World Bank / IFC writes:
Doing Business in Mexico 2007 is the second sub-national report in the series Doing Business in Mexico. Last year, quantitative indicators on business regulations and their enforcement were created for 12 cities and states. This year, Doing Business in Mexico 2007 covers all 31 states of the Mexican Republic and measures the progress of the 12 states analyzed last year. The report finds that some states compare well with the best of the world, while others need much reform to become globally competitive. Doing Business in Mexico 2007 gives federal, state, and local policymakers the ability to measure regulatory performance against other states and countries, learn from global and national best practices, and prioritize reforms.
Points of interest
Aguascalientes was the easiest state in which to do business last year. State and city officials have successfully used the benchmark as a promotional tool to compete for business at home and abroad. Simultaneously, they have continued to press ahead with reforms. As a result, Aguascalientes earned the top rank again this year. Querétaro, the lowest ranked overall performer last year, created a public-private task force dedicated to improving its benchmarks. The task force systematically studied bottlenecks, proposed reforms, and measured progress throughout the year. The reforms helped Querétaro climb nine ranks on the ease of doing business to number seven out of 31 states and Mexico City. In this year’s report, three of the top six performers are “new” states: Sonora, which ranks fourth, Campeche in fifth place, and Zacatecas in sixth. Sonora and Campeche are especially efficient when it comes to property registration, ranking first and second in that indicator. Zacatecas stands out both in the ease of registering collateral to access credit, as well as in the ease of enforcing contracts, where it is the top performer. Such state and city level reforms are becoming increasingly important in a globalized world, where specific locations as much as countries compete for investment – e.g. Monterrey versus Shanghai rather than Mexico versus China.
More info @ http://www.doingbusiness.org/main/Mexico.aspx
Monday, February 19, 2007
The Federal Trade Commission’s Guide for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries
FTC writes:
23.25 Misuse of the word "gem."
(a) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "gem" to describe, identify, or refer to a ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, or other industry product that does not possess the beauty, symmetry, rarity, and value necessary for qualification as a gem.
(b) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "gem" to describe any laboratory-created industry product unless the product meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and unless such word is immediately accompanied, with equal conspicuousness, by the word "laboratory-grown," "laboratory-created," or "[manufacturer-name]-created," "synthetic," or by some other word or phrase of like meaning, so as to clearly disclose that it is not a natural gem.
Note to 23.25: In general, use of the word "gem" with respect to laboratory-created stones should be avoided since few laboratory-created stones possess the necessary qualifications to properly be termed "gems." Imitation diamonds and other imitation stones should not be described as "gems." Not all diamonds or natural stones, including those classified as precious stones, possess the necessary qualifications to be properly termed "gems."
More info @ http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm
23.25 Misuse of the word "gem."
(a) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "gem" to describe, identify, or refer to a ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, or other industry product that does not possess the beauty, symmetry, rarity, and value necessary for qualification as a gem.
(b) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "gem" to describe any laboratory-created industry product unless the product meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and unless such word is immediately accompanied, with equal conspicuousness, by the word "laboratory-grown," "laboratory-created," or "[manufacturer-name]-created," "synthetic," or by some other word or phrase of like meaning, so as to clearly disclose that it is not a natural gem.
Note to 23.25: In general, use of the word "gem" with respect to laboratory-created stones should be avoided since few laboratory-created stones possess the necessary qualifications to properly be termed "gems." Imitation diamonds and other imitation stones should not be described as "gems." Not all diamonds or natural stones, including those classified as precious stones, possess the necessary qualifications to be properly termed "gems."
More info @ http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm
A Roman Book On Precious Stones
By Sydney H Ball
Gemological Institute of America
1950
Sydney H Ball writes:
Rightly or wrongly, I have for some years felt that the outstanding classical book on precious stones, the 37th book of Pliny’s Natural History, has never been edited by one well versed in the lore of precious stones.
