Henri Barguirdjian (President/CEO of GRAFF) was spot on. Whatever is fine/rare in jewelry fetches unbelievable prices.
Useful link:
http://www.graffdiamonds.com
P.J.Joseph's Weblog On Colored Stones, Diamonds, Gem Identification, Synthetics, Treatments, Imitations, Pearls, Organic Gems, Gem And Jewelry Enterprises, Gem Markets, Watches, Gem History, Books, Comics, Cryptocurrency, Designs, Films, Flowers, Wine, Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Graphic Novels, New Business Models, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Energy, Education, Environment, Music, Art, Commodities, Travel, Photography, Antiques, Random Thoughts, and Things He Like.
Translate
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Secrets Of The Hope Diamond
Monday, December 20, 2010, 9:00 p.m, EST, on National Geographical Channel. Don't miss. http://channel.nationalgeographic.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
Global Business BBC
Not for profit business review by Allen Grossman/Robert Kaplan was interesting/insightful. Many thanks to Peter Day.
Useful links:
http://www.hbs.edu
http://hbr.org
Useful links:
http://www.hbs.edu
http://hbr.org
Financial Serial Killers
Insightful. Entertaining. A good book. Real life cases bring the lessons and practical advice to life.
Useful links:
http://www.financialserialkillers.com
http://www.ajamie.com
Useful links:
http://www.financialserialkillers.com
http://www.ajamie.com
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Structural Geology
This discipline is interesting because it reconstructs the time sequence of various stresses and strains placed on rocks in 3 dimensions. Many thanks to Filipe for sharing. http://lisbonstructuralgeologist.blogspot.com
No Labels
India definitely need a No Label movement. Politicians should put aside their differences and do what's best for India. http://nolabels.org
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Giacometti Fakes
An interesting art forgery case.
Useful links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Giacometti
http://www.kunsthaus.ch
http://www.artnews.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=3151
Useful links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Giacometti
http://www.kunsthaus.ch
http://www.artnews.com/issues/article.asp?art_id=3151
The Hard Nut
Fresh. Beautiful. http://markmorrisdancegroup.org/hardnut
Art Market Update
The Economist report on Gustav von Klemperer collection was interesting. http://www.meissen.com + http://www.buymeissen.com
Grant Achatz
Grant Achatz's dishes are not only delicious but also beautiful to look at. http://www.alinearestaurant.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
98.6 Degrees: The Art Of Keeping Your Ass Alive
A brilliant book on survival. http://www.codylundin.com
Life In A Day
A Ridley Scott + Kevin Macdonald project. The 90 minute film will be shown at the Sundance Film Festival 2011.
Useful links:
http://www.youtube.com/user/lifeinaday
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridley_Scott
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Macdonald_(director)
Useful links:
http://www.youtube.com/user/lifeinaday
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridley_Scott
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Macdonald_(director)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Taipei International Flora Exposition 2010
The Flora Expo you don't want to miss. http://www.2010taipeiexpo.tw
Diamond Smugglers Of Séguéla
Monica Mark's story in the Africa Report about the diamond smugglers of Seguela was interesting. http://www.theafricareport.com
Random Thoughts
Diamonds are purchased for emotions. We don't think that diamonds being treated as an investment in the same way as gold is, is the answer.
- Varda Shine
http://www.debeersgroup.com
Spot on.
- Varda Shine
http://www.debeersgroup.com
Spot on.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Desert Laboratory Repeat Photography Collection
The US Geological Survey has the largest collection of repeat photography in the world. Take a look.
Doonesbury Cartoons
Garry Trudeau is the creator of the Doonesbury series. He shares with BBC chronicling some of the defining moments in American history. I loved it. http://www.doonesbury.com
Art Barter
Free thinking. Inspiring. The contract is legally binding. Don't promise something you can't deliver. http://www.artbarter.co.uk
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Global Business BBC
Peter Day talks to experts to compare the two countries vying for the position of number one in the world economy: Indian and China. Interesting viewpoints.
Useful links:
http://www.network18online.com
http://www.facebook.com/superpowerthebook
http://www.naisbitt.com
Useful links:
http://www.network18online.com
http://www.facebook.com/superpowerthebook
http://www.naisbitt.com
John Lennon
To mark the passing of three decades since John Lennon's death on December 8, 1980 - take a look back at his life with The Beatles, his solo career and his campaign for world peace. Many thanks to BBC for sharing the audio slideshow. http://www.johnlennon.com
Fourteen Actors Acting
A video gallery of classic screen types. I loved it. Many thanks to New York Times.
Diamond Exoplanet
The discovery has been described as astonishing astonomical tour de force. According to experts a large traction of the rock mass could be made of diamonds and lots of land masses rich in diamonds much more than we see on earth.
Useful links:
http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu
http://www.nmm.ac.uk
Useful links:
http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu
http://www.nmm.ac.uk
Monday, December 13, 2010
John James Audubon's Birds Of America
The world's most expensive book, a copy of John James Audubon's Birds of America has been sold at the Sothebys for just over £7.3m.
