Maya Lin

Carol Kino's story on Maya Lin, an artist/architect + her new earthwork project at the Storm King Art Center @ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/arts/design/09kino.html was interesting. Thanks Carol.

Useful link:
www.stormking.org

The designs are natural, organic and simply beautiful.

Barack Obama's Remarkable Journey

Barack Obama: the road to the White House
by Jonathan Freedland
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2008/nov/05/obama-road-to-white-house1

Inspiring. Brilliant. Thank you Jonathan.

Rock-Eating Bacteria

Tim Hornyak's opinion piece in NG News on mineral-crunching micro-organisms and the impact + other viewpoints @ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/11/081105-bacteria-mining.html was educational and insightful.

Useful links:
www.iab.keio.ac.jp
www.biosigma.cl

Amazing discovery, really.

The Optimist's/Pessimist's Handbook

The Optimist's/Pessimist's Handbook: A Companion to Hope and Despair by Niall Edworthy + Petra Cramsie is an inspirational guidebook + an indispensable companion. I liked it.

Russian Jewelry Market

There is no country which is immune to the global crisis, but jewelry business is brisk in Russia. The Russian consumers are turning to gold bullion/coins, jewelry and gemstones as safe investment options. My Russian friends in the gem and jewelry sector are doing very well. For obvious reasons the consumers aren't very happy with the Russian currency (ruble), instead believes gemstones and jewelry are going to appreciate in value. Hard to believe, really. Signs of the times. I wish them good luck.

An Interesting Rough Ruby

The Associated Press story on an uncut ruby known as the 'Prince of Burma' worth 3.2 million euros ($4.1 million) @ http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jpmQf37LWoD_u7AuPbv8K2z5OFdQD949ET9G0 was interesting. In my view, only an idiot would pay 3.2 million euros for the rough. The people who think they are investing in a so-called rough ruby because of its size and story are speculating. And the people who think they are speculating are gambling, really. It's like two blind walking the streets. Wake up!

Flux Synthetic Spinels

Flux synthetic spinels (there are many in the market worldwide) when clean/gem quality are difficult to separate from natural inclusion-free spinels. They have nearly the same optical and physical properties. Even rough flux crystal specimens look like natural: octahedral in shape. So rapid sight identification is a real challenge not only for gemologists but also for gem traders, jewelers and consumers. I think when you are confronted with clean gemmy specimens, when traditional gem testing methodologies are not conclusive, you have no choice but to rely on analytical gem testing equipments like Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDXRF), Infra-red Spectrophotometer, and Raman Micro Spectroscopy for true identification. If you are doubtful, always consult a reputed gem testing laboratory.

Art Market Update

Souren Melikian writes about major auctions at Sothebys/Christies and the desire by the key players to acquire coveted pictures despite economic difficulties + insights + other viewpoints @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/08/arts/melik8.php

A must read.

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.christies.com