Pearl Market Update

I found the Reuters's report on Japan's akoya pearl industry intriguing. The industry is facing collapse due to plunging sales + stiff competition from China. According to Mikimoto & Co, China now has 50 times Japan's pearl production capacity and the pearls are much more price-competitive + competition from South Sea/Tahitian pearls, which are often bigger than akoya, is attracting consumers in many western countries. Sign of the times, I guess.

Heard On The Street

Being able to give back should be an integral part of the DNA of any successful business.

Eddie LeVian Signature Collection

Eddie LeVian Signature Collection = Chocolate diamond pieces with natural fancy color rough diamonds/pave-set diamonds + rings and bangles featuring crossover styling, medallions, double-hoop earrings, stacking pieces and motifs such as logos, hearts, knots and paisleys. Trends to look out for in 2009/2010. Check out the link www.levian.com

Global Luxury Summit 2009

Global Luxury 2009
www.reuters.com/finance/summit/GlobalLuxury09

Executives from Burberry, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, The Luxury Institute, Estee Lauder, Bain & Co., Rolls-Royce Motor Car, Hermes, and more, will gather this week at Reuters' first-ever Global Luxury Summit to speak about future growth/issues in the luxury sector.

Museum Of Counterfeit Goods

Museum of Counterfeit Goods
http://www.tginfo.com/Museum/museum.htm

The most surprising thing about the Museum of Counterfeit Goods in Bangkok is the sheer diversity of its exhibits. The display of counterfeit goods alongside their genuine counterparts is of great educational value + unforgettable hands on learning experience. A must visit.

Infinite Photograph

Infinite Photograph—As seen on earth
http://www.thegreenguide.com/infinite-photograph

Keep clicking—and diving deeper into the Infinite Photograph—to get a truly boundless picture of Earth. It's stunningly beautiful + truly inspiring.

Luminato 2009

Luminato, a festival of arts and creativity.
www.luminato.com

One interesting highlight is Binary Waves, an interactive work that visually responds to unseen electromagnetic communications signals. Don't miss!

Gary Braasch

Gary Braasch is an award-winning environmental photojournalist who creates remarkable images and important documentation about nature, environment, biodiversity and global warming. Check out the link www.braaschphotography.com