The economy may be in a tailspin, but the überwealthy aren’t entirely deterred from their lavish lifestyle. One might assume that the global financial meltdown would put a damper on over-the-top jewels and gems, but the auction world is proving that assumption wrong.                               

Two recent high-profile auctions renewed confidence in the market, especially for high-end diamonds. In the words of Sotheby’s Lisa Hubbard, chairman, international jewelry, North and South America, “Truly special stones and beautiful jewels still manage to withstand the volatility of the market.”

At Sotheby’s this week, several of the top sales beat presale estimates, including a fancy vivid yellow diamond that sold for $2.7 million and a pear-shape D color type IIa diamond ring that went for $1.2 million. 

The biggest (and most optimistic for the market’s top tier) came from Christie’s, where a jewelry auction in London made the record books. The 17th-century 35.56 ct. fancy deep grayish-blue Wittelsbach diamond (once owned by Spain’s King Philip IV, who gave it to his daughter as an engagement gift in 1664) sold for $24.3 million, a world record price for any diamond or jewelry sold at auction. (Laurence Graff is the proud new owner).  

Pastor-Genève b.v.b.a., Brusselstraat 51, B-2018 Antwerpen, Belgium

Tel: + (0) 32 3 244 1871 Fax: + (0) 32 3 244 1873

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Blue diamonds are one of nature’s great rarities. They are considered a great prize in any connoisseur’s collection. There are more buyers than sellers for natural blue diamonds in today’s market. Few blue diamonds will ever match the color of a fine Burma or Kashmir sapphire. However, the top blue diamonds are often priced like a Renoir or Picasso painting.

India is the all-time leading producer of large colored diamonds. These mines produced rough from 400 B.C. to 1725. An Indian mine was the source for the blue diamond that became known as the Hope Diamond. Another famous blue diamond — the 35.56-carat Wittelsbach — appeared at a wedding in Europe in 1667. It is now believed to be with a private collector in Germany. The Argyle mine produced two blue diamonds at their 2007 sale and the Cullinan mine, or premier mine, which is almost closed, is thought to only produce a couple of carats of blue diamonds a year.                                                                

Country of Origin

Why Are Blues Blue?
The main causes of color in diamonds are the presence of natural irradiation or structural defects. Blue is caused by the presence of boron. The new Australian diamonds are most likely colored by trace elements of hydrogen, which causes a blue-gray color.

The Hope Diamond
The most famous diamond in the world is the blue Hope Diamond. Jean Baptiste Tavernier was the first to purchase the 112-carat diamond. This diamond was sourced from a mine in Golconda, India, and triangular in shape. Tavernier sold the diamond to King Louis XIV of France in 1668. In 1673, the stone was recut to 67 carats. At this time the diamond became known as the “Blue Diamond of the Crown” or the “French Blue.” It belonged to several generations of French kings until its disappearance during the French revolution in 1792. The stone resurfaced in 1830 and was recut again to disguise it. Due to financial problems, the heirs of King George IV of England sold the diamond. The next owner was Henry Philip Hope and this is when the stone came to be known as the Hope Diamond. The diamond developed an association with bad luck when several of its owners came to tragic ends such as sudden death or bankruptcy. 

In 1974, the stone was removed from its setting and weighed in at 45.52 carats. It is classified as a type IIb diamond. The Hope phosphoresces a strong red color for a short period of time after exposure to short-wave ultraviolet light. In 1988, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graded the stone. The GIA observed that the diamond shows evidence of wear, has remarkably strong phosphorescence and that its clarity possesses a whitish graining. They graded the color as a fancy dark grayish blue.

 Pastor-Genève b.v.b.a., Brusselstraat 51, B-2018 Antwerpen, Belgium

Tel: + (0) 32 3 244 1871 Fax: + (0) 32 3 244 1873

http://pastor-geneve.com

Pastor-Genève b.v.b.a., Brusselstraat 51, B-2018 Antwerpen, Belgium

Tel: + (0) 32 3 244 1871 Fax: + (0) 32 3 244 1873

http://pastor-geneve.com

As the world’s economies go into a simultaneous recession for the first time since world war two, only a handful of asset classes have held their value as investors flee for safety and security.  Gold has certainly held up well in both dollar terms as well as in foreign currencies.  US Treasuries have also held up well as investors seek the safety of the guarantee of the US Treasury. 

