South Africa's Golden Age Is Dead. Good Riddance — Opinion

Even the richest mines eventually runs out. That's what's happening in South Africa.

Useful link:
http://www.mining.com/web/south-africas-golden-age-dead-good-riddance

The Last Truly Underdeveloped Oil Frontier In The Middle East

You must be a real poker player and have a bit of luck to make money in Kurdistan.

Useful link:
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/The-Last-Truly-Underdeveloped-Oil-Frontier-In-The-Middle-East.html

OK Go Sandbox

OK Go Sandbox, sponsored by Google, Morton Salt, and Cognizant Technology Solutions, OK Go Sandbox is a partnership between the band and University of St. Thomas’s Playful Learning Lab, an organization that works with educators in the K-12 system to find unusual ways of engaging students. Sandbox’s focus—providing online resources to teach STEAM lessons using OK Go videos—is not quite as unusual as it sounds: Teachers have been showing the band’s videos in classrooms for years. Simply brilliant.

Gem Diamonds Finds 135 Carat Yellow Diamond

Gem Diamonds has recovered a 135-carat yellow at its Letšeng mine in Lesotho, the third significant colored-diamond discovery at the deposit this year. 

The company retrieved the high-quality, type I stone on June 21, three months after the mine yielded a similar quality yellow diamond weighing 134 carats. Those discoveries follow a two-year gap in the recovery of yellow diamonds weighing more than 100 carats from Letšeng. In June 2017, the miner found a 151.52-carat yellow. 

Gem Diamonds also unearthed a 13.33-carat pink diamond in February, which it sold to Graff the following month for $8.8 million, or $656,933 per carat. In 2018, the company mined a record 15 stones weighing more than 100 carats. Simply lucky.

Avoid Crowds

Mandy and Hans Schrama-van Stokkom has created Avoid Crowds to show when popular destinations across Europe will be most packed. Take note.

Graff Collection Is Inspired By Threads Which Help To Bind Us All Together

Who would disagree? Graff has one of the finest pack of jewelry designers working for them to create the best of the best.

Useful link:
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3015563/style-edit-graff-collection-inspired-threads

Scientists: We Need To Protect The Solar System From Space Mining

The scientists were spot on. Once you have exploited the solar system, there's nowhere left to go.

Useful link:
https://futurism.com/scientists-stop-space-mining-solar-system

Mining For Millennials

For this generation, the mining industry is a gem in itself, waiting to be discovered.

Useful link:
http://www.mining.com/mining-for-millennials

Serpents And Secret Watches

New designs and the year's trends.

Useful link:
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3009228/serpents-and-secret-watches-most-glamorous-high

Random Thoughts

People think I’m judging, but I’m not judging. I’m watching. It’s different. People sometimes say my eyes can scan you, but it’s not to judge you. It’s to get ideas. It’s observation.

Moda Operandi

Moda Operandi, a place for style trends and emerging designers.

The Impossible Collection Of Cigars

The best coffee table books aren’t merely decorative. They spark conversation and keep you coming back, over and over again, to survey their pages. The Impossible Collection of Cigars promises to be just such a book. For collectors only.

Doryn Wallach

Get to know New York–based designer Doryn Wallach. Take a look at the new jewelry collections.

An Interview With Dacques Nini In Mogok

An insightful field gemology report.

Useful links:
https://www.jewellerynet.com/en/blog/23072
http://www.dacques.com

17th-Century Chinese Incense Burner Sold For $4.9 Million

A fascinating story. And, a happy ending.

Useful link:
https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/chinese-bowl-tennis-balls-intl-scli/index.html
https://www.kollerauktionen.ch

The Value Of Everything

Get to know Mariana Mazzucato.

Useful link:
https://marianamazzucato.com

5 Stunning Jewellery Watches

Craftsmanship at its best.

Useful link:
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3014882/5-stunning-jewellery-watches-channel-red-carpet

The Perlée Collection

Take a look at Van Cleef &Arpels's Perlee Collection.