Useful link:
http://www.sothebys.com
Useful link:
http://www.sothebys.com
Art And Artistry
Take a look at the spectacular puzzles created by John S Stokes and Mark G Cappitella.
Map of the world: http://www.custompuzzlecraft.com/Evolve/puzzle823.html
Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights: http://www.custompuzzlecraft.com/Evolve/puzzle836.html
Useful links:
http://www.custompuzzlecraft.com
http://www.mgcpuzzles.com
Map of the world: http://www.custompuzzlecraft.com/Evolve/puzzle823.html
Hieronymus Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights: http://www.custompuzzlecraft.com/Evolve/puzzle836.html
Useful links:
http://www.custompuzzlecraft.com
http://www.mgcpuzzles.com
Boris Kudlička
The abstract visualization of Frederic Chopin's creative process was brilliant. I loved it. http://www.wwaa.pl
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Global Business BBC
Peter Day's viewpoint on our reliance on economic growth (pros/cons) was insightful. Many thanks.
Useful links:
http://www.johnkay.com
http://www.neweconomics.org
http://danielbenami.com
http://www.transitiontowns.org
http://www.ces-surrey.org.uk
Useful links:
http://www.johnkay.com
http://www.neweconomics.org
http://danielbenami.com
http://www.transitiontowns.org
http://www.ces-surrey.org.uk
AGTA GemeShare Online Trading Platform
Interesting concept. Give it a try. http://www.agtagemeshare.com
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Bed Of Procrustes
The book makes the reader think, really. Great many thanks to Nassim Nicholas Taleb. http://www.fooledbyrandomness.com
America The Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins
The U.S Mint has released the 2010 America the Beautiful five-ounce silver bullion coins. Take a look. http://www.usmint.gov
Turner Prize 2010
Susan Philipsz has won the 2010 Turner Prize for a sound installation that features her singing three versions of a Scottish lament. Congratulations.
Useful links:
http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/turnerprize
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp1IjBycbdI
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11928557
Useful links:
http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/turnerprize
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp1IjBycbdI
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11928557
The Joy Of Stats
Hans Rosling's simplified presentation was brilliant. Keep up the good work Hans.
Useful links:
http://www.flixxy.com/200-countries-200-years-4-minutes.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wgq0l
http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_shows_the_best_stats_you_ve_ever_seen.html
http://www.gapminder.org
Useful links:
http://www.flixxy.com/200-countries-200-years-4-minutes.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wgq0l
http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_shows_the_best_stats_you_ve_ever_seen.html
http://www.gapminder.org
Friday, December 10, 2010
Richard Huganir
Olga Kharif's story in Businessweek about Richard Huganir's research on a drug that helps people forget painful experiences was interesting. Many thanks Olga. http://neuroscience.jhu.edu/RichardHuganir.php
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Art Market Update
The Economist report was interesting. Auctions are always unpredictable. I guess that's what makes them exciting.
Startup Stories
Michael Lazerow was spot on. The entrepreneurs guide too was useful. http://www.buddymedia.com
The Ghost Writer
The Roman Polanski's thriller The Ghost Writer has won the European Film Awards for best film/director. Congratulations.
Useful links:
http://theghost-romanpolanski.com
http://www.europeanfilmacademy.org
Useful links:
http://theghost-romanpolanski.com
http://www.europeanfilmacademy.org
The Future Of Design
The Q&A with Paul Eagle + Janice Barnes was educational and insightful. Many thanks to Fast Company. http://www.fastcodesign.com
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Random Thoughts
There are no rules. But there is no point naming a five-carat diamond. Only the rarest of diamonds (those with the highest color, clarity, and largest size) warrant a name. Whether or not the name takes will depend entirely on whether or not the person behind it has enough clout.
- Patti Wong
http://www.sothebys.com
Spot on.
- Patti Wong
http://www.sothebys.com
Spot on.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Of Gods And Men
A very universal film indeed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Of_Gods_and_Men_(film)
Forget Gold, Buy Diamonds
Yoni Jacobs' opinion piece in Seeking Alpha on diamonds vs gold was interesting. A diamond is forever. The time to buy diamonds may be now. Maybe he is right.
Secret Of Diamond Polishing
Hat's off to Lars Pastewka. Impressive research. The research could be useful in nanotechnology. http://www.en.iwm.fraunhofer.de
Monday, December 06, 2010
Falling Light
Falling Light = Troika + Swarovski Crystal Palace. I loved it.
Useful links:
http://www.troika.uk.com/fallinglight
http://www.swarovskicrystalpalace.com
Useful links:
http://www.troika.uk.com/fallinglight
http://www.swarovskicrystalpalace.com
Random Thoughts
Throughout history, people have emulated what celebs have done. It's called para-social interaction. When we copy them - and Oprah is good example - we feel like thety have some special insight, or greater taste or opportunity than we have and we feel like we are connecting.