After years of disuse, my Latin limps; consequently, I take the liberty, to save the reader’s busy time, of rendering into modern English what is generally considered to be at least one of the best English translations, that of Philemon Holland, published in London in 1601. (The Historie of the World, commonly called the Naturall Historie of C Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland, Doctor of Physicks. Printed in London by Adam Islip, 1601).
Holland graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, and later received his M D from an unknown university. While practicing his profession, he translated a dozen Greek and Latin works. That he was not over paid is suggested by the fact that one such arduous task he received 4 pounds; for another 5 pounds. Referring to his translations, Fuller in his Worthies says, “These books alone of his turning into English will make a country gentleman a competent library.”
I have ventured, for easier reference, to disregard Holland’s rather inadequate chapter headings and have introduced the more numerous and more logical headings in the Latin edition of Jean Hardouin (Joannes Hardiunus, Paris, 1723).
No work is complete, and this one is far from it. For the shortcomings of my modest part in this book, I can only claim indulgence. As for Holland’s translation, my introductory chapters and notes were written in “those hours which might be spared from the practice of my profession and the necessarie cares of this life.” I am in great debt to Miss Kay Swindler who edited my manuscript.
Gemological Institute of America
1950
Sydney H Ball writes:
Rightly or wrongly, I have for some years felt that the outstanding classical book on precious stones, the 37th book of Pliny’s Natural History, has never been edited by one well versed in the lore of precious stones.
After years of disuse, my Latin limps; consequently, I take the liberty, to save the reader’s busy time, of rendering into modern English what is generally considered to be at least one of the best English translations, that of Philemon Holland, published in London in 1601. (The Historie of the World, commonly called the Naturall Historie of C Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland, Doctor of Physicks. Printed in London by Adam Islip, 1601).
Holland graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, and later received his M D from an unknown university. While practicing his profession, he translated a dozen Greek and Latin works. That he was not over paid is suggested by the fact that one such arduous task he received 4 pounds; for another 5 pounds. Referring to his translations, Fuller in his Worthies says, “These books alone of his turning into English will make a country gentleman a competent library.”
I have ventured, for easier reference, to disregard Holland’s rather inadequate chapter headings and have introduced the more numerous and more logical headings in the Latin edition of Jean Hardouin (Joannes Hardiunus, Paris, 1723).
No work is complete, and this one is far from it. For the shortcomings of my modest part in this book, I can only claim indulgence. As for Holland’s translation, my introductory chapters and notes were written in “those hours which might be spared from the practice of my profession and the necessarie cares of this life.” I am in great debt to Miss Kay Swindler who edited my manuscript.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Where Do You Find Diamonds?
Diamonds are found in three types of deposits.
- alluvial
- glacial tills
- kimberlite / lamproite pipes
- alluvial
- glacial tills
- kimberlite / lamproite pipes
A Beautiful Mind Movie
Memorable quote (s) from the movie:
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): How big is the universe?
Nash (Russell Crowe): Infinite.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): How do you know?
Nash (Russell Crowe): I know because all the data indicates it's infinite.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): But it hasn't been proven yet.
Nash (Russell Crowe): No.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): You haven't seen it.
Nash (Russell Crowe): No.
Alicia Jennifer Connelly): How do you know for sure?
Nash (Russell Crowe): I don't, I just believe it.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): It's the same with love I guess.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): How big is the universe?
Nash (Russell Crowe): Infinite.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): How do you know?
Nash (Russell Crowe): I know because all the data indicates it's infinite.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): But it hasn't been proven yet.
Nash (Russell Crowe): No.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): You haven't seen it.
Nash (Russell Crowe): No.
Alicia Jennifer Connelly): How do you know for sure?
Nash (Russell Crowe): I don't, I just believe it.
Alicia (Jennifer Connelly): It's the same with love I guess.
