Kalu Ganga River Auctioned For Gem Mining

For the first time in Sri Lanka history one of the main rivers (Kalu Ganga in Kahangamuwa) has been auctioned for Rs. 30.6 million by the Gem and Jewelry Authority for gem mining. Hard to believe, really.

Useful link:
www.srilankagemautho.com

Peter Galison + Robb Moss

Secrecy: www.secrecyfilm.com

Secret knowledge vs Open knowledge. A great documentary.

Jewelry Market Update

In a Downturn, Jewelers Aren’t So Precious. In this economy, many consumers would rather keep their money in their wallets than on their fingers, necks or ears. As people re-examine their budgets, jewelry is turning out to be one of the easiest places to cut back — or trade down (NYT). The half-carat is the new three-carat (Hayley Corwick). Spot on.

Artworks By Old Masters

Old Master price soars at auction. I think luck also played an important role. The painting was expected to fetch up to £250,000, but it sold for £1.3m as two bidders battled it out.

Useful links:
www.sothebys.com
www.bonhams.com

Michael Moore's New Film

Michael Moore has announced the title of his forthcoming documentary: Capitalism: A Love Story. Check out the link www.michaelmoore.com

Chaim Even Zohar Viewpoint

Playing with Figures
http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Useful links:
www.diamondintelligence.com
www.mckinsey.com
www.ndol.org

Fascinating post. Thanks Chaim.

Diamonds In The Rough

The human rights abuses in the Marange Diamond Fields of Zimbabwe has been shockingly horrific. Could the Kimberley Process (KP) simply ban diamonds from one area? No one knows. I think the government of Zimbabwe + World Diamond Council should take some proactive steps, and do the right thing.

Useful links:
www.hrw.org
www.kimberleyprocess.com
www.worlddiamondcouncil.com
www.jvclegal.org

The Knot Report

What Brides Say About Rings....and You. What I found intriguing was that stone cut/shape and style/setting vied for the most important attributes, with 53% and 52% respectively ranking them as #1 or #2. Metal was the third most important attribute, followed by stone size and price/value tied for fourth place. The least important attributes for engagement ring shoppers were the retailers and designers. Interesting trend indeed. Thanks Deborah for the insightful article.

Useful links:
www.theknot.com
www.weddingchannel.com