Useful links:
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3009753/how-van-cleef-arpels-multi-coloured-perlee
https://www.vancleefarpels.com

A Greener Festival

Get to know Claire O’Neill, co-founder of the not-for-profit organisation A Greener Festival, which audits and advises the industry on how to reduce its environmental impact, especially the 3 T's: transport, tents and toilets.

Rare Earth Elements: Small Market, Big Necessity

Adamas Intelligence's new report, titled Rare Earth Elements: Small Market, Big Necessity is a must read.

Broadcasting Happiness

Get to know Michelle Gielan, a positive psychology researcher and the author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science Of Igniting And Sustaining Positive Change.

African Masters In Machine Intelligence

The African Master’s in Machine Intelligence, a one-year intensive program operates learning programs around the region and brings in some of the best AI researchers around the world.

GWS Living Art

In Singapore, buses have been given the green light to find new ways to reduce emissions and improve the air quality of their services. GWS Living Art, a company specialized in urban green structures installed green roofs on 10 public buses. A brilliant idea. I liked it.

The Person You Mean To Be

Get to know Dolly Chugh, a professor at the New York University Stern School of Business, who published a book on bounded ethicality and bias: The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias. Must read.

ZOE

Take a look at the nutrition science start-up called ZOE, which uses machine learning technology to analyze the results.

A Visual Poet Of The Highest Order

Get to know Martin Puryear.

Useful link:
http://www.artnews.com/2019/05/10/martin-puryear-artnews-archives

Rachael Talibart

Stunningly beautiful photographs on waves. The waves look almost sculptural.

Useful link:
https://www.rachaeltalibart.com

Flawless Versus Natural Inclusions – Which Gems Are More Valuable?

Beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder.

Useful link:
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches/article/3009149/flawless-versus-natural-inclusions-which-gems-are-more

Gelato University

Do you want to learn the difference between gelato and ice cream? Go to Italy.

Gelato University is the education branch of Carpigiani, with 15 campuses teaching 400 courses in 10 languages. 

Villa Ascenti

Diageo has debuted a new super-premium Italian gin called Villa Ascenti, which it will sell in 14 European countries. Take note.

Shinrin-yoku

The Japanese preventative healthcare practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is modeled on a recognition of the many benefits of immersion in natural spaces. We’re not yet sure why we seem happiest and healthiest when we’re surrounded by our fellow lifeforms. But the universality and antiquity of our appreciation for nature suggests that our biophilia may originate from the millions of years humans and plants spent co-evolving in close contact with each other. Take note.

Random Thoughts

A word after a word after a word is power.

Pamela Zamore

Take a look at the all new gold collection from Pamela Zamore.

Visit pamelazamore.com for more.

David Gilmour’s Guitars Fetch $21.5 Million In Record Auction

Only for collectors with deep pockets and tastes.

Useful link:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-21/david-gilmour-s-guitars-fetch-21-5-million-in-record-auction?srnd=premium-asia

A Bizarre Form Of Water May Exist All Over The Universe

It's a new crystal, but with a twist. It will have a huge impact. Experts believe supersonic ice is black and hot. It must be a fascinating field of study.

Useful link:
https://www.wired.com/story/a-bizarre-form-of-water-may-exist-all-over-the-universe

How The Graff Lesedi La Rona Diamond Dazzled The Gem World

A Botswana marvel. Hats off to Lawrence Graff.

Useful links:
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/3009703/how-graff-lesedi-la-rona-diamond-dazzled-gem
https://www.graff.com

New Plastics Economy Initiative

There are several types of plastic waste that are difficult to recycle. That is the challenge.

Useful links:
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/our-work/activities/new-plastics-economy
http://fortune.com/2019/04/22/earth-day-2019-recycle-plastic

Tracing The Decline Of Diamond Retail

I hope the diamond retail can turn itself around.

