Stanislav Kaufman + The American Egg

I was really impressed with Stanislav Kaufman's work of art: The American Egg. It took him 12 years to create the egg. Go to http://www.jckonline.com/enewsletter/CA6627633/2791.html for further info. Hats off to Stanislav!

Useful link:
www.vancraeynest.com

Gemstone Disclosure Information

My view is disclose the status of the gemstone(s) and their treatment(s), if any, as much as possible. Gem testing laboratories have their own issues and global warming to worry about so don't expect 100% fool-proof god-like statements from them. Do the right thing without excess flash or showmanship.

Cause Marketing

Cause Marketing = Consumers basing purchasing decisions on how much good it can do for others. I think that's what Russell Simmons does via D.E.F (Diamond Empowerment Fund), educating and promoting the concept for a good cause. I think its only fair that we give back to the continent that has provided so much for the gem and jewelry industry, really.

Useful links:
www.diamondempowerment.org
www.simmonsjewelryco.com
www.dtc.com
www.adiamondisforever.com

Shepard Fairey

Gallery gets iconic Obama image
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/7817466.stm

Useful links:
http://obeygiant.com
www.npg.si.edu

What I think is so fascinating is the ubiquitous nature. When people think of a portrait of Obama, they think of this image.
- Carolyn Carr
Deputy director, US National Portrait Gallery

I completely agree.

Heard On The Street

One of the interesting thing about gem trading is if you are not knowledeable it highlights your weaknesses right in the face, really. The dealers know everything about cost, and next to nothing about perceived value.

The Inner Game Of Tennis

The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance by W. Timothy Gallwey is an insightful book for all athletes + the book provides valuable lessons to learn in a natural way + I think that is a skill that will apply to all things in life.

Useful link:

www.theinnergame.com

Prado Museum + Google

Google brings masterpieces from Prado direct to armchair art lovers
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/13/spain-art

Useful links:
www.museodelprado.es
http://earth.google.com

Stunningly beautiful!

Asao Tokolo

Meet Asao Tokolo + explore the mathematical magic designs/patterns linking past and present/east and west @ http://tokolo.com