Rupa Subramanya Dehejia Viewpoint

I thought Rupa Subramanya Dehejia's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal was interesting. Many thanks. You don't need a 10x. Income inequality is a visible inclusion in India today. In major cities, showing off one’s wealth / prosperity is becoming a popular sport in the emerging middle class and most certainly of the nouveau riche. Time for total internal reflection, really.

BP Portrait Award 2010

Take a look at shortlisted artists. www.npg.org.uk

Shanghai Expo 2010

Expo 2010, officially Expo 2010 Shanghai China will be held in the city of Shanghai, China from May 1 - October 31, 2010. Don't miss.

Useful link:
http://en.expo2010.cn

The Jade Story

The Economist story on the Chinese passion for jade was interesting.

Useful links:
www.woolleyandwallis.co.uk
www.christies.com

The Rio Tinto Pink Diamond Tender

According to Josephine Archer, business manager, Argyle Pink Diamonds, there are only around 500 more Tender-quality diamonds available between now and 2018, and, like in any auction, once they are gone, they are gone. Period.

Useful links:
www.riotintodiamonds.com
www.riotinto.com
www.argylediamonds.com.au
www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au

Random Thoughts

Rarity and demand are the two main factors. Top-quality diamond rough, especially among highly sought-after colored diamonds, is increasingly rare. At the same time, demand for investment-grade diamonds is continuing to grow worldwide, driven by the growing number of collectors in Asia, Europe, Russia and the U.S., as well as emerging markets in India, the Middle East and South America. The stability we have seen throughout this recessionary period is in some ways a function of the economy itself. Diamonds and gemstones have long been regarded as a stable store of value, and it is not unusual for collectors to seek out these alternative investments, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

- Rahul Kadakia
www.christies.com

Spot on.

Global Witness Update

This is Zimbabwe (TIZ). In Marange, diamond business will be as usual. The twig is bend so shall the tree grow. Sad, really.

Useful links:
www.globalwitness.org
www.kimberleyprocess.com

Gary Hamel Viewpoint

Gary Hamel's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal about the fault lines that run between individuals and institutions + the new thinking was brilliant. Many thanks.

Useful links:
www.garyhamel.com
http://blogs.wsj.com/management