made.uk.com
www.urthjewellery.com
www.ethicalsuperstore.com

Jewels are romantic. The top five green and ethical choices were brilliant. Thank you Adam.

Madoff! The Musical

Fragments From 'Madoff! The Musical'
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/goingson/2009/02/fragments-of-ma.html

Thank you Ben. I loved it.

The Improvising Brain

The Improvising Brain
http://www.harvardscience.harvard.edu/foundations/articles/the-improvising-brain

Useful link:
http://mbb.harvard.edu

Great essay.

Survive 2009/Thrive 2010

Survive 2009/Thrive 2010
- by Emmy Kondo (at the JA New York Winter Show in New York City)
http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/photos/stylus/68152-DPSPresentation.pdf

Useful link:
www.dps.org

Educational/insightful. Thank you NJN/DPS.

Heard On The Street

Avoid inside information as you would the plague. Seek facts diligently, advice never.

ComicCon 2009

ComicCon: The Hulk & Chewbacca Speak
http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1485842900&bctid=10626089001

Useful link:
www.comic-con.org

Great show. A must visit.

Diamonds As A Store Of Value

Gold move over... introducing diamonds as a store of value
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page37?oid=78236&sn=Detail

Useful links:
www.debeersgroup.com
www.iiconf.com

According to Stephen Lussier, Executive Director of De Beers, two things in life that last longer than time is love/diamonds. Interesting perspective. Over to you.

Diamond Market Update

Painful road to stabilisation for the diamond market
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page37?oid=78180&sn=Detail

But consumers have not lost confidence in diamonds, if you buy your wife earrings with one diamond in each earring, she will leave you.
- Chaim Even-Zohar

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.iiconf.com

Spot on.

John Quelch Viewpoint

In Praise of Marketing
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6015.html

Because its purpose is to create a customer, the business enterprise has two—and only these two—basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are costs.
- Peter Drucker

Useful link:
http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/quelch

Great essay. Thank you John.

Australian Opal Center

Australian Opal Center is a national facility developed to house a public collection of Australian precious opal/rare opalized fossils. Go to www.australianopalcentre.com for further info.

Powermeter

Powermeter
http://www.google.org/powermeter/index.html

I think the business world/government should educate the public to adopt networked smart meters in homes that lets you see and analyse energy use if we want an energy revolution.

Global Business @ BBC

Peter Day's World of Business reviews China’s spending boom + the coming great Chinese consumer revolution/impact @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/global_business.shtml

Smart History

smARThistory = Credible + concise art reference.
http://www.smarthistory.org

Useful links:
http://smarthistory.org
www.moma.org
www.fitnyc.edu

Great art concept, really. I liked it.

Melissa Joy Manning

Wishbone Earrings by Melissa Joy Manning. The handmade earrings from recyled silver is simple, elegant, brilliant and affordable. Go to www.melissajoymanning.com for further info.