#Lab grown clarity chart

[preciouscarbon]

Navigating Lab Grown Diamond Color and Clarity Charts: Tips for Buyers

Let's face it, diamonds are amazing. They're a symbol of love, commitment, or simply a way to treat yourself to something beautiful. But have you ever browsed the jewelry store and felt overwhelmed by all the technical jargon? Color grades, diamond clarity charts, carat weights – it can feel like you need a science degree to pick out the perfect diamond!

Well, worry no more! 

If you're considering a dazzling lab-grown diamond, this guide is here to be your friend. The good news is, the market for lab-grown diamonds is exploding! In just a few years, the popularity of these beauties has skyrocketed. Here's some proof:

The global market share of lab-grown diamonds has jumped from a mere 3.5% in 2018 to a whopping 18.5% in 2023, and it's expected to keep climbing!

The global lab-grown diamonds market was valued at $10.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $20.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%.

The demand for lab-grown diamonds is expected to touch 160 million carats by 2030, driven by factors like affordability and sustainability.

There's a reason for all this excitement. Lab-grown diamonds offer the same sparkle and brilliance as mined diamonds, but at a more affordable price and with a much smaller environmental footprint. Plus, with the market booming, there's more choice than ever before.

But here's the thing: all those fancy terms like "color" and "clarity" can still be confusing. Don't worry, we've got you covered! This guide will break down everything you need to know about lab grown diamond color and clarity charts in a way that's easy to understand. We'll equip you with the knowledge to navigate the world of diamonds like a pro, so you can find the perfect one that fits your style and budget. Let's get started and make that sparkle all yours!

Understanding the Importance of Color and Clarity

Think of a diamond as a beautiful piece of ice. Just like ice can have slight variations in color and clarity, so can diamonds. These variations affect a diamond's brilliance and value.

Color: Ideally, diamonds should be colorless, meaning they reflect white light perfectly. However, some diamonds may have faint hints of yellow, brown, or even blue. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a color scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown).

Clarity: Diamonds are formed under intense pressure and heat deep within the earth. These conditions can sometimes leave behind tiny internal birthmarks called inclusions or surface blemishes. The GIA also uses a clarity scale ranging from FL (flawless, no inclusions) to I3 (inclusions visible to the naked eye).

Here's the key takeaway for you!

While a perfectly colorless, flawless diamond is the ultimate dream, it also comes with a hefty price tag. Most people won't be able to tell the difference between a slightly colored or included diamond and a top-graded one with the naked eye. This is where understanding color and lab diamond clarity charts comes in – it empowers you to find the perfect balance between beauty and budget.

Decoding the Lab Grown Diamond Color Chart

Now, let's dive into the world of color charts. Remember, the GIA scale goes from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown). Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

D-F (Colorless): These are the top-tier diamonds, with no hint of color. Ideal for those who want the ultimate brilliance.

G-H (Near Colorless): These diamonds have a very faint color, undetectable to the naked eye for most people. They offer excellent value and sparkle.

I-J (Faint Yellow/Brown): These diamonds may show a slight hint of warmth under close inspection by a jeweler. Still a great choice for those who prioritize size or cut over absolute colorlessness.

Remember: Lighting plays a big role! A diamond might appear slightly warmer indoors compared to bright sunlight.

Understanding the Lab Grown Diamond Clarity Chart

The GIA diamond clarity chart scale helps assess the presence and visibility of inclusions in a diamond. Here's a simplified breakdown for you:

FL (Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, the highest clarity grade.

IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification, but may have minor surface blemishes.

VVS1 & VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Extremely tiny inclusions, only visible under high magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Tiny inclusions, very difficult to see even under 10x magnification.

SI1 & SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions might be noticeable under 10x magnification by a jeweler, but usually invisible to the naked eye.

I1, I2, & I3 (Included): Inclusions become more prominent and might be visible to the naked eye, potentially affecting brilliance.

The key thing to remember: Most inclusions are microscopic and won't affect the sparkle or beauty of the diamond for everyday wear.

Tips for Savvy Shoppers: Finding Your Perfect Diamond

Now that you're armed with this knowledge, let's explore some pro tips to help you find the perfect lab-grown diamond:

Set a Budget: Diamonds are priced based on the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight). Decide how much you're comfortable spending and prioritize the aspects most important to you.