Useful link:
https://www.retaildive.com/news/rock-bottom-tracing-the-decline-of-diamond-retail/555795

Cory Richards

Get to know Cory Richards.

Useful link:
https://coryrichards.com

Clos19

Take a look at Stephanie Watine Arnault's lifestyle brand and e-commerce site Clos19.

Useful link:
https://www.clos19.com

Why Do Birds

The branding, audio, and design agency Why Do Birds just released an interactive quiz, which renders some of the world’s most iconic logos, like IBM’s, from a view above. Take a look.

Blackened Whiskey

You may want to know what happens when music and alcohol collide.

Useful links:

https://blackenedwhiskey.com

http://fortune.com/2019/05/11/music-cocktail-pairings

Le Café Alain Ducasse

Get to know Alain Ducasse.

Useful links:
http://fortune.com/longform/alain-ducasse-coffee
https://www.lecafe-alainducasse.com

Christie’s Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence Sale Made Over $109 Million

The dust has settled. The results are in.

Useful link:
https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/christies-maharajas-jewels-auction-2855258

The Story Of Silver

Get to know William Silber.

Useful links:
https://press.princeton.edu/titles/13334.html
https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/the-story-of-silver-book

Better Place Forests

A venture-backed startup, Better Place Forests, is becoming the natural alternative to cemeteries. I hope it works.

Jewelry For America

Met’s latest jewelry attraction, “Jewelry for America,” has opened for all and will run through April, 5, 2020.

Post A Nut

Coconut mailing is part of the Hoolehua Post Office’s Post-a-Nut program, a service that’s unique to this post office. The program began in 1991, when former postmaster Margaret Keahi-Leary wanted a way for residents and visitors to send an unusual, authentic bit of Molokai to their friends, according to a USPS blog post written about it. I liked it.

This New Short-Story Collection From The Author Behind Arrival Is Sci-Fi At Its Smartest

Get to know Ted Chiang and Exhalation, his thinky Sci-Fi.

Useful link:
https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/5/10/18563409/exhalation-ted-chiang-review 

How The Founder Of Google Creative Lab Turned It Into A Juggernaut

Get to know Robert Wong of Google Creative Lab.

Useful link:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90345911/how-the-founder-of-google-creative-lab-turned-it-into-a-juggernaut

The Worrying Future Of Greece’s Most Instagrammable Island

Santorini is paying the price. There will be many more Santorini's around the world because of irresponsible tourists.

Useful link:
https://www.1843magazine.com/features/the-worrying-future-of-greeces-most-instagrammable-island

Herb Somm

Jamie Evans is the founder of the Herb Somm, a company that produces private dinners that infuse every dish with the green plant. It’s not just about getting high. It’s about all the different ways one can use the plant on the gourmet side of things. Must try.

Suntory Spirits

What makes a whisky Japanese? To figure that out, and to learn how Shinjiro Torii’s Suntory Spirits has become a legend in itself, visit the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, the first commercial whisky distillery in Japan.

Forbidden Stories

Forbidden Stories is a group of 15 media partners, including the Guardian, El País and Le Monde, that have come together to shine an international light on the way mining activities affect local environments and communities. Quite shocking!

The Cup Of Excellence

The Cup of Excellence, organised by the Alliance of Coffee Excellence, is nicknamed the “Olympics of Coffee” and draws farmers from 11 countries. The Best of Panama, the competition that crowned the Elida Geisha, also draws an international audience. The top scoring coffees from the competitions sell at much more than $1 per pound – not necessarily $803, but sometimes at $100 to $300 per pound.

New Diamond Cuts

Royal Asscher has launched two new patented diamond cuts internationally, in honor of the brand’s 165th anniversary. 

The Royal Asscher Oval and the Royal Asscher Cushion join the Netherlands-based jeweler’s other two cuts, the Royal Asscher Round Brilliant and the Royal Asscher, which has become a widely used generic diamond cut. 

