The Story Of A Red Diamond

One Red Diamond In Search Of An Owner

Useful links:
www.gemfacts.com
www.argylepinktender.com
www.riotintodiamonds.com

A unique treasure hunt, really.

How To Green Your Home

Discover how you can your home's energy bills + carbon emissions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2009/jun/12/green-your-home
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/series/green-your-home

The Art Of Making Money

The Art of Making Money: The Story of a Master Counterfeiter by Jason Kersten is a fascinating book about Art Williams, the creative counterfeiter, and his life. A must read.

Useful link:

www.jasonkersten.com

Darwin's Endless Forms

Audio slideshow: Darwin's Endless Forms
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8101520.stm

Useful link:
www.darwinendlessforms.org

Science meet art, really. Brilliant. I loved it.

Czar Treasures From The East

A trove of spectacular objects from the Kremlin’s collection
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/multimedia/photos/?c=y&articleID=47842072&page=1

Useful link:
www.kreml.ru

Today, many of the lavish gifts that Russian czars received during numerous visits from the Ottoman Turks and the Safavids of Iran remain preserved in the treasury of the Kremlin. Until now, most of the objects had never been on public display outside Russia. This summer, 65 of the Kremlin’s finest works, some pulled for the first time from the storage vaults of the Kremlin armory, are on view at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery through September 13, 2009.

Don't miss!

Heard On The Street

It's really hard to buy gemstones at the right price. Half of all gemstones that trades in the market never sees a broker. We believe you've got to have a lot of local knowledge of the marketplace. Gem dealers are smart and they talk. And if one gem dealer rolls into town and makes a bid, suddenly all of the prices go up.

Erik Johansson

Meet Erik Johansson, the photo manipulation master based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

www.alltelleringet.com

Interesting to watch because they give a realistic view of an unreal picture. Brilliant!

Your Story

Yourstory.in = Entrepreneurs + Start-ups + Self-made professionals
www.yourstory.in

The Purpose Linked Organization

The Purpose Linked Organization: How Passionate Leaders Inspire Winning Teams and Great Results by Alaina Love + Marc Cugnon is a brilliant book filled with insights on purpose power and its impact. A must read.

Useful link:

www.thepurposelink.com

Zero Energy Technology And Architecture

ZETA Communities
www.zetacommunities.com

Affordable + Energy-efficient.

Ghost Forest

Ghost forest in Trafalgar Square
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8093912.stm

Useful link:
www.angelaspalmer.com

Anjela's artwork was brilliant.

Tom Koulopolous

Business Visionary: Tom Koulopoulos
www.tomkoulopoulos.com

Hacking Education

Group discussions among academics, entrepreneurs, and educators at Union Square Sessions Event, Hacking Education was insightful. Check out the link http://www.unionsquareventures.com/2009/05/hacking_education.html

Platinum First

Platinum First = Interactive training + smart selling techniques
www.platinumguild.com

Jessica Stockholder

Meet Jessica Stockholder + explore her beautiful site-specific sculptures/installations
www.madisonsquarepark.org
www.seniorandshopmaker.com
www.miandn.com
www.jessicastockholder.coe.uh.edu
http://art.yale.edu/JessicaStockholder

What's unique is the color + geometry.

Verona Opera Festival 2009

Placido Domingo is the star attraction at Verona’s 87th Opera Festival, which also features revivals of 'Carmen' + 'Aida' + 'Turandot.' Check out the link www.arena.it

The Art And Politics Of Science

The Art and Politics of Science by Harold Varmus is an interesting book that illustrates the relationship between science and society + the nature of the society of scientists. A must read.

Open Source Embroidery

Embroidery + Code = Open Source Embroidery
www.open-source-embroidery.org.uk

A brilliant mashup between craft and technology, really.

Heard On The Street

Don't feel that you simply must be in the market all the time, but get out occasionally so as to regain your perspective and an unprejudiced view of the situation, especially when the trend is not clear.

Clos Jordanne

Le Clos Jordanne's 2005 Claystone Terrace, an outsider wine has surprised the wine world in what is being dubbed, 'The Judgment of Montreal.' The Société des alcools du Québec invited Quebec's top wine writers and sommeliers, who tend to favor Old World wines, to revisit the historic Judgment of Paris. Le Clos Jordanne participated in a blind tasting held in Quebec, and beat out all the wines from France and the United States. Hats off to Thomas Bachelder!