Consider Cut: Cut has the biggest impact on a diamond's brilliance. A well-cut diamond will sparkle beautifully, even if it has a slightly lower color or clarity grade.

Work with a Reputable Jeweler: A trustworthy jeweler will educate you, offer a variety of lab-grown diamonds within your budget, and provide a grading report from a reputable lab like the GIA.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Let Us Help!

Choosing a lab-grown diamond can be exciting, but it can also feel daunting. Here at Precious Carbon, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect stone that fits your style and budget. Our team of experts can guide you through the color and lab diamond clarity charts, explain the importance of cut, and show you a stunning selection of ethically sourced lab-grown diamonds.

Don't let the sparkle fade! 

Contact us today and let's find the dazzling diamond that will take your breath away. We're confident we can help you choose a stone that will be cherished for generations to come.

[kajalverrma]

Which carat sizes should you go for while buying your lab diamond ring?

Have you ever heard ‘Dil bada toh bada’, that’s what applies to your diamond ring purchase as well. There’s no perfect carat size when it comes to buying a diamond ring for your loved one. However, we can still categorize the carat size by considering many external factors discussed in this article.

Is lab-grown diamond carat size and weight the same?

No, the carat weight and size of any diamond, whether it is lab-made or mined, are not the same. Both measurements refer to different aspects of diamonds.

What is a good carat size for a lab diamond?

All good-quality diamonds are beautiful, no matter their sizes. You can choose the diamond carat based on factors such as your personal preference, budget, shape, availability, etc.

How do I know the carat weight of a lab diamond?

You can know the carat weight of a lab diamond by checking its certificate or grading report, or you may ask an expert to help you know its carat weight.

The Cut of Diamond

A lab-grown diamond is much easier to customize compared to a real diamond. Do you wonder why? To be precise lab-grown diamonds have fewer inclusions and they also have a more uniform shape than that of a mined diamond. Hence even with smaller sizes, you can experience designs.

Recognized Certification

The standard round brilliant cut is a popular choice for colourless lab-grown diamonds, known for its exceptional fire and brilliance. Grading for round cuts adheres to the standardized criteria established by GIA, guaranteeing a consistent quality assessment.

How to choose lab-grown diamonds based on carat?

Consider the person who will wear the diamond: This factor is important when you’re buying a lab-grown diamond engagement ring. Choose a diamond carat that is suitable for the wearer.

Consider your budget: A bigger-carat lab diamond doesn’t always mean a larger-size diamond. Many factors affect the price of diamonds, such as the cut, shape, color, clarity, and other quality factors.

Physical size of the diamond: The price of a diamond rises with its carat weight. The larger the carat size, the greater the price variation. You may be able to purchase two smaller diamonds for less than the price of a single diamond weighing the equivalent of both smaller diamonds.

Consider the popularity factor: Certain carat weights, such as 1 and 1.25-carat diamonds, are more popular than others. Because the diamond market is so sensitive to supply and demand, these lab-created diamonds are not always readily available. But at Emori we have what you demand and what you need.

Consider the form of the diamond: Buying loose diamonds can be much cheaper than buying a man-made diamond studded in a piece of jewelry. Furthermore, when you buy the diamond by itself, you have the unique chance to design a unique jewelry piece. You can avoid retail markups that put identical stones and settings way above your budget if you do this.

Consider the diamond shape: Lab-grown diamonds are available in a variety of shapes. For example, a 1-carat lab-made diamond, 2-carat, or 3-carat lab-grown diamond, can be found in different shapes, such as round or fancy cushion, emerald, pear, oval, marquise, radiant, heart, and Asscher, among other diamond shapes.  A diamond carat size chart can be used to compare diamonds of different shapes.

If you’re looking to buy lab-manufactured diamond engagement rings, you’d be delighted with the range of lab diamonds and engagement ring options available at Emori. One of the leading brands of lab-grown diamonds, you can even get a lab-grown diamond tailor-made for you and made into an engagement ring in a unique design of your choice

[mystyvape12213]

Learn about 4Cs Lab Grown Diamonds (cut, colour, clarity, and carat) and how they affect the lustre, sparkle, quality, and price of a lab diamond.

