Ecorio

According to Ecorio, the user is able to accurately calculate their travel carbon footprint. Given awareness of their travel carbon footprint, the user can take action in three ways: Reduce, Inspire, and Offset. Brilliant!

Useful link:

http://ecorio.org

Canadian Diamond Bourse Feasibility Study

I found the initiative by the Canadian Jewellers Association + the Diamond Manufacturers Association of Canada to establish the country’s first diamond bourse @ www.boursestudy.ca educational and insightful. Canada, being the world’s third largest producer of rough diamonds + having produced $1.6 billion worth in 2007, definitely need a diamond bourse.

Useful links:
www.canadianjewellers.com
http://diamondmanufacturers.ca

Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2008

The Rapaport International Diamond Conference 2008 will be held on September 8, 2008 in New York, USA.

Go to http://www.diamonds.net/Conference/2008/Default.aspx for more information.

Useful link:
www.diamonds.net

Rivaaz

Indian retailer Gitanjali Group has launched a new line of gold and cubic zirconia (CZ) jewelry, called 'Rivaaz' featuring 18-karat gold with Signity CZ, with more than 500 designs in rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces and bangles.

Go to www.gitanjaligroup.com for further information.

The Solar Impulse Project

Solar Impulse is a long-range solar plane project promoted by Bertrand Piccard + Andre Borschberg, capable of circumnavigating the globe. I think with better engine designs + lightweight batteries + efficient solar cells, Solar aircraft would be poised for take off.

Useful links:

www.solarimpulse.com

www.bertrandpiccard.com

www.qinetiq.com

www.epfl.ch

Jeffrey E. Horvitz

The Economist's article on Jeffrey E. Horvitz + his passion for French and Italian drawings + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12032140 was insightful.

Useful links:
http://www.artmuseums.harvard.edu/press/released1998/mastery.html
http://udl.cast.org/about/index.cfm?i=242

Commodities Market Update

According to market analysts, Singapore may become the global hub for commodities trading. A large number of commodity traders have chosen the city as their HQ of operations rightfully because the city has become the financial hub of Asia.

Useful links:
www.sicom.com.sg
www.ses.com.sg

Gem + Jewelry Market Update

Geena Paul's article on China's jewelry market + other viewpoints @ http://www.commodityonline.com/news/China-may-pip-India-in-gems--jewellery-trade!-11337-3-6.html was insightful. I think China will definitely take over India as the top market for the gem/jewelry sector. Just watch!