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Friday, July 16, 2010

Gem Market Update

The Mozambican Ministry of Mineral Resources is planning to sell off to the highest bidder around ten tonnes of assorted contraband minerals seized from traffickers in precious and semi-previous stones. The largest group of minerals to be auctioned off consists of 8.7 tonnes of rubies in various states. These are not all gem rubies, however - if they were, their value would run into the billions of dollars. A good quality ruby can fetch over 5,000 dollars per carat. A carat is 200 milligrams, or a fifth of a gram. 8.7 tonnes of good quality rubies could therefore sell for 217.5 billion dollars.The highest price ever paid for a ruby was 425,000 dollars per carat by a London jeweler in 2006. http://www.dnm.gov.mz  I think the rubies will end up in Bangkok for treatments and sold worldwide.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Random Thoughts

It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile. Be yourself, no matter what they say.

- Sting
http://www.sting.com

A fine piece of advice, really.

Microbial Art

An exciting interface between art and science. Check out the collection of unique artworks created using living bacteria, fungi, and protists. Stunningly beautiful indeed.  http://www.microbialart.com

The Book Of Shells

I think The Book of Shells is one of the most charming and interesting books on shells ever, really.

The Serpentine Story

Jennifer Steinhauer's story in the New York Times about issues surrounding the rock serpentine in California was interesting. In my view there is no way one would be in danger by causal exposure to the rock unless you breathe its dust repeatedly. TIC (This is California).

Best Album Art Of All Time

When it comes to album cover art, beauty is in the eyes, and ears, of its beholders. So true. Many thanks to Scott Thill.

Global Business BBC

Peter Day's global business report on watch making in the Isle of Man was interesting. Many thanks.

Useful links:
www.patek.com
www.britishschoolofwatchmaking.co.uk
www.rwsmithwatches.com
www.danielslondon.com
www.iwiwatches.com
www.dentlondon.com
www.christopherward.co.uk

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Leonardo's The Virgin Of The Rocks

Interactive guide: the restoration of Leonardo's The Virgin of the Rocks. Many thanks to Jonathan Jones. www.guardian.co.uk/profile/jonathanjones