Coloured diamond offering prices continue to move up as inventory becomes more difficult to replace, supply continues to decline and we see strong buying coming from buyers on a global basis.  Volume has certainly slowed down because there are less goods in the market but with the strength of the buyers in this market and the volatility in global financial markets, buyers around the world continue to look for long-term tangible assets to balance their holdings.

Pastor Geneve has been invited to attend a conference in Cannes, France to promote rare coloured diamonds.  The wealthy classes are advancing their interest in beautiful and rare works of art and we have been asked to attend the conference to educate the attendees on the rare coloured diamond market.  Pastor Geneve is also looking forward to our editorial in the March edition of the Sovereign Individual, an offshore newsletter based out of Ireland.  For further details, please feel free to contact Pastor Geneve.    

As the world governments work through the global credit crunch, several global economies have slowed down as unemployment rises and sales revenues decline.  However, the luxury market has still held up reasonably well, with Harry Winston and Bulgari reporting reasonable results based on last years earnings.  The colored diamond market is well positioned in countries such as India, China and the Middle East, where significant wealth funds are being used to cushion the economic slowdown. 

The colored diamond market also has the advantage of being in the hands of wealthier buyers who are certainly not immune but will generally be less affected by the impending economic slowdown.  This is evidenced by the strong sales at the auctions so far this year in New York and Hong Kong as well as the Argyle pink diamond tender, where all the pieces were sold and the entire sale was oversubscribed.

Pastor Geneve will be quite busy in the coming months as we approach the busy Christmas and holiday season.  Pastor Geneve will be publishing several reports on the market in the coming months to keep our clients informed of market activity, including a recent report on the auction market along with a new colored diamond chronicle on vivid yellow diamonds.

After completing another strong auction season, it is apparent that the price increases at the top end of the market in the rarer color categories have maintained and even exceeded their estimated values.  Buying activity was spread out between dealers, investors collectors and retailers and received a diverse offering base from all over the world.
 
Two new diamond investment funds have been set up to capitalize on the growth of colored diamonds, which will continue to increase demand and expand the breadth of the market. 
 
We have received copies of the 4th edition of the Handbook of Personal Wealth Management and are awaiting the publication of the Global Market For Fine Art Investment.  Pastor Geneve will be publishing our report on the auction market in the 3rd quarter and for anyone who wishes to receive a copy of this latest Coloured Diamond Chronicle, please contact info@pastor-geneve.com 

Pastor-Genève b.v.b.a., Brusselstraat 51, B-2018 Antwerpen, Belgium

Tel: + (0) 32 3 244 1871 Fax: + (0) 32 3 244 1873

http://www.pastor-geneve.com

Help Stop Global Warming while Simplifying Your Life

Help Pastor-Geneve Stop Global Warming By: Nathan Brown

It seems that each passing moment brings more facts about what some scientists say is the greatest challenge that humanity will face global warming. While no experts can really predict what will happen to the earth’s atmosphere, the basic science is fairly simple: several gases are responsible for altering the way the earth’s surface and atmosphere absorb heat from the sun. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) is thought to be the primary gas responsible for the current warming trend. Do you know what is responsible for the majority of carbon dioxide emissions? It’s the burning of fossil fuels. While global warming is a complex issue that faces every inhabitant of planet earth, there is one simple solution that everyone can make to help stop global warming. And you don’t have to do anything.

The Major Issue To Address Is Your Addiction To Your Car

That’s right, you can help stop global warming by simply not driving! Do you struggle to imagine your life without owning a personal automobile? You’re certainly not the only one. America’s love affair with the personal automobile has a history so long that it is deeply embedded in our culture. For many, the automobile symbolizes a rite of passage, a higher standard of living and a means to freedom. Unfortunately, the use of personal automobiles is a major cause of global warming. On the bright side, you can make a big contribution to solving global warming by refraining from using your automobile. In the United States, the only sector responsible for emitting more carbon dioxide than transportation is electricity generation. While reforms to make electricity generation could take years of bureaucratic process and infrastructure development, you can take a major step to help stop global warming today by reducing your automobile use.