Royal Asscher sells its diamond-jewelry collections in approximately 150 locations worldwide. 

Monica Rich Kosann

Get to know jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann. The prolific designer, who is also an accomplished black-and-white portrait photographer, is most famous for her elegant lockets, available in a stunning array of shapes and sizes. Take a look at the Slim lockets.

All In

Get to know Josh Levs.

Useful link:
https://joshlevs.com

Everything You Ever Needed To Know About Buying Art In 2019

Take note.

Useful link:
https://robbreport.com/muse/investing-finance/buying-art-2850037

From Picasso to Rothko: New York’s Billion-Dollar Week of Art Auctions

New York is the place to be if you are an art dealer.

Useful link:
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-may-art-auctions/?srnd=premium-asia

Rajola

Get to know Rajola, Italy.

Useful link:
https://www.rajola.it

Why Facebook Is Minting A Coin And How You Can Use It

First, to make money. Second, build a solid user base. Third, make it dependable.

Useful link:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-18/why-facebook-is-minting-a-coin-and-how-you-can-use-it-quicktake?srnd=premium-asia

Gem Dior Launches US$2.1 Million Necklace – And 98 Other High Jewellery Pieces – For 20th Anniversary

I am a huge fan of Victoire de Castellane. Her jewelry designs are priceless and memorable forever. She has a special eye for color in colored stones.

Useful links:
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3015026/gem-dior-launches-us21-million-necklace-and-98-other
https://www.dior.com

The Renewables Global Status Report

The Renewables Global Status Report (GSR), released annually by the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21, a think tank), digs into the growth rates of various energy sources, the flows of clean energy investment, and the world’s progress on its sustainability goals. It is a treasure trove of information.

Can Finance Save The World?

Bertrand Badré, a former Managing Director of the World Bank, is CEO of Blue like an Orange Sustainable Capital. He is the author of Can Finance Save the World? 

The Ambitious Plan Behind Facebook's Cryptocurrency, Libra

The Internet of Money is on the way.

Useful link:
https://www.wired.com/story/ambitious-plan-behind-facebooks-cryptocurrency-libra

First Ever Rough Laboratory Grown Diamonds Go On Tender

A brilliant move by DMCC and DDE.

Useful link:
https://www.miningreview.com/top-stories/first-rough-laboratory-grown-diamonds-tender

Gold Is A Dirty Business

Get to know Alain Goetz.

Useful link:
http://www.standaard.be/cnt/DMF20190503_04370790

UAE’s Gold Trade Moves Closer To Responsible Sourcing

It's the right thing to do.

Useful link:
https://gulfnews.com/business/uaes-gold-trade-moves-closer-to-responsible-sourcing-1.63842015

CB Insights

Tracks startups.

Useful link:
https://www.cbinsights.com

Think Vermont

What a difference a state can make: ThinkVermont.

Zebra Bracelet

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has added an iconic bracelet by American jeweler David Webb to its permanent collection. At present, it’s on view as one of the central features of the museum’s new “Jewelry for America” exhibition, which opened last week and will run through April 5, 2020.

Random Thoughts

Jewels, though more personal than paintings, should be treated as great works of art, which they surely are. Collections of great jewelry should be exhibited to the public as are other great works of art.

Young Innovators: Real Women, Better Ads

Why it took so long?

Useful link:
https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/young-innovators-real-women-better-ads

Dolly Parton's Jewelry Collection

DP is a brand. I wish her good luck.

Useful link:
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2019/05/08/dolly-parton-launch-lifestyle-brand-fashion-jewelry-homeware-img/1139700001

Tour The World’s Most Glittering Jewelry Cities

The do's and don'ts.

Useful link:
https://nypost.com/2019/05/09/tour-the-worlds-most-glittering-jewelry-cities

Kareevlei Rough Sells For $7,600 / Carat

Sold.