Useful links:

www.leclosjordanne.com

www.saq.com

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Fade to Black
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/13/fashion/20090614-street-feature/index.html#

Black is in vogue again. It was marvelous. Thanks Bill.

Living Buildings

Living Building Challenge
www.cascadiagbc.org
www.tyson.wustl.edu

Living Building Challenge sponsored by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council is arguably the most extreme green building rating system in the world. I hope the learning centers in India adopt a similar rating system to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions and save the environment.

Holy Jewels

Karnataka tourism minister and Bellary mine baron Gali Janardhan Reddy has donated a diamond-studded crown (32kg of pure gold + 70,000 diamonds weighing 4,000 carats + a huge 890-carat emerald) worth Rs 42 crore (US$8.8 million) to Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati. Keertilal Jewellers of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu took nine months to fashion the crown. With this offering, the total number of crowns placed with the Lord has gone up to seven.

Useful link:

www.tirumala.org

Afghan Star

Havana Marking’s first feature documentary 'Afghan Star' was both brilliant and captivating. Afghan Star explores the power of pop culture where just eight years ago singing in public was a crime. Check out the link www.afghanstardocumentary.com

Art Market Update

Hard times
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13849543

Useful links:
www.artprice.com
www.christies.com
www.picasso.fr
www.artloss.com

Finding paintings to sell now depends on relationships, conversations and trust. How true!

The Human Rights International Film Festival 2009

The Human Rights International Film Festival 2009
www.hrw.org
www.filmlinc.com

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

Germany passes the acid test
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/b1d4f13c-56dd-11de-9a1c-00144feabdc0.html

Useful links:
www.jancisrobinson.com
www.ft.com/arts/columnists/robinson

Great review. Thanks Jancis.

Heard On The Street

Knowing about gem market = knowing about people's weakness.

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Innovators, Take Heart
http://blogs.wsj.com/management

So don’t give up. Innovation isn’t a fad—it’s the real deal, the only deal.

Useful link:
www.garyhamel.com

Spot on.

Synthetic Diamond Update

Dr. Zalman M. Shapiro, 89, will be personally presented with his new patent for creating gem-quality synthetic diamonds by John J. Doll, Acting United States Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property at the USPTO Headquarters, Madison Building, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, on June 16th at 1pm. Check out the link www.uspto.gov

Dr. Shapiro, who was recently nominated for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, demonstrates that it is never too late to be a contributing member of our society. Hats off to Dr Zalman!

i29

Intelligent designs + striking images = Everything flows
www.i29.nl + www.snelder.com

I Don't Want To Polish Diamonds Anymore Movie

Atul Patel's Gujarati film 'Have Maare Hira Nathi Ghasva (I don't want to polish diamonds anymore)' on the plight of diamond polishers in Gujarat, India, has become so successful, he is planning a global release for the movie, with English subtitles to cater to the diaspora. Good luck!

Banksy's Bristol Show

In pictures: Banksy's Bristol show
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/bristol/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8096000/8096891.stm
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b0d9746e-576f-11de-8c47-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

Useful link:
www.banksy.co.uk

His art + stunts are extraordinary. Amazingly his work has attracted serious collectors from the mainstream market, and he will continue to excite, engage or challenge us in the long run. He is different, really.

Spent

Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer Behavior by Geoffrey Miller is a fascinating book on our quest for self-display + the pros/cons. I guess, it's a state of mind. A must read.

Useful link:

www.unm.edu/~psych/faculty/lg_gmiller.html

Pen And Parchment

An intriguing show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York
http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13813420

The show, open until August 23rd, is hung with more than 50 finely detailed, beautifully observed and executed medieval drawings, all created between the ninth and 14th centuries.

Useful link:
http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment

A must visit.

Edward Tufte

Meet Edward Tufte, the Galileo of graphics + explore his design/innovative thinking and simple approach via sparklines = tiny graphical devices that can communicate enormous volumes of data in just a few characters. Check out the link www.edwardtufte.com

Willard Wigan

Micro-sculptor Willard Wigan is launching a new exhibition. Check out the link www.willard-wigan.com

DropStuff

DropStuff = Media art + e-Culture
http://dropstuff.org

Art brings down boundaries and encourages openness. The new technologies offer exciting tools to work with + new ways of reaching audiences.

World Science Festival 2009

Science, the Extravaganza
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/arts/12fest.html?_r=1&hp

Useful links:
www.worldsciencefestival.com
www.eowilson.org

The idea of blending art, theater and music with science was brilliant. Hats off to Brian Greene! Don't miss!