The Solution That Can Help You Stop Global Warming - Walk, Bike, and Use Public Transportation

The fossil fuels burned while driving are immense. If you drive 12,000 miles a year in a car that achieves an average of 20 miles per gallon, that activity is responsible for producing six tons of carbon dioxide. This number may seem meaningless, but consider that the average American home and car are responsible for 7.5 tons per capita each over the same year you can see what a tremendous impact driving has on the atmosphere. According to the American Public Transportation Association, traveling by public transportation produces half of the CO 2 as personal vehicles. Walking and biking produce no emissions and provide the additional benefit of giving you a sense of freedom that cannot be afforded by any motorized vehicle.

By altering your life in this way, you can be a beacon for others who have yet to take the plunge themselves. Changing light bulbs is not an act that is visible to the public at large. Walking, biking and using public transit are public acts which make a strong statement that you are committed to help stop global warming. By adopting this simple solution yourself, you will inspire others to join in the collective action that is necessary to halt this potential global catastrophe.

The Simple Fact Is You Can Be Happier Without Owning Your Own Car If You Make Car Free Living A Major Focus In Your Life

If you are still reading, you probably take issue with the the idea of being happier without a car. But many people have kicked their habit of owning a personal vehicle and have not looked back. Once you let go of your addiction, you will notice that your quality of life has improved and the car’s singular benefit of convenience will seem bygone . Take a moment to ponder the possible benefits: less time behind the wheel in traffic; a healthier body; one less major possession needing upkeep; more free time and more money. Now consider the fact that the average household in the U.S. spends 17% of its budget on owning and operating personal vehicles . Imagine being liberated from that financial burden! You will be able to spend more money on what you enjoy or perhaps spend less time working.

As with other addictions, though, going cold turkey is not always the most effective method. Try first committing to using alternative transportation on one day a week when you would normally use your automobile. As you grow accustomed to this change, make an effort to increase the number of trips you take in this manner. When prepared to realize the full economic benefits of this solution, you can take the final step and sell your vehicle. This may seem like a treacherous transition, but for occasional use, many people make use of car sharing. Car co-ops provide access to car for people who have given up owning a vehicle, but still want occasional access to one. Car sharing is available in hundreds of cities. If none exists in your city, consider starting a car sharing co-op or relocating to an area where you are not so dependent on your own vehicle.

Global Warming- How are Animals Affected by Global Warming

Pastor-Genève on How are Animals Affected by Warming By: Kelvin Ho

It is not a secret that we humans have been destroying the environment for years. It is now that some of us are trying to make all people aware of the affects that our lack of care has had on the environment and what will happen if we do not make changes now and try to stop the progress of global warming. Our focus, or drive, is the thought of what type of world are we leaving our children. We also need to be looking at how global warming is affecting our animals now and in the future if we do not stop and make the needed environmentally safe changes.

There are numerous studies that are being conducted and have been conducted where watching animal behavior and traits to measure the status of the environment. These studies are showing that our Earth is changing in unnatural ways and it is disturbing. Think about the fact that right now as things stand, reindeer will no longer wander the places they currently do, they will disappear.

Marmots no longer hibernate the same amount of time that they used to. Actually compared to thirty years ago, they are ending hibernation three weeks earlier. The Canadian red squirrel is breeding 18 days earlier. Studies are showing that the red fox is moving north and invading the territory of its Arctic cousin. Polar bears are not as healthy as they were 20 years ago and they are thinner.

If we look at the sea and our creatures there we also see changes that should cause alarm. Coral reefs are expected to increase by up to a third in size. Elephant seal pups are thinner because their prey is migrating to cooler waters. Our turtles are changing behavior as well, the loggerhead is laying eggs 10 days earlier and the Hawkbill turtle hatchlings are having more females then males due to temperature changes.