Useful links:
http://www.bluerockdiamonds.co.uk
https://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=63828&ArticleTitle=Kareevlei%2bRough%2bSells%2bfor%2b%25247%252c600%252fct.%2b

Tony's Chocolonely

Take a look at the newish Tony’s Chocolonely.

Coal Office

Tom Dixon’s Coal Office opened last fall in the British designer’s Kings Cross store; a visit is as much an occasion to fill up as it is to get inspired. Coal Office isn’t really about the food (though chef Assaf Granit’s midnight shawarma is plenty delicious). It’s about Dixon’s try-it-before-you-buy-it experience. That marble table you’re sitting at? It’s for sale. The Melt pendant light glowing overhead? Go ahead and put it on your tab. The wine glasses? Walk right out the door with them. Dixon promises all of Coal Office’s bits are for the buying. A new trend.

Underland: A Deep Time Journey

The British writer Robert Macfarlane's  book, 'Underland: A Deep Time Journey', is an epic exploration and examination of darkness and the caverns underground that have captured our imaginations, pulled us downward, housed our dead and allowed us to bury our most violent secrets. It is also a descent into the beauty where dark wisdom is located. Must read.

Inside The World's Greatest Private Jewelry Collection: The Maharaja Treasures Of Sheikh Al-Thani

Why is Sheik Al-Thani selling the priceless jewels now?

Useful link:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2019/06/14/al-thani-jewelry-christies-india/#17f4d3e7788c

Las Vegas 2019: Guts Without Glory

The diamond industry is in a tough situation.

Useful link:
http://edahngolan.com/las-vegas-2019-guts-without-glory

Plastic Confidential

Roland Geyer, the lead author of a comprehensive 2017 study on plastic production and end use, estimates that about 9,200 million metric tons of virgin plastics have been produced since 1950. It looks like there is no easy way out.

ShopJacobJames

The secondhand jewelry market is big. Seeing is believing.

Useful link:
https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/05/07/longtime-cincinnati-jewelry-family-opening-hyde.html

The Latest Instagram Jewelry Craze: Bracelets You Can’t Take Off

Only time will tell if it's good or bad.

Useful link:
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/5/8/18527285/catbird-zap-permanent-bracelet-instagram-jewelry

History Of The Cartier Love Bracelet

A fascinating story.

Useful link:
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/history-cartier-love-bracelet-210000862.html

$150 Art Tour

The Umstead is owned by local billionaire businessman and philanthropist Jim Goodnight (cofounder and CEO of SAS Institute) and his wife, Ann, who is responsible for curating the hotel’s fine art. Greene’s $150 Art Tour is an eight-course tasting menu, artfully pairing newly created dishes with works from the 95-piece collection. Must visit.

Moorooduc Estate

Get to know Kate McIntyre of Moorooduc Estate. 

The Bicycle Architecture Biennale

The Bicycle Architecture Biennale, opening in Amsterdam, highlights 15 of the most interesting projects. By showcasing the most dynamic, visual solutions, the BAB will inspire a new way of thinking about what cities of the future should look like. BAB is aiming to move 50% of urban trips to bikes by 2030. By showing what is possible, it will lead to many more creative solutions being implemented.

Lexie Alford

On May 31, 2019, a 21-year-old American woman named Lexie Alford stepped foot in North Korea, becoming — as she claims — the youngest person to travel to every country on earth. In doing so, she’s attempting to break the Guinness World Record held by James Asquith, who won the title in 2013 at the age of 24, and join the historic ranks of other travelers like Cassie De Pecol, who broke the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to visit every country. Alford is in the process of having nearly 10,000 pieces of evidence verified by Guinness. Hats off to Lexie Alford.

Christie’s London Auction Surprises

A Belle Époque diamond ring sold for nearly 10 times its high estimate at Christie’s London auction Wednesday.