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Pulling the Plugs
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful link:
www.diamondintelligence.com

I think to some players pulling the plug may provide a preferred exit route out of the industry. Spot on. Thanks Chaim for the insightful article.

Random Thoughts

I'm convinced that farmland is going to be one of the best investments of our time. Eventually, of course, food prices will get high enough that the market probably will be flooded with supply through development of new land or technology or both, and the bull market will end. But that's a long ways away yet.

- Jim Rogers
www.jimrogers.com
http://jimrogers-investments.blogspot.com
www.farmlandinvestmentpartnership.com

Spot on. I think the biggest investors in farmland will probably be sovereign wealth funds eager to secure food supplies for their rapidly growing populations + the effects of climate change could only amplify the problem.

The Art Of Innovation

Ten Commandments from Entrepreneurial 'Evangelist' Guy Kawasaki
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2258

Useful link:
www.guykawasaki.com

The 10 commandments were great. Good thoughts.

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Why Success Often Sows the Seeds of Failure
http://blogs.wsj.com/management

Useful link:
www.garyhamel.com

True indeed. Spot on. Success corrupts.

Seven5

A high-tech design via Seven5 www.seven5.com + Herman Miller www.hermanmiller.com

Art In Venice

Venice Biennale Highlights
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/10/arts/design/20090610_BIENNALE_FEATURE.html?hp

Body Of Art

Unusual performance artists
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8089933.stm

Useful link:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kt8r3

Fascinating/shocking, really.

Thoughts On Jewels

Ethical jewels
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/5487536/Ethical-jewels.html

Useful links:
www.gold.org
www.responsiblejewellery.com
www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk
www.theofennell.com
www.shaunleane.com
www.stephenwebster.com
www.cityfringe.org.uk
www.artworkersguild.org
www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk
www.astleyclarke.com
www.credjewellery.com
www.osmanyousefzada.com

Ethics are key. I really appreciate people who go the extra mile to make it better. None of this is easy.

E3 Expo 2009

E3 Expo
http://e3expo.com

Noteworthy video games from the 2009 E3 expo in Los Angeles.
- Assassins Creed 2: http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com
- Heroes of Telara: www.heroesoftelara.com
- RUSE: http://ruse.uk.ubi.com
- Star Wars: The Old Republic: www.swtor.com
- Project Natal: www.xbox.com/en-US/live/projectnatal
- Academy of Champions: http://academyofchampions.uk.ubi.com
- PSP Go: http://uk.playstation.com/psp
- Just Cause 2: www.justcause.com
- Hearts of Iron III: www.paradoxplaza.com
- Mass Effect 2: http://masseffect.bioware.com

Diamond Market Update

Diamond Market: Different viewpoints
http://www.modernjeweler.com/print/Modern-Jeweler/A-Survivors-Guide-to-the-Diamond-Market/1$962
http://seekingalpha.com/article/137237-world-diamond-market-is-a-scam

I always find the world diamond market fascinating. Boring? Never! Predictable? Always!

StartupNation

StartupNation = Advice + networking by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs
www.startupnation.com

String Theory

String Theory: Investing in High-End Violins
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1903459,00.html

People who have lost a lot of money in the stock market are scrambling to instruments as safe havens.
- Gael Francais

Useful links:
www.cozio.com
www.artasanasset.com
www.florianleonhard.com
www.emigrantbankfineart.com
www.stradivariinvest.com
www.namm.org
www.musictrades.com

Investing in top instruments sounds like sweet music.

Gold Fever

Gold Fever
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1903119_1894147,00.html
www.sarinafinkelstein.com

The gold gets ahold of you. It's like heroin, it's like the devil, it beckons you all the time.
- Bernie McGrath

That's rightfully true.

The Sacred Made Real

The Sacred Made Real Spanish Painting and Sculpture 1600 - 1700
21 October 2009 – 24 January 2010
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's Comment
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0038ynr

Useful link:
www.lazytown.com

Marcus Scheving is impressive + his show is popular in more than 100 countries around the world. He is a very good example of how energetic entrepreneurship can accomplish the most remarkable things in unlikely places.

Artist As Citizen

Climate Challenge via Art
www.artistascitizen.org

The initiative by AAC to describe climate trends, causes and consequences via art was creative + fresh.