Doing Business In Africa
World Bank / IFC writes:
Last year and the year before, Africa lagged behind all other regions in the pace of reform. This year it ranks third, behind only Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the OECD high-income countries (figure 1.2). Two-thirds of African countries made at least one reform, and Tanzania and Ghana rank among the top 10 reformers.
Some examples of what African countries reformed include:
In Côte d’Ivoire registering property took 397 days in 2005. Reforms eliminated a requirement to obtain the urban minister’s consent to transfer property. Now it takes 32 days.
Burkina Faso cut the procedures for starting a business from 12 to 8 and the time from 45 days to 34.
Madagascar reduced the minimum capital for start-ups from 10 million francs to 2 million.
Tanzania introduced electronic data interchange and risk-based inspections at customs. The time to clear imports fell by 12 days.
Gambia, Nigeria, and Tanzania reduced delays in the courts. More improvements are under way, and these will be reflected in the Doing Business indicators next year.
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, and Zambia have all started to simplify business regulation. The easy reforms—what can be done by the stroke of a minister’s pen—are coming first. Small as these initial reforms may be, they can attract investors who seek the growth opportunities that will follow. India’s economic boom may have started with just such reforms in the 1980s.
Several African countries are more ambitious. Mauritius set a goal of reaching the top 10 on the ease of doing business by 2009. It has targeted numerous areas of reform: making labor regulation more flexible, reducing the burden of paying taxes and speeding business entry and property registration. One reform: starting in 2007 every business will receive a unique business registration number, and entrepreneurs will no longer have to register in person for the income tax, value added tax, customs and social security numbers. The aim is to have data move around inside the government, not to have entrepreneurs run around from one office to another.
More info @ http://www.doingbusiness.org/main/Africa_Reforms.aspx
Last year and the year before, Africa lagged behind all other regions in the pace of reform. This year it ranks third, behind only Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the OECD high-income countries (figure 1.2). Two-thirds of African countries made at least one reform, and Tanzania and Ghana rank among the top 10 reformers.
Some examples of what African countries reformed include:
In Côte d’Ivoire registering property took 397 days in 2005. Reforms eliminated a requirement to obtain the urban minister’s consent to transfer property. Now it takes 32 days.
Burkina Faso cut the procedures for starting a business from 12 to 8 and the time from 45 days to 34.
Madagascar reduced the minimum capital for start-ups from 10 million francs to 2 million.
Tanzania introduced electronic data interchange and risk-based inspections at customs. The time to clear imports fell by 12 days.
Gambia, Nigeria, and Tanzania reduced delays in the courts. More improvements are under way, and these will be reflected in the Doing Business indicators next year.
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, and Zambia have all started to simplify business regulation. The easy reforms—what can be done by the stroke of a minister’s pen—are coming first. Small as these initial reforms may be, they can attract investors who seek the growth opportunities that will follow. India’s economic boom may have started with just such reforms in the 1980s.
Several African countries are more ambitious. Mauritius set a goal of reaching the top 10 on the ease of doing business by 2009. It has targeted numerous areas of reform: making labor regulation more flexible, reducing the burden of paying taxes and speeding business entry and property registration. One reform: starting in 2007 every business will receive a unique business registration number, and entrepreneurs will no longer have to register in person for the income tax, value added tax, customs and social security numbers. The aim is to have data move around inside the government, not to have entrepreneurs run around from one office to another.
More info @ http://www.doingbusiness.org/main/Africa_Reforms.aspx
The Federal Trade Commission’s Guide for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries
FTC writes:
23.24 Misuse of the words "real," "genuine," "natural," "precious," etc.
It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "real," "genuine," "natural," "precious," "semi-precious," or similar terms to describe any industry product that is manufactured or produced artificially.
More info @ http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm
23.24 Misuse of the words "real," "genuine," "natural," "precious," etc.
It is unfair or deceptive to use the word "real," "genuine," "natural," "precious," "semi-precious," or similar terms to describe any industry product that is manufactured or produced artificially.
