The Economist article on Damien Hirst + the future of auction houses + the global contemporary-art market + other viewpoints @ http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/artview/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12281895 was insightful.
Auction rooms are democratic. That’s what I like about them. Anyone with enough money can buy what they want—immediately. They just have to be prepared to make that final bid.
- Damien Hirst
If you are rich and impatient, buying through an auction room is the place for you.
- Economist
How true!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Global Warming Survival Guide
The global warming survival guide + other viewpoints @ http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/environment was educational and insightful.
Gem Diamonds Update
According to Clifford Elphick, CEO, Gem Diamonds, a rough diamond weighing 478 carats have been discovered in the Letseng mine (owned by Gem Diamonds 70% + the Lesotho government 30%) in Lesotho.Sunday, September 21, 2008
Visual Computing
The BBC article on cutting edge visual computing + Nvision conference and a host of visual innovations + other viewpoints @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/7622779.stm was insightful.
Useful links:
www.nvision2008.com
www.nvidia.com
Useful links:
www.nvision2008.com
www.nvidia.com
Kongthin Pearlmich
(via Razia Iqbal, BBC) A story in the Daily Telegraph about the reclusive artist called Kongthin Pearlmich and his artworks (a marble sculpture of Christ laden with diamonds, rubies and pearls) was intriguing. Thanks Razia!
Useful link:
www.kongthinart.com
Useful link:
www.kongthinart.com
Fluorescence In Colored Diamonds
(via Rapaport Diamond Report, September 5, 2008) Alan Bronstein writes:
A new awareness of the mysterious beauty of fluorescence in colored diamonds is evidenced by research being conducted at the Smithsonian Institution by a team led by Sally Eaton-Magana of the Gemological Institute of America (Winter 2007 Gems & Gemology). In the olden days (pre-1979), diamond people would look at fluorescence as a virtue, referring to stones as 'blue white' when the sun lit up the diamond. Certainly, in natural color diamonds, there can be much excitement and enthusiasm concerning this phenomenon. Fluorescence is the reaction of certain diamonds - 36 percent of all diamonds fluoresce to some degree - to ultraviolet (UV) light as a living light energy is revealed. Ultraviolet light, a component of the daylight spectrum (sunlight), is a wavelength that is invisible to the naked eye. Certain natural-occurring objects in nature, like diamonds, have a unique atomic structure that will go into this state of excitation when exposed to direct sunlight or direct ultraviolet light. There is no reaction to incandescent indoor light. Fluorescence can be an additional positive characteristic for a diamond, bringing mystery and greater wonder to the more obvious brilliance and color that hypnotize us. It is not a flaw or negative attribute. The only time it should be considered negative is if the fluorescence causes the brilliance to appear dull and hazy. Certificates use it an identification tool just to state it exists. It has no impact on the grade.
Fluorescence in a diamond is analogous to bio luminescence, the production and emission of light by a living organism. This is rare occurrence of nature that can be seen in some species of deep-sea creatures, algae, plants and fireflies. This living light is not a reaction to UV light but essentially has that same supernatural glow as fluorescent diamonds. We are just beginning to explore the many mysteries and secrets of our world. We should embrace fluorescence for its unique contribution to beauty. The goddess of fluorescence has been revealed.
Useful link:
www.auroragems.com
Alan was spot on.
A new awareness of the mysterious beauty of fluorescence in colored diamonds is evidenced by research being conducted at the Smithsonian Institution by a team led by Sally Eaton-Magana of the Gemological Institute of America (Winter 2007 Gems & Gemology). In the olden days (pre-1979), diamond people would look at fluorescence as a virtue, referring to stones as 'blue white' when the sun lit up the diamond. Certainly, in natural color diamonds, there can be much excitement and enthusiasm concerning this phenomenon. Fluorescence is the reaction of certain diamonds - 36 percent of all diamonds fluoresce to some degree - to ultraviolet (UV) light as a living light energy is revealed. Ultraviolet light, a component of the daylight spectrum (sunlight), is a wavelength that is invisible to the naked eye. Certain natural-occurring objects in nature, like diamonds, have a unique atomic structure that will go into this state of excitation when exposed to direct sunlight or direct ultraviolet light. There is no reaction to incandescent indoor light. Fluorescence can be an additional positive characteristic for a diamond, bringing mystery and greater wonder to the more obvious brilliance and color that hypnotize us. It is not a flaw or negative attribute. The only time it should be considered negative is if the fluorescence causes the brilliance to appear dull and hazy. Certificates use it an identification tool just to state it exists. It has no impact on the grade.
Fluorescence in a diamond is analogous to bio luminescence, the production and emission of light by a living organism. This is rare occurrence of nature that can be seen in some species of deep-sea creatures, algae, plants and fireflies. This living light is not a reaction to UV light but essentially has that same supernatural glow as fluorescent diamonds. We are just beginning to explore the many mysteries and secrets of our world. We should embrace fluorescence for its unique contribution to beauty. The goddess of fluorescence has been revealed.
Useful link:
www.auroragems.com
Alan was spot on.
Neal Stephenson
Neal Stephenson is an American writer known primarily for his science fiction works. His most recent novel, Anathem, was released on September 9, 2008. The book was inspired, in part, by the thinking behind the Long Now Foundation.
Useful links:
www.nealstephenson.com
www.longnow.org
www.blueorigin.com
Useful links:
www.nealstephenson.com
www.longnow.org
www.blueorigin.com
J J Marco
J J Marco's jewelry design concepts are unique mix and match of biology/biotechnology with metals and gems + its artsy and eco-conscious. I liked it. To learn more, go to http://jjmarco.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)