The piece, which was made around 1900 and features rose, single and old-cut diamonds, fetched GBP 112,500 ($143,000) against a high valuation of GBP 12,000 ($15,200) at the Important Jewels auction. 

A circular-cut, 10.05-carat, E-color, VVS1-clarity, type IIa diamond ring sold for GBP 347,250 ($440,000), just below its estimate. Meanwhile, a necklace comprising old, circular and baguette-cut diamonds garnered GBP 335,250 ($424,800), beating its high estimate of GBP 250,000 ($316,800). 

Other notable items include a rectangular-cut, 11.29-carat, G-color, VS2-clarity diamond ring surrounded by baguette-cut diamonds, which achieved GBP 323,250, ($409,600),well over its high estimate of GBP 180,000 ($228,100). An antique cushion-cut, 26.49-carat sapphire brooch from the late 19th century brought in GBP 237,500 ($300,900). The piece, which is surrounded by old-cut diamonds, had been expected to fetch up to GBP 120,000 ($152,100). 

A rare tiara belonging to a titled lady from the late 18th or early 19th century nearly tripled its GBP 55,000 ($69,700) high valuation. The silver-and-gold headpiece, with old and rose-cut diamonds, went for GBP 162,500 ($205,900) at the London sale. The auction brought in a total of $7.2 million. Thanks to Rapaport.

Exporo

Exporo is Hamburg-based real estate crowdfunding platform that allows anyone to invest in real estate projects that were previously only accessible to institutional or professional investors, starting with as little as €500. Founded in 2014, Exporo is now planning to expand into international markets.

The World According To AI

AI is being used across public and private domains to make decisions about the lives of millions of people around the world, and sometimes those decisions can mean life or death. Let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Useful link:
https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/the-big-picture/2019/06/world-ai-190607121159308.html

Real Women Share How And Why They Returned Their Engagement Ring For The Ring Of Their Dreams

It happens. It can happen again. Act responsibly.

Useful link:
https://www.brides.com/story/real-brides-returned-engagement-ring

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is disrupting the industry with a new approach: ethical and environmentally responsible origins, transparency, and donating 5% of net profits in mining communities. A win-win for all the players.

Useful link:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2019/05/07/brilliant-earth/#36e503ae159d

Christophe Babin On China Expansion, E-Commerce, Innovation

The Chinese tastes are global and lives are fully interwoven with the Internet. The Chinese market is big, period.

Useful link:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2019/05/04/bulgari-ceo-jean-christophe-babin-on-china-expansion-e-commerce-innovation/#4b2fee2954ea

Pampaloni

When in Florence, visit silversmith Pampaloni.

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum

In John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the third and latest installment of the über-action franchise about an assassin avenging his murdered puppy, a wristwatch by the Swiss brand Carl F. Bucherer is more than a stylish accessory for John Wick, played by actor Keanu Reeves. It’s how he keeps his expertly timed killing spree on schedule.

Not only does Wick wear the brand’s Manero AutoDate, an automatic three-hand model with date display—inspired by classic 1960s design, the 38 mm stainless steel timepiece has a white dial and comes on a black leather strap—throughout the film, his cohort, the assassin Sofia, played by actress Halle Berry, wears the Manero Peripheral, an ultra-feminine wristwatch memorable for its cognac-colored, mother-of-pearl dial and diamond-set bezel.

Jason Of Beverly Hills

Get to know Jason Arasheben of Jason of Beverly Hills.

Muzo's Heritage Collection

Muzo’s Heritage Collection is sold on the miner’s new consumer-facing website, MuzoStore.com, marking the company’s foray into direct-to-consumer sales. 

The company said it went through more than 150,000 carats to find emeralds of the same colors and sizes in order to arrive at the 15,000 carats incorporated in the finished collection. 

The miner displayed the Heritage Collection at JCK Las Vegas as well as a selection of jewelry from “Argyle Pink Diamonds: The Green Jewel Collection,” a rare high jewelry collaboration created with Rio Tinto.