More info @ http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm
Precious Stones And Gems
By Edwin W Streeter
George Bell & Sons
1884
Edwin W Streeter writes:
Many pages have been written on the history of precious stones. Authorities on authorities, from remote antiquity to this our day, have been cited as to their value, their uses, their beauties, and their properties, but still one might venture to say that there are fewer judges of the genuineness and real value of precious stones than there are treatises to guide people to such knowledge. Would it be altogether unwarrantable to express a grave doubt whether even in the trade there are very many skilled in detecting the real measure of difference between one stone and another, either by that most essential test, the specific gravity, or by minor tests of a more trivial character? Be this as it may, I have arrived at the deliberate conviction, as a merchant and dealer long versed in the purchase and sale of gems, that some practical and popular guide to those who have an interest in ascertaining and testing the genuineness and value of precious stones, is urgently needed, and cannot fail to be generally useful.
As an illustration of the difficulties of the subject, it may be stated that Professor Church, in a lecture delivered the Society of Arts on April 6th, 1881, pointed out a number of errors in the identification of a collection of precious stones which had been exhibited for years at the South Kensington Museum, although the official description of these stones had been confided to a well-known professor of mineralogy and expert in gems.
In the division of family jewels much injustice is often done by persons incompetent to form a correct opinion of their relative values. A study of this handbook may serve to demonstrate the difficulty of an accurate discrimination. In all cases it would be wise to submit the jewels to a practiced judge, whether for valuation or for probate. It is not right to leave the decision to some house agent or mutual friend.
A lady had bequeathed to her some family jewels, consisting of a sapphire and diamond suite. As they had passed probate several times, there was no doubt in the mind of the legatee of the genuineness of the sapphires. On being applied to in relation to their value, I had to pronounce the sapphires to be only paste. Had they been genuine they would have realized from 30000 pounds to 40000 pounds.
One often sees the spinel and the balas—the one a lively poppy red, and the other a violet rose—usurping the dignity of the true ruby; and yet the pure ruby of ten carats is worth from 3800 pounds to 4800 pounds, while the other stones, called by the same name, would be dear at one hundred pounds.
A gem should be a real possession, capable of affording pleasure to the wearer and the spectator, and, with fair usage, retaining an intrinsic and marketable value, undiminished by the lapse of time. I have sometimes seen in wear gems so scratched that their luster has been seriously impaired, and a suspicion was thus excited in the minds of wearers, friends, and dealers, that there was a defect in the hardness of the stones, and consequently in their in genuineness. It may be worth while to point out that a small sum expended in repolishing such stones would restore their original luster, revive the pleasure derived from the possession of them, and prevent the risk of their being sold as paste or imitation jewelry.
The value of precious stones must vary to some extent with the caprice of fashion—a gem which at one period stands high in public favor being at another time less eagerly sought after. Thus the chrysolite of the ancients, though highly esteemed by them, has not retained its popular character.
It is quite pardonable, and of small consequence, that the characteristic of the less valuable gemstones should be comparatively unknown; but there are precious stones about which there should be no doubt in the mind either of the purchaser or the merchant, viz., the diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, opal, cat’s eye, alexandrite, and pearl.
In other matters the distinction between a genuine and fictitious material is generally well understood, and fastidiously recognized. A lady refuses to wear a gown composed of an inferior fabric, intended to represent silk, because of its color, texture, and draping indicate, to every experienced eye, the substitution of the false for the real; but she often seems to ignore the fact that the color, the brilliancy, and the texture of a true gem, are as distinguishable from those of the false or mere imitation, as the cotton is from the silk. We presume to believe that in the case of the gown, which in a few nights wear altogether loses its worth, the genuineness of the material is of far less consequence than it is in the case of gems, which should be heirlooms of value, not much deteriorated by the lapse of years.
In determining the value of gems, it should be borne in mind that a perfect stone is rarely met with; and that probably, not even ten percent of the stones which are brought into commerce are really of fine quality. In the mineral kingdom, as in other department of nature, perfection is almost unknown.