Birds are changing their diets to insects that do not consume leaves that have been treated with high amounts of pesticides. What does all of this mean? It means that global warming is going to cause many of our animal species to become endangered if not extinct.

The melting ice, the warm seas, the spreading dessert are all threats to our animals. These changes, no matter how subtle have a dramatic influence on the lives of our wildlife. In the sea the disappearance of the tiny organisms that the larger creatures feed off of is causing the sea life to migrate northward.

Keeping in mind that global warming plays a huge part in our weather and climate, the increased storminess destroys the breeding colonies of the albatross that already battle the possibility of being captured and killed by fishing boats. The rise in sea levels wipe out the nesting sites of the sea turtles, seals and wading birds are also on the list of species to be affected by their habitats being destroyed.

Thought the very source of nature is change, and adaptation, the changes that are taking place in our environment due to global warming are just happening to fast. The speed is what makes it difficult for the animals to adapt effectively and this will cause us to loose a lot of our wildlife. Can you imagine a world with no reindeer? What about the day that the Sahara dessert covers all of Africa and makes migration impossible for birds?

These are changes that we can see everyday and we need to start paying attention to them. The predicted elevation of sea level by an amazing three feet coupled with the disruptions to the Earth life support systems should be our wake up call.

Fundamental Ways That Could Stop Global Warming

Fundamental Pastor-Genève Ways to Stop Warming Author: Nathalie Fiset

What do you think could come in as more important to our basic human needs such as food, shelter, medicine, education or even the need for affection? There could be one issue that would predetermine everything that will transpire on the planet, and that is the planet’s condition. If the world were on the brink of destruction, saving it would be the priority of every single individual. And save it we must. Although the threat is still not at a life and death level, there is an alarming truth that there are several problems that are now bugging the place that we live in. Say hello to global warming. And try to say bye - stop global warming!

Global warming, which is also known as the greenhouse effect, has been here long before you or anybody else out there existed. It’s been here for thousands of years. And through those thousands of years, the earth’s temperature has increased, and so has the effects of global warming. Time magazine has actually coined this problem as a planetary emergency.

There are major solutions that have been done worldwide to cope, alleviate or altogether stop the effects of this major problem. But among these choices, the obvious choice that the human race is supposed to concentrate on is how to stop global warming. Since we have all contributed to the occurrence of global warming (in our own little ways), then we should also join forces in combating this dilemma.

1. Join organizations that promise to educate you about the effects of global warming and what you can do to put a stop to this problem. Be an activist on this matter. After all, everything begins with you.

2. The next step is to conserve energy. And yes, there are so many ways that an individual can save energy. Let’s list some here: car pooling, turning off appliances that are not in use; unplugging any electronic devices that are not in use; buying energy-efficient lamps; keeping the filters of your air-conditioning unit clean; taking a walk (instead of driving); turn off the faucet when enough water has been consumed; do not use appliances or products that release chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere (examples are hairsprays and refrigerators that have CFCs); use EEF appliances; start planting trees, etc. These are basic things that we have learned even from grade school and yet, tend to forget the most.

3. If you are a slave of your profession, then, cut on those work hours to help save energy. For every individual that would cut down an hour from his work, there would be millions worth of energy saved. Learn to maximize your time and to properly manage it. I guess you never imagined before that this could also stop global warming, huh?

4. Recycle. Need we elaborate on that?

5. Use environment-friendly fuels and vehicles. They may be a little bit more expensive but they do not contribute to pollution. Honda was the first to come up with a vehicle that is cell-powered, thus, there are no harmful emissions. If you cannot afford cell-powered vehicles just yet, you can opt for those that can run thirty miles in just a gallon of fuel. This way, carbon monoxide is greatly reduced.

6. If you can, harness the power of the sun, wind and water to generate electricity. There are equipments in the market that can be used to harness solar, wind or geothermal energy. These sources of energy are clean and reusable. If, again, you can’t afford to tap on the power of these sources, then, at least, choose an electric provider that does not pollute the environment by the use of fossil fuels.

7. Insulate your home to prevent excessive use of heaters. During summer, dress lightly to minimize the use of air-conditioning units.

