Doing Business 2008

Doing Business Report 2008 is out now. The World Bank has released its annual ranking of the ease of doing business in 178 economies. For complete listings visit the Doing Business site.

Identification Of Rough Ruby And Sapphire

There are a number of features to look out for:

- The first might a six-sided or triangular cross-section or, if present, the appearance of raised triangular growth surfaces on flat terminating faces.

- There may be a series of intersecting fine lines meeting at 120/60º visible on top surfaces.

- The hexagonal bipyramid form typical of sapphire is very distinctive.

- And the presence of horizontal striations on pyramid or prism faces is a useful confirmation (quartz is the only other mineral to show this feature and can be distinguished by its much lighter feel or heft in the hand).

Identification Of Rough Stones

There is much information to be gained by examining and being able to identify rough stones. The skills required are of greatest importance to prospectors and miners. Examining the mineral content of river or stream gravel can indicate the gem-bearing potential of the area, the relative closeness of a nearby gem deposit, and not least, the gem species present.

Factors To Consider
Crystal form: Determination of gem species by studying crystal form (prism, pyramid, pinacoid, dome) enables thte separation of the more valuable gem species from those worth less (distinguishing ruby from garnet). They may be hard, resistant to chemical weathering, and have high enough density to become concentrated in river beds or terraces where suitable traps are present forming placer deposits. Gem species that often occur together in gem gravels include: ruby and red/pink corundum; sapphires of various colors; spinels of various colors; red and reddish brown garnets; zircons of various colors.

Associated gem species: Sometimes gem species occur in common with one another: if the geology and occurrence of similar associations are well-known, then the discovery of one member of a mineral collection can indicate the possible presence of gem materials (sapphire and zircon in the basaltic rocks of Thailand, Cambodia and Australia; ruby and red garnet in the basaltic rocks of Thailand and Cambodia; ruby and spinel in the marbles of Mogok, Burma).

Degree of wear: How abraded is the gem material? Are the crystal faces clean and lustrous with sharp angles, or has the crystal begun to assume a rounded shape? Answering these questions can provide us with an idea of the distance the gem material has traveled from its source rock. The more rounded and fragmentary the material, the greater this distance is likely to be.

Percentage of gem quality material: (a) What amount of the gem bearing gravel is gem quality material? (b) What kind (species) of material is present and in what quantity (how much is present)?

Cost effectivenness: (a) Does the quality of the material justify mining it? (b) Is the necessary machinery (and labor) available?

Businesses Beware: The World Is Not Flat

HBS professor Pankaj Ghemawat explains why the world is not flat + his interpretion (s) @ http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5719.html

To me it looks like one should keep an open mind/cautious when business gurus make god-like statements about business-related concepts. There must be a way to simplify complicated concepts so that the layperson understands what is more important.

A List Of Jeweler And Gem Trader Traits

- Acts
- Adaptable
- Common sense
- Courageous, but prudent
- Connects the dots
- Curious
- Discreet
- Forceful, but self-controlled
- Forms own ideas
- Gets to crux of matter
- Hands-on
- Good in a fight
- Honest
- Insight
- Independent in thought and action
- Interpretational skills
- Knowledgeable
- Loved by subordinates, colleagues
- Master of tracking
- Observant
- Optimistic
- Practical
- Perseverance
- Resourceful
- Scientific
- Persistent
- Unassuming

How To Sell More Diamonds

Finding a good salesperson is as rare as hen's teeth. They are a dying breed or endangered species. Naturally a good salesperson must have analytical skills to satisfy a customer. The customer (s) may or may not be familiar with diamonds. From my experience on the field even knowledgeable salesperson does stupid things. I would describe it as momentary autism (Malcolm Gladwell jargon). They just go blank or inert. If you talk to the experts they would say: you should be tactful, diplomatic, must have insight to read face (s) + mind (s), have zen-like patience, and perseverance + a pleasing personality, approachable + speak simple and precise language to communicate and so on.

In my view, with all the information in the world + non-stop training about diamonds, treatments, synthetics and imitations, what is important is to have the innate ability to connect the dots. I know there are many diamond salesperson who don't like diamonds. For them it's a job--period. I am always intrigued by the great spiritual leaders of the past. How did they communicate with the masses? Look at Jesus and Buddha. In my view they were good salesperson, in a different way. They knew how to connect with people. They knew how to interpret complex concepts in simple language + sell ideas. I think this is what is lacking in today's diamond salesperson. Diamond salespeople must have a memorable face not a poker face.

How To Sell More Diamonds (continued)

The Art Of Travel

Travel: The Economist writes about the consolidation in package-tour industry + the impact + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8694578

Nonprofit Motive

New Business Models: Scott Kirsner writes about new trends in venture philanthropy or virtue capital, taking financial metrics and applying them in the social sector + new models for determining social return on investment (s) + other viewpoints @ http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/7.09/philanthropy_pr.html