[smartss123]

Learn about Lab Grown Diamonds 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat) and how they affect the lustre, sparkle, quality, and price of a lab diamond.

[stech999]

Diversification of Investment Portfolios: Online diamond trading adds a unique dimension to investment portfolios, offering diversification beyond traditional assets like stocks and bonds. Diamonds are tangible assets with intrinsic value, making them an appealing option for investors looking to balance their portfolios.

Market Accessibility: Diamondexch9 breaks down geographical barriers, providing users with access to a global market. This international reach opens up opportunities to engage with diverse buyers and sellers.

In-depth Market Analysis Tools: Delve into the platform's market analysis tools to understand trends, historical data, and potential future movements in diamond prices. Real-time charts, analytics, and expert insights can aid users in making well-informed trading decisions.

Security Measures and Blockchain Technology: Highlight the platform's security features, emphasizing the use of blockchain technology for secure transactions and transparent tracking of a diamond's journey from its source.

Educational Resources: we offer educational resources such as tutorials, guides, and webinars to help users understand the intricacies of diamond trading. Knowledgeable traders are empowered to make more confident decisions. The Evolution of Diamond Trading

Blockchain Certification for Transparency: Explore how blockchain certification ensures the authenticity of diamonds, providing buyers with a transparent and traceable history of each stone. Discuss how this can combat issues like the trade of conflict diamonds.

Emerging Trends in Diamond Investments: Highlight any emerging trends in the diamond market, such as the rise of sustainable and lab-grown diamonds. Discuss how adapts to these trends and provides options for different preferences.

The Role of Technology in Diamond Grading: Discuss technological advancements in diamond grading and how these innovations contribute to a more standardized and objective assessment of a diamond's quality. Tips for Successful Diamond Trading :

Due Diligence in Research: Emphasize the importance of thorough research before making any trades. Understanding the 4 Cs (carat, cut, color, and clarity) is crucial for evaluating a diamond's value.

Risk Management Strategies: Provide insights into risk management strategies, including setting realistic goals, diversifying investments, and staying informed about market fluctuations.

Community Engagement: Discuss the benefits of engaging with the online community within Forums, discussions, and networking can provide valuable insights and tips.

Continuous Learning: Encourage users to stay updated on industry news, technological advancements, and market trends to adapt their strategies accordingly. The Future of Diamond Trading:

Integration with Emerging Technologies: Explore potential future developments, such as the integration of augmented reality for virtual diamond inspections or artificial intelligence for predictive analytics.

Sustainability and Ethical Trading: Discuss the growing importance of sustainability and ethical practices in the diamond industry, and how platforms like Diamondexch9 can contribute to responsible trading.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Explore potential partnerships with jewelry designers, manufacturers, or other industry players to enhance the overall ecosystem of online diamond trading. Conclusion Wrap up the article by summarizing the key points discussed and reiterating the unique opportunities and advantages that Diamondexch9 offers to traders, investors, and enthusiasts in the dynamic world of online diamond trading. Encourage readers to explore the platform, stay informed, and embrace the evolving landscape of digital diamond investments.

[novitadiamondsblog]

Unveiling Brilliance: Navigating the Diamond 4C Chart for Lab Grown Diamonds

In the world of exquisite gemstones, lab-grown diamonds have emerged as a sustainable and captivating alternative to their mined counterparts. One of the essential tools for understanding the quality and value of diamonds is the Diamond 4C Chart. This comprehensive chart assesses diamonds based on four crucial criteria: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. Let's embark on a journey through the intricacies of the Diamond 4C Chart, unraveling the secrets that make lab-grown diamonds a fascinating choice for the conscious consumer.

The Foundation: Diamond 4C Chart Explained

The first "C" in the Diamond 4C Chart stands for Cut, a fundamental factor that determines a diamond's brilliance and sparkle. Whether it's a traditional mined diamond or a lab-grown counterpart, the precision of the cut significantly impacts the overall aesthetic appeal.

Moving on to the second "C" – Color – we explore the spectrum of hues diamonds can exhibit. Lab-grown diamonds often offer a more diverse range of colors, providing consumers with unique options beyond the traditional white diamond.