- Dr Erik Gregory
http://mprcenter.org
http://www.emitations.com
http://www.solomonbrothers.com
Spot on.
- Dr Erik Gregory
http://mprcenter.org
http://www.emitations.com
http://www.solomonbrothers.com
Spot on.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Sahara Solar Breeder Project
A brilliant Japanese research project. The researchers aim to produce 50% of the planet's electricity using sand by 2050. http://www.diginfo.tv
How Wine Became Modern: Design + Wine 1976 To Now
This is an exhibition not to be missed.
Useful links:
http://www.dsrny.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS9ocP6FNvM
http://www.sfmoma.org
Useful links:
http://www.dsrny.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS9ocP6FNvM
http://www.sfmoma.org
Saturday, December 04, 2010
100 Notable Books Of 2010
The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2010.
Afghanistan: Crossroads Of The Ancient World
The British Museum showcases 200 objects of the long-lost ancient treasure found at Tillya Tepe, the hill of gold. Don't miss. http://www.britishmuseum.org
The Perfect Pink
A 14.23 ct, VVS2, type IIa fancy intense pink, rectangular-cut diamond has been sold for $23,165,968, or $1.63 million per carat in Hong Kong. http://www.christies.com
Modern Times
A new restored version of Modern Times has been released. The comedy works as well today as it did over seventy years ago, another sign that all is not well with our economy. http://www.criterion.com/films/27526-modern-times
Friday, December 03, 2010
Portraits Of The Mind
Portaits of the Mind: Visualizing the Brain From Antiquity to the 21st Century by Carl Schoonover explores the brain through gorgeous imagery via state-of-the-art techniques allowing us to see the unseen. Thanks Carl. http://www.carlschoonover.com
Ghent Altarpiece
Peter Schjeldahl shares his experience about the Ghent Altarpiece, the van Eyck masterpiece in St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. Great many thanks.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Random Thoughts
I hope that America is entering a post-greed period. I can't think of a single step that would change the nature of our society more than everyone abandoning their automobiles and cycling instead. There would be less dependence on oil, obesity levels would drop dramatically, and reflective bike clips would replace fancy ladies' purses as the current must-have fashion accessory.
- Nick Dewar
http://www.nickdewar.com
Spot on.
- Nick Dewar
http://www.nickdewar.com
Spot on.
Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark
One of my favorite characters in the movies. It better be good. http://spidermanonbroadway.marvel.com
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Type: A Visual History Of Typefaces & Graphic Styles
Vol.1/2. Brilliant illustrations. http://www.taschen.com
Digital Planet BBC
Gareth Mitchell's Digital Planet programme was brilliant. I enjoyed it. Great many thanks to Colin Grant for sharing the info on 3D printers ++++.
Useful links:
http://www.freedomofcreation.com
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.bath.ac.uk/research/about/features/reprap.html
http://www.planetread.org
Useful links:
http://www.freedomofcreation.com
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.bath.ac.uk/research/about/features/reprap.html
http://www.planetread.org
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sandiaga Uno
Inspiring story indeed. I think Indonesia needs more Sandiaga Uno's to spearhead an entrepreneurial revolution. Really. http://www.saratoga-asia.com
Random Thoughts
It's very difficult to focus when times are good, You start to think you're Midas or something, or Jesus if you're selling everything you make. When times are bad you have time to rethink, you have time to throw a lot of things out.
- Damien Hirst
http://www.damienhirst.com
Spot on.
- Damien Hirst
http://www.damienhirst.com
Spot on.
Two Cities, Four Architects
I.M.Pei, Frank Gehry, Norman Foster and Jean Nouvel on their work. Many thanks to New York Times.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Man-made Diamonds
The Economic Times article on man-made diamonds was interesting. Synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory. They have nearly the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of their natural counterpart. On the other hand, imitation diamonds usually resemble in color only. They do not have the same chemical, physical and optical properties of their natural counterpart. In fact synthetic diamonds and imitation diamonds often get mixed up. I think imitation/synthetic diamonds are not that difficult to identify. If doubtful always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.
Useful links:
http://www.ckcsons.com
http://www.popleys.com
http://www.debeers.com
http://www.debeersgroup.com
http://www.moissaniteco.com
Useful links:
http://www.ckcsons.com
http://www.popleys.com
http://www.debeers.com
http://www.debeersgroup.com
http://www.moissaniteco.com
Startup Updates
Aneace Haddad story. All the best with Taggo.
Useful links:
http://aneace.blogspot.com
http://www.taggo.co.uk
Useful links:
http://aneace.blogspot.com
http://www.taggo.co.uk
Books On Shirts
Striking works of art. I loved it. http://www.outofprintclothing.com
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Dave Brubeck
Meet the jazz giant. http://davebrubeck.com
Exhibition A
A new online art platform. Limited edition pieces by top contemporary artist. Take a look. http://www.exhibitiona.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)