Jancis Robinson Viewpoint

The new Ottoman emperors
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9909aa0a-515e-11de-84c3-00144feabdc0.html

Useful links:
www.jancisrobinson.com
www.ft.com/arts/columnists/robinson
www.kavaklidere.com
www.doluca.com

It was interesting to learn more about the rapidly developing wine culture in Turkey. I think Mehmet Basman, of Kavaklidere, was right about trend-conscious modern Turkish wine drinkers: Turks taste via their ears. Thanks Jancis for the insightful article,

The Return Of The Salesman

The Return of the Salesman
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6150.html

I think Walter A. Friedman was right. Good salespeople are able to read faces and size up prospects well. And today, they're a dying breed.

Do Something

Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something Inc. has overseen the organization's growth + dedicated herself to inspiring, supporting and celebrating other young people who want to change the world. Check out the link www.dosomething.org

Design It: Shelter Competition 2009

Design It:Shelter Competition 2009
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/education/sackler-center/design-it-shelter
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/design-it-shelter-competition-unleash.html
www.openarchitecturenetwork.org

Learn by doing.

Pearl Market Update

I found the Reuters's report on Japan's akoya pearl industry intriguing. The industry is facing collapse due to plunging sales + stiff competition from China. According to Mikimoto & Co, China now has 50 times Japan's pearl production capacity and the pearls are much more price-competitive + competition from South Sea/Tahitian pearls, which are often bigger than akoya, is attracting consumers in many western countries. Sign of the times, I guess.

Heard On The Street

Being able to give back should be an integral part of the DNA of any successful business.

Eddie LeVian Signature Collection

Eddie LeVian Signature Collection = Chocolate diamond pieces with natural fancy color rough diamonds/pave-set diamonds + rings and bangles featuring crossover styling, medallions, double-hoop earrings, stacking pieces and motifs such as logos, hearts, knots and paisleys. Trends to look out for in 2009/2010. Check out the link www.levian.com

Global Luxury Summit 2009

Global Luxury 2009
www.reuters.com/finance/summit/GlobalLuxury09

Executives from Burberry, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, The Luxury Institute, Estee Lauder, Bain & Co., Rolls-Royce Motor Car, Hermes, and more, will gather this week at Reuters' first-ever Global Luxury Summit to speak about future growth/issues in the luxury sector.

Museum Of Counterfeit Goods

Museum of Counterfeit Goods
http://www.tginfo.com/Museum/museum.htm

The most surprising thing about the Museum of Counterfeit Goods in Bangkok is the sheer diversity of its exhibits. The display of counterfeit goods alongside their genuine counterparts is of great educational value + unforgettable hands on learning experience. A must visit.

Infinite Photograph

Infinite Photograph—As seen on earth
http://www.thegreenguide.com/infinite-photograph

Keep clicking—and diving deeper into the Infinite Photograph—to get a truly boundless picture of Earth. It's stunningly beautiful + truly inspiring.

Luminato 2009

Luminato, a festival of arts and creativity.
www.luminato.com

One interesting highlight is Binary Waves, an interactive work that visually responds to unseen electromagnetic communications signals. Don't miss!

Gary Braasch

Gary Braasch is an award-winning environmental photojournalist who creates remarkable images and important documentation about nature, environment, biodiversity and global warming. Check out the link www.braaschphotography.com

Dave Perry Viewpoint

Dave Perry, the man behind games such as Enter the Matrix/Earthworm Jim, believes in the distant future all video games will be fully online/cloud-based. Check out the link www.dperry.com

The Forevermark Diamond Grading Report

Diamond brand Forevermark has introduced its new Forevermark Diamond Grading Report to further enhance its unique promise of quality and integrity. Check out the link www.forevermark.com

Random Thoughts

When you want to get aboard a street car which is already in motion, you don’t run at it from right angles and try to make the platform in one wild leap. If you do, you are likely to find yourself on the floor. No. You run along beside the car, increasing your pace until you are moving just as rapidly as it is moving and in the same direction. Then you step aboard easily, without danger or jolt. The minds of busy men are in motion. They are engaged with something very different from the thought you have to present. You can’t jump directly at them and expect to make an effective landing. You must put yourself in the other man’s place; try to imagine what he is thinking; let your first remark be in line with his thoughts; follow it by another with which you know he will easily agree. Thus, gradually, your two minds reach a point where they can join without conflict. You encourage him to say ‘yes’ and ‘yes’ and ‘that’s right’ and ‘I’ve noticed that myself,’ until he says the final ‘yes’ which is your favorable decision.

- Bruce Barton

Spot on.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand

French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand's first film 'Home' highlights the treasures of planet Earth and the marks that humans leave behind. Check out the link www.home-2009.com

Useful links:
www.yannarthusbertrand.org
www.youtube.com/homeproject

It was educational + inspiring, really.

