Faberge, the master jeweller of Russian origin, relaunched in September 2009 with the first high Jewellery Collection — Les Fabuleuses. This was after more than 90 years since the last masterpiece was created by the visionary artist Peter Carl Faberge, jeweller to the Imperial Court of Russia.The first Faberge boutique since 1917 has since been opened in Geneva, Switzerland, and new pieces are now being added to the inaugural collection.

        The new pieces follow the framework of the three theme of the collection: Les Fleurs de Faberge, inspired by the famous Faberge flower studies; Les Fables de Fabergé inspired by Russian fairytales; and Les Fauves de Faberge, inspired by the Ballets Russes and Fauvism art movement in the turn of the century Russia.

        Looking towards 2012, GEM VISIONS, an annual trend and design book, expects a watershed in the evolution of contemporary jewelry design. As the 20th century
recedes, the industry turns its back on nostalgia and focuses on the future, as a new 21st century design language embraces and integrates past traditions through ingenuity,innovation and breathtaking creativity, all underlined by profound emotional values.

        In its compelling workbook-style design, spontaneous and expressive, with its own distinctive point of view, and a wealth of expertly researched visual references,sources and influences from around the world, GEM VISIONS 2012 opens up a rich treasure chest of design directions, themes and inspirations.

        GEM VISIONS celebrates Swarovski's great heritage, at the forefront ol both artistry and technology since the company was founded, by Daniel Swarovski, in 1895. Today, GEM VISIONS, the design and trend initiative tailored specifically to the fine jewelry industry, taps into that unrivalled experience and expertise to bring the latest in-depth, exclusive information and analysis of diverse design directions, market moods and all-important consumer attitudes, the essential elements that drive desire and creativity in the world of gems and fine jewelry, watches, eyewear, and lifestyle electronics.

        This year, GEM VISIONS 2012 reveals an even broader, richer spectrum of in—depth research into socio—cultural megatrends. consumer profiles, and the multi-faceted face of international precious jewelry design. underpinned by a multitude of influences from the wider world of art and design. As an introduction to its five key design directions, GEM VISIONS highlights the main spirits that will move design in 2012, the spirits that weave their way through all the directions, subtly shaping the flavor and feelings of jewelry design.

www.swarovski—gems.com

        The significant work Rio Tinto is undertaking to build social capacity in communities surrounding its developing Bunder diamond project in India has attracted the 2010-2011 Sitaram Rungta Social Awareness Award, conferred by the Federation of indian Mineral Industries (FIMI).

        The annual award recognises leadership in corporate social responsibility practices in the indian mining industry, encompassing both social and environmental performance. This is the first time FIMI has granted a Social Awareness Award to a pre-mining project rather than an established mining operation.

        Rio Tinto first discovered diamond deposits in the Chhatapur District of Madhya Pradesh in 2004 and subsequent economic viability studies have shown that an open pit mine could operate at a production rate that would place Madhya Pradesh in the top ten diamond producing regions of the world.

       As the saying goes, "diamonds are a girl's best friend" - at least in modern times - but as the exhibition "Jewels, Gem, and Treasures: Ancient to Modern" illustrates, ornaments made of ivory, shell, and rock crystal were prized in antiquity, while jewelry made of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and pearls became fashionable in later years.

       On view July 19, 2011, through November 1, 2012, this exhibition at the Musuem of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), highlights some 75 objects representing the rich variety of jewels, gems and treasures that have been valued over the course of four millennia. Drawn from the MFA's collection and select loans, these range from a 24th-century BC Nubian conch shell amulet, to Mary Todd Lincoln's 19th century diamond and gold suite.

       Jewels, Gems and Tresures is the inaugural exhibition in the MFA's new Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation Gallery, which debuts on July 19. The gallery - one of only a few at US museums solely dedicates to jewelry - will feature works from the Museum's outstanding collection of approximately 11,000 ornaments. It is names in recognition of the generosity of the the Rita J. and Stanley H.Kaplan Family Foundation.

       Jewels, Gems and Treasures sheds light on now various cultures throughout history have defined the concept of "treasure," showcasing an exquisite array of necklaces, rings, bracelets, pendants, and brooches, as well as mineral specimens.

       In addition, the exhibition explains the significance of jewelry, which can be functional, pins, clasps, buckles, combs, and barrettes; protective, talismans endowed with healing or magical properties; and ornamental, making the wearer feel beautiful, loved and remembered.

       The significance of precious materials in jewelry in the 20th century is explored in the exhibition, where several modern adornments from the MFA's Dapahne Farago Collection examine jewelry's traditional roles in society. Among them are a 1985 brooch of iron, pyrite, and diamond rough by Falko Marx and a 1993 ring by Dutch jeweler Liesbeth Fit entitled Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.
.        Jewels, Gems and Tresures begins with a look at jewelry made of organic materials - substances readily available and easy to work with, such as ivory, shell, wood, and coral. Also on view in the exhibition are superb adornments made by leading French Art Nouveau jewelers, which were fashioned for a wealthy and artistic clientele in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, and a wide variety of other interesting and unique pieces.

www.mfa.org