Much study and attention will be required to attain a knowledge of the properties and appearance of gems, but the subject is by no means unattractive, and may be turned to good account.
With objects such as those referred to above, I am publishing the present volume, the outcome of more than thirty seven years’ experience , and of the united knowledge of many men of science, and of my contemporaries in trade. I hope that it may be of some service to us as merchants, and to the public in general.
It must be borne in mind that this book is not intended to be a strictly scientific treatise, but rather a practical work for those who, whether in the trade or among the public at large, desire to obtain some knowledge of the general characteristics of precious stones and gems.
In conclusion, I trust that the Goldsmiths’ Company, as fathers of the trade, will ere long throw open their fine suite of rooms in Foster Lane, and will not only establish a comprehensive library of books bearing on the study of jewelry, but by giving gratuitous lectures on precious stones and precious metals will offer that aid to the younger members of our trade which is necessary for a proper understanding of their daily business. To this company we must also look for aids to the more general appreciation of fine art jewelry, by affording favorable opportunities for exhibitions, and by awarding prizes, similar to those offered by the Turner’ Company. This would give an impetus to study to those engaged in jewelry work, and would enable the public to obtain a more accurate knowledge of and to take a deeper interest in a subject which has hitherto remained the property of the exclusive few.
The legacies bequeathed to the Goldsmiths’ Company by the famous goldsmiths and jewelers of the 15th,16th, and 17th centuries, which have since increased in value to an extent almost inconceivable, without doubt were intended for some such purposes as those to which I have referred. I find that so early as 1415, a celebrated goldsmith, Sir Drugo Barentine, who was Lord Mayor of London in 1398, and again in 1408, gave faire lands to this Company.
For the subject matter which forms the basis of this volume, I am in an especial manner indebted to the work of Professor Kluge, translated by Mrs Brewer; and I have also to acknowledge my obligations to Major F B Beaumont, Mr James A Forster, and others who have obligingly contributed information.
George Bell & Sons
1884
Edwin W Streeter writes:
Many pages have been written on the history of precious stones. Authorities on authorities, from remote antiquity to this our day, have been cited as to their value, their uses, their beauties, and their properties, but still one might venture to say that there are fewer judges of the genuineness and real value of precious stones than there are treatises to guide people to such knowledge. Would it be altogether unwarrantable to express a grave doubt whether even in the trade there are very many skilled in detecting the real measure of difference between one stone and another, either by that most essential test, the specific gravity, or by minor tests of a more trivial character? Be this as it may, I have arrived at the deliberate conviction, as a merchant and dealer long versed in the purchase and sale of gems, that some practical and popular guide to those who have an interest in ascertaining and testing the genuineness and value of precious stones, is urgently needed, and cannot fail to be generally useful.
As an illustration of the difficulties of the subject, it may be stated that Professor Church, in a lecture delivered the Society of Arts on April 6th, 1881, pointed out a number of errors in the identification of a collection of precious stones which had been exhibited for years at the South Kensington Museum, although the official description of these stones had been confided to a well-known professor of mineralogy and expert in gems.
In the division of family jewels much injustice is often done by persons incompetent to form a correct opinion of their relative values. A study of this handbook may serve to demonstrate the difficulty of an accurate discrimination. In all cases it would be wise to submit the jewels to a practiced judge, whether for valuation or for probate. It is not right to leave the decision to some house agent or mutual friend.
A lady had bequeathed to her some family jewels, consisting of a sapphire and diamond suite. As they had passed probate several times, there was no doubt in the mind of the legatee of the genuineness of the sapphires. On being applied to in relation to their value, I had to pronounce the sapphires to be only paste. Had they been genuine they would have realized from 30000 pounds to 40000 pounds.
One often sees the spinel and the balas—the one a lively poppy red, and the other a violet rose—usurping the dignity of the true ruby; and yet the pure ruby of ten carats is worth from 3800 pounds to 4800 pounds, while the other stones, called by the same name, would be dear at one hundred pounds.