Marco Bicego

Italian jewelry designer Marco Bicego's architectural collection takes inspiration from the New York skyline and its metropolitan landscape. They are great designs, really. Check out the link www.marcobicego.com

Heard On The Street

Many fine gem & jewelry companies, across the distribution pipeline, will be out of business within 12 months. The global economy is mysterious + scary, really.

Whatever Works

Whatever Works is an upcoming 2009 comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. Check out the link www.sonyclassics.com/whateverworks

Bill Cunningham Viewpoint

On the Street / Yard Party
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/06/fashion/20090607-street-feature/index.html#

It was glorious. Thanks Bill. I loved it.

The Louvre Museum

A Paradox at the Louvre?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/06/arts/06iht-melik6.html

Useful link:
www.louvre.fr

Interesting viewpoint. Thanks Souren.

Art Market Update

Knock on wood
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13807019

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.thechippendalesociety.co.uk

I think private collectors with money and taste will pay the right price for top-quality pieces with excellent provenance.

IDC Rules For Grading Diamonds

The International Diamond Council (IDC) has released an updated version of its 'IDC Rules for Grading Diamonds', which outlines new rules on diamond nomenclature. Check out the link www.internationaldiamondcouncil.org

Mischer Traxler

Meet Katharina Mischer and Thomas Traxler, Vienna-based designers + explore their impressive designs. Brilliant creation, really! I liked it.

Useful links:
www.mischertraxler.com
http://dmy-berlin.com

Heard On The Street

Mem­ory in the gem market is notoriously short, as history has shown re­peatedly. In my experience gem markets are continuously foolish, and gem dealers usually invite catastrophe themselves.

Espresso Book Machine

The brainchild of American publisher Jason Epstein, the Espresso is described as an 'ATM for books', and this could change bookselling fundamentally. Check out the link www.ondemandbooks.com

Solar-thermal Technology

The other kind of solar power
http://www.economist.com/science/tq/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13725855

Useful links:
www.brightsourceenergy.com
www.newenergyfinance.com
www.nrel.gov
www.skyfuel.com
www.esolar.com
www.stirlingenergy.com
www.nexteraenergyresources.com

It makes more sense. I think new innovative technologies will evolve in the coming years providing clean electricity.

Purefold

Ridley Scott is back with a new sci-fi web series titled 'Purefold' based on the same themes as Blade Runner.

Check out the link www.ag8.com/purefold + www.rsafilms.com

Opal Market Update

I found Boro Rapaic's comment on laboratory-made opals intriguing. He has labelled synthetic opals as artificial stones/fake. Check out the link http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2590411.htm

Here is the definition of synthetic vs imitation vs natural:
Synthetic gem: Same as natural gem (in terms of composition, structure, properties and appearance), except made by humans. Must have a natural counterpart.
Imitation: A gem material (natural or otherwise) which has the same appearance as the gem it imitates.
Natural: A gem material which entirely the product of nature. It is unaltered by humans in any way, except for ordinary cutting and polishing (no impregnations).

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's Comment
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/business/2009/06/090602_peter_day_comment_june_02.shtml

Thanks Peter for your viewpoint. Getting an MBA may increase a business person's earning power, but exactly what has the recent growth of MBA courses done for the businesses who employ them? A very good question indeed. Difficult to tell. Instead of simplifying the business operation they have made it complex and stupid.

Marco Brambilla

Marco Brambilla: Civilization
http://marcobrambilla.com

Marco's video collage depicting heaven, hell, and purgatory was brilliant.

Venice Biennale 2009

The 53rd Venice Biennale, known to many as the greatest art show on earth, starts today and runs until 22 November 2009. Check out the link www.labiennale.org

Obama’s Speech In Cairo

Text: Obama’s Speech in Cairo
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/us/politics/04obama.text.html?em

Useful links:
www.whitehouse.gov
www.cu.edu.eg
www.barackobama.com

The tone/vocabulary was brilliant. He was not afraid to express his viewpoints. No other president could make that speech because he had the credibility of his own life story: the Muslims in his father's family, the childhood years in Indonesia. Overall I thought it was a balanced speech.

Argyle Pink Diamond Tender 2009

Rio Tinto will be showcasing to the world 43 pink diamonds as part of the 25th Argyle Pink Diamond Tender. The tender, titled 'Grand Passions,' will feature the rarest and best pink diamonds from Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia. For the first time, Rio Tinto is bringing the tender to Mumbai, India, where a viewing is slated for Aug. 6-10, 2009 After that, tender viewings are scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia, (Sept. 1-11, 2009) and in Hong Kong (Sept. 19-27, 2009).

