Ruby Report

Herb Weisbaum's viewpoints in MSNBC about treated/composite rubies was educational and insightful. As a matter of fact treated rubies are everywhere. If you are doubtful always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Coral Report

Victoria Gomelsky's viewpoints in the New York Times about coral jewelry and the enviornmental effects was interesting. To wear or not to wear - that's the question.

Useful links:
www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org
www.seaweb.org
www.mauidivers.com
www.tooprecioustowear.org
www.cites.org

The Carbon Economy Summit

Xplane/Economist infographics on global climate change was insightful. I learned a lot. Thanks.

Useful links:
http://carboneconomy.economist.com
www.xplane.com

Jaime Hayón

Spanish design. A new jewelry store. Meet Jaime Hayón.

Useful link:
www.hayonstudio.com

Invictus

Invictus is a Clint Eastwood film based on Nelson Mandela's life during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. http://invictusmovie.warnerbros.com

Ideas 2009

A to Z, the most clever, important, silly and just plain weird innovations from all corners of the thinking world. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you New York Times.

Framestore

Get an insight into the computer-generated effects and stereoscopic film-making used in the production of James Cameron's sci-fi fantasy Avatar. Thanks BBC.

Useful links:
www.framestore.com
www.avatarmovie.com
www.avatar-movie.org

100 Places To Remember

100 places to remember before they disappear is an outdoor exhibition currently on show in Copenhagen featuring 100 photographs from 100 different places around the world that are threatened by climate change. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.100places.com
www.ipcc.ch
http://en.cop15.dk

Matthew Bourne

Meet Matthew Bourne, UK’s most popular and successful choreographer/director. Storytelling via dance is an immersive experience. He is creative and inspiring. Seeing is believing. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.new-adventures.net
www.swanlaketour.com

Diamond Consumption

Chaim Even Zohar's viewpoint on diamond jewelry consumption was interesting. According to Chaim, China, India and Japan together could become the next diamond consumption giants in less than a decade. This would profoundly impact virtually every diamond company in the market. Stay tuned.

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

President Obama Gets 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama is truly an oratorial genius. Congratulations. In my view, it was a thoughtful and honest speech. I hope he is able to accomplish his goals. All the best.

Useful link:
http://nobelprize.org

Pantone Color 2010

Pantone has officially announced 2010’s color of the year: Turquoise. I hope it works.

Useful links:
www.pantone.com
www.colorexpert.com
http://eisemancolorblog.com

Bernhard Edmaier

Check out Bernhard Edmaier's photographs of active and dormant volcanoes from around the world. Don't miss.

Useful link:
www.geophot.com

Jordan Wolfson

Meet Jordan Wolfson, and explore Wolfson's world of art.

Useful links:
www.friezefoundation.org/cartier
www.johannkoenig.de
www.jordanwolfson.org

Art Market Update

Artworks by Raphael, Head of a Muse (£29.2m) + Rembrandt, Portrait of a Man, Half-Length, With His Arms Akimbo (£20.2m) has been sold by the Christies for almost £50m, setting a world record price for the artists. Genuine Rembrandts/Raphaels will always fetch very high prices, period.

Useful links:
www.christies.com
www.rembrandtpainting.net

CounterSketch Studio

Check out the new 3-D jewelry design experience via Gemvision.

Useful links:
www.countersketchstudio.com
www.stuller.com
www.gemvision.com

Random Thoughts

I recall that nobody else wanted them and we kept on buying them. We made a brooch with different shades of brown: light, dark and grayish. You combine all the shades together and you get a magnificent ball of fire.

- Alisa Moussaieff
www.moussaieff-jewellers.com

Spot on.

Rob Marshall's Nine

Nine is a 2009 American musical film directed by Rob Marshall. The movie is based on Arthur Kopit's book for the 1982 Tony Award-winning musical of the same name, which was derived from an Italian play by Mario Fratti inspired by Federico Fellini's autobiographical film 8½. With Chopard creating special jewelry to reflect the style and personality of each character, the movie should be unique. I can't wait to see this movie.

Useful links:
http://nine-movie.com
www.chopard.com

Complaints Choir

Complaints Choir is a unique form of participatory art. Brilliant evolution, really. Check it out.

Useful links:
www.complaintschoir.org
www.ykon.org/kochta-kalleinen

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's viewpoints on United Nation's climate change conference in Copenhagen + sustainability from the point of view of the developing world was interesting. Thanks Peter.

Useful links:
www.bcas.net
http://en.cop15.dk
The Climate Connection