Most people would argue that these, altogether, would not stop global warming. Well, maybe for now that is true. But with the collective efforts of each and everyone in the planet, and if everyone would be disciplined enough to care for environmental issues such as this, then even two degrees off the present global temperature would be such a major feat.

The Effect of Global Warming on Hurricanes

The Pastor-Geneve Effect on Hurricanes By: Rich Johnson

Global Warming is a term denoting a gradual warming of the Earths average temperature. The term has become synonymous to the Earths warming exclusively due to man-made effects, especially carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide concentrations have increased from 300 parts per million to 384 parts per million since 1900, with the most accelerated increase during the past 40 years. Some scientists have drawn the conclusion that the increase in the Earths average temperature (about 1°F since 1975) is essentially solely based on man-made activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, biomass burning, and deforestation

Causes of Global Warming

The Earths atmosphere is made up of different gases. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the total composition, Oxygen 21%, Argon 1% and traces gases .1%. Carbon dioxide makes up most of the volume of the rare gases. Water vapor varies from almost 0% over the deserts to 4% over the oceans. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide are the gases of interest since these are the greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases can reradiate heat or trap heat absorbed by the Earth from the sun. Water vapor is by far the largest mechanism for heat retention out of the greenhouse gases.

In the past, the Earths orbital eccentricity, variance of the tilt and wobble have led to periods of warmer weather. Even though the solar energy from the sun is considered a constant, a slight change could cause temperature fluctuations. Recently, Mars has also shown a decrease in ice coverage without greenhouse gas changes. The cause for the reduction in aerial coverage is unknown.

In summary, there are three mechanisms which would cause global warming, or in other words allow for a warming of the Earths average temperature. These are: (1) solar energy variance, (2) gradual changes in the Earths orbit, tilt, and wobble, and (3) greenhouse gas changes. It is difficult to calculate what percentage of the recent warming could be attributed to human activities. We can eliminate changes in the Earths orbit, tilt, and wobble causing a temperature increase since these are long term effects.

What are the Effects of Global Warming on Hurricanes?

There is a common misconception that since the global temperature has increased, hurricanes also must increase in number and intensity. The primary factor in the ability of a hurricane to strengthen or weaken is the wind shear profile of the atmosphere - not water temperature. It always has been warm enough in the tropics to produce hurricanes. This temperature equates to a sea surface temperature of about 80°F. If you study the behavior of hurricanes you can find cases where hurricanes have strengthened over cooler water and have weakened over warmer water. There may be a small “boost” to a hurricanes strength as it moves over the Gulf Stream, if upper air wind profiles do not change much. Some of the computer generated hurricane models have this bias built in and will rapidly strengthen a tropical cyclone if predicted to go over a warm pool of water.

The recent upturn in tropical cyclone activity was predicted long before Global Warming became a household name. The tropical Atlantic has been known to vary in cycles, and this recent upturn was expected. If you were to compare the period from 1900 to about 1950, with the 1950s until now, you would find an actual decrease in the average number of hurricanes and their intensity. It also is noted that the upswing in hurricane numbers over the past ten years or more has been only in the North Atlantic basin. Other hurricane formation regions have not shown this same trend.

The Effects of Global Warming on Hurricanes: Summary

There has been a noted increase in the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico since the mid-1990s. The long term average is that ten tropical storms will form per year, of which about six will become hurricanes. Since the mid-1990s the average has been fifteen tropical storms, of which eight have become hurricanes. There has also been an upward trend in the concentration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide due to mans activities over the past 100 years. During this time, hurricanes have gone through cycles where they have been more numerous, such as the cycle that we are in now.

Some scientists have drawn a one to one correlation between the Earths temperature increase and the number of hurricanes and their intensity. As we have noted, the number one factor in tropical cyclone intensity is related to the atmospheric wind shear profile. There is even some research that suggests that higher temperatures could actually increase the wind shear profile resulting in a decrease in hurricane activity. The upward cycle in hurricane numbers is expected to continue for several more years. If this trend were to continue for a considerably longer period, only then could one draw a conclusion that warmer temperatures have played some part to cause an increase in tropical cyclone formation.