A gem should be a real possession, capable of affording pleasure to the wearer and the spectator, and, with fair usage, retaining an intrinsic and marketable value, undiminished by the lapse of time. I have sometimes seen in wear gems so scratched that their luster has been seriously impaired, and a suspicion was thus excited in the minds of wearers, friends, and dealers, that there was a defect in the hardness of the stones, and consequently in their in genuineness. It may be worth while to point out that a small sum expended in repolishing such stones would restore their original luster, revive the pleasure derived from the possession of them, and prevent the risk of their being sold as paste or imitation jewelry.
The value of precious stones must vary to some extent with the caprice of fashion—a gem which at one period stands high in public favor being at another time less eagerly sought after. Thus the chrysolite of the ancients, though highly esteemed by them, has not retained its popular character.
It is quite pardonable, and of small consequence, that the characteristic of the less valuable gemstones should be comparatively unknown; but there are precious stones about which there should be no doubt in the mind either of the purchaser or the merchant, viz., the diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, opal, cat’s eye, alexandrite, and pearl.
In other matters the distinction between a genuine and fictitious material is generally well understood, and fastidiously recognized. A lady refuses to wear a gown composed of an inferior fabric, intended to represent silk, because of its color, texture, and draping indicate, to every experienced eye, the substitution of the false for the real; but she often seems to ignore the fact that the color, the brilliancy, and the texture of a true gem, are as distinguishable from those of the false or mere imitation, as the cotton is from the silk. We presume to believe that in the case of the gown, which in a few nights wear altogether loses its worth, the genuineness of the material is of far less consequence than it is in the case of gems, which should be heirlooms of value, not much deteriorated by the lapse of years.
In determining the value of gems, it should be borne in mind that a perfect stone is rarely met with; and that probably, not even ten percent of the stones which are brought into commerce are really of fine quality. In the mineral kingdom, as in other department of nature, perfection is almost unknown.
Much study and attention will be required to attain a knowledge of the properties and appearance of gems, but the subject is by no means unattractive, and may be turned to good account.
With objects such as those referred to above, I am publishing the present volume, the outcome of more than thirty seven years’ experience , and of the united knowledge of many men of science, and of my contemporaries in trade. I hope that it may be of some service to us as merchants, and to the public in general.
It must be borne in mind that this book is not intended to be a strictly scientific treatise, but rather a practical work for those who, whether in the trade or among the public at large, desire to obtain some knowledge of the general characteristics of precious stones and gems.
In conclusion, I trust that the Goldsmiths’ Company, as fathers of the trade, will ere long throw open their fine suite of rooms in Foster Lane, and will not only establish a comprehensive library of books bearing on the study of jewelry, but by giving gratuitous lectures on precious stones and precious metals will offer that aid to the younger members of our trade which is necessary for a proper understanding of their daily business. To this company we must also look for aids to the more general appreciation of fine art jewelry, by affording favorable opportunities for exhibitions, and by awarding prizes, similar to those offered by the Turner’ Company. This would give an impetus to study to those engaged in jewelry work, and would enable the public to obtain a more accurate knowledge of and to take a deeper interest in a subject which has hitherto remained the property of the exclusive few.
The legacies bequeathed to the Goldsmiths’ Company by the famous goldsmiths and jewelers of the 15th,16th, and 17th centuries, which have since increased in value to an extent almost inconceivable, without doubt were intended for some such purposes as those to which I have referred. I find that so early as 1415, a celebrated goldsmith, Sir Drugo Barentine, who was Lord Mayor of London in 1398, and again in 1408, gave faire lands to this Company.
For the subject matter which forms the basis of this volume, I am in an especial manner indebted to the work of Professor Kluge, translated by Mrs Brewer; and I have also to acknowledge my obligations to Major F B Beaumont, Mr James A Forster, and others who have obligingly contributed information.
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