Useful links:
www.riotinto.com
www.argylediamonds.com.au
www.argylepinktender.com
www.ncdia.com

These diamonds are for appreciators of the truly exceptional. There is a growing recognition that we won't be seeing natural pink diamonds for that much longer. But you may never know.

Coral Update

Tiffany & Co today unveiled store windows worldwide with an 'Under the Sea' theme to raise awareness about the damage coral harvesting inflicts on critically important marine ecosystems. Check out the link www.tiffany.com

In 2002 we discontinued selling coral jewelry, concluding that in a world where corals and reef communities are under siege, we could not be complicit in their destruction. It is our hope to raise consumer awareness of this important issue and to urge fellow jewelers to join us in refusing to sell coral jewelry.
- Michael J. Kowalski, Chairman/CEO, Tiffany & Co.

Useful links:
www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org
www.tooprecioustowear.org
www.seaweb.org
www.cites.org
http://coralreef.noaa.gov/crca.html

That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.
- Neil Armstrong

Just do it.

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Russians to Resolve Overhang with Upcoming Sales
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
http://eng.alrosa.ru

It was interesting to learn that by volume, Russia’s production has surpassed Botswana and is now the world’s largest producer. Thanks Chaim.

Time Jumper

Stan Lee will be releasing 'Time Jumper', an animated comic about a boy who can travel in time using his mobile phone, in stages on the internet and mobile phones, free of charge. I hope the experiment succeeds.

Useful links:
www.comic-con.org/cci
www.powentertainment.com

New Art + New Ideas

The Generational: Younger than Jesus, via New Museum in New York, includes work by 50 artists from 25 countries – all younger than 33. New generation = New people. Don't miss!

Useful link:
www.newmuseum.org

François Pinault's Contemporary Art Collection

How the French Charles Saatchi became the merchant of Venice
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/jun/03/francois-pinault-venice-art

Useful link:
www.palazzograssi.it

As a true patron of art, Pinault's art collection = Who’s Who of global art today.

Jim Fiebig

Jim Fiebig is a retailer turned color gemstone consultant. According to Jim, of the $68 billion global gemstone and jewelry industry, colored stones account for only 10 percent of sales. That means 90 percent of those billions are spent on diamonds, gold, and silver. He believes jewelers aren't promoting colored stones with passion. Check out the link www.sellmorecolor.com

Video Game Update

The behavioural effects of video games
http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13726738&source=hptextfeature

The upshot of both studies is that video games are like any other medium. Feed the user with aggressive thoughts and you risk making him aggressive. Feed him with the milk of human kindness and the opposite will probably happen. No great surprise, perhaps. But a salutary reminder both that the older generation should not rush to judgment on youthful habits it does not understand, and that the medium is not always the message.
- Economist

Useful links:
www.psychology.iastate.edu/~dgentile
www.sussex.ac.uk/psychology/profile208149.html
www.psy.lmu.de/soz/personen/mitarbeiter/osswald/index.html

Interesting article. From my point of view, the twig is bent so shall the tree grow. I would like to see a research done on what effect more complex games have on people.

Forms Bank

Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has launched Forms Bank to help jewelry retailers. These forms include store receipts, take in forms, credit applications, cash transaction reports and more. Check out the link www.jvclegal.org

The San Carlos Apache Nation

Land of Spirit, Land of Stone
http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/may09/apache-peridot.cfm

And the land practically hums with gemstones. Of them, the most famous one is vibrant, grassy green peridot admired around the world. As you look across the vast mesa where it's mined and see the sparkle of green outcroppings, you know immediately this is an important deposit of this olivine. But there's more to San Carlos than peridot. Also found there: Fire agate, demantoid garnet, black spinel, obsidian, feldspar, chalcedony.
- Jordan Clary

Useful links:
www.sancarlosapache.com
www.chiricahuaapache.org
www.apachegems.com
www.eddietwomoons.com

Thanks Jordan for sharing the info. It was educational.

Illusion Of The Year 2009

The 5th Best Visual Illusion of the year contest
http://illusioncontest.neuralcorrelate.com
http://macknik.neuralcorrelate.com

Orange Prize 2009

Marilynne Robinson has won the 2009 Orange Prize for Fiction for her third novel, Home. Check out the link www.orangeprize.co.uk