Unveiling Purity: Clarity in Lab-Grown Diamonds

Clarity, the third "C," delves into the internal and external imperfections within a diamond. Lab-grown diamonds have distinct advantages in this aspect, often exhibiting fewer inclusions than their mined counterparts. This heightened clarity enhances the stone's visual appeal and adds to its allure.

Finally, the fourth "C" in the Diamond 4C Chart is Carat weight – a measure of a diamond's size. Lab-grown diamonds can be an excellent choice for those seeking larger stones at a more affordable price point, providing an opportunity to make a bold statement without compromising on quality.

The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds

As we navigate the Diamond 4C Chart, it becomes evident that lab-grown diamonds seamlessly meet and, in some cases, exceed the standards set by the traditional diamond industry. The controlled environment in which these diamonds are created allows for a meticulous focus on each "C," ensuring a product of exceptional quality.

Lab-Grown Diamonds and Sustainability

Beyond their visual appeal, lab-grown diamonds boast a sustainability advantage. The ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining, such as environmental impact and human rights issues, are mitigated when choosing lab-grown diamonds. This shift towards a more conscious and eco-friendly approach resonates with a growing number of consumers seeking ethically sourced and sustainable alternatives.

Exploring the Versatility of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds offer a wide array of options for consumers looking for something beyond the conventional. With a myriad of colors, sizes, and shapes available, these diamonds provide a platform for creative expression. The Diamond 4C Chart serves as a valuable guide in navigating this diversity, empowering consumers to make informed choices that align with their preferences.

The Future of Diamonds: Lab-Grown Brilliance

As we conclude our exploration of the Diamond 4C Chart and the world of lab grown diamonds, it is evident that this alternative is not just a passing trend but a transformative force in the industry. The allure of lab-grown diamonds lies not only in their visual appeal but also in the values they represent – sustainability, ethical sourcing, and a commitment to conscious consumerism.

In summary, the Diamond 4C Chart serves as a roadmap for those venturing into the world of diamonds, whether traditional or lab-grown. As consumers become more discerning in their choices, the chart becomes an invaluable tool in ensuring that the selected diamond aligns with personal preferences and values. Lab-grown diamonds, with their brilliance and ethical advantages, stand as a testament to the evolving landscape of the diamond industry, promising a future where beauty and responsibility coexist harmoniously.

[stonelabdiamonds]

CVD Vs Natural Diamonds

As diamond engagement rings continue to be the worldwide symbol of eternal love, a new challenger is disrupting the traditional diamond scene - lab grown diamonds.

Ethically-sourced and widely affordable, it’s no surprise that these man-made stones are growing in popularity Are you curious if a CVD diamond is the right choice for you? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision regarding the center stone for your forever adornment.

What Are CVD Diamonds?

CVD diamonds are a variety of diamonds produced using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Different from natural diamonds and High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) lab diamonds, CVD-processed stones first made their way onto the fine jewelry scene about a decade ago and are growing in popularity on the online jewelry market.

Are CVD Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes, CVD diamonds are real diamonds. Although grown in a lab, CVD diamonds are gem-quality diamonds that have the same elemental structure and the same physical, chemical and optical properties as their natural counterparts. In addition, CVD diamonds are polished and cut the same as natural diamonds so the difference between the two is impossible to spot to the naked eye.

CVD stones undergo the same certification process as natural diamonds and are graded according to the 4Cs - color, cut, clarity and carat. In addition, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has been grading laboratory-grown diamonds since 2007 and each stone comes with an official grading report upon purchase to confirm its quality and value.

How Are CVD Diamonds Made?

According to the GIA, the process of growing a  CVD diamond, “involves introducing a gas, such as methane, into a vacuum chamber, then activating and breaking down the molecules of the gas with microwaves. This causes the carbon atoms to accumulate on a substrate, similar to the way snowflakes accumulate in a snowfall.”

The CVD process of growing diamonds can be much less costly than the HPHT process because it often requires smaller and cheaper equipment. Over time, CVD producers have experimented with different gasses in the growth chamber to find the best formula for speedy growth rates and quality stones.

“Since many early CVDs had a brownish color, producers also found that treating the material at high temperatures and pressures can remove the brown coloration to make the crystals colorless. This treatment step masked some of the signature features, which resulted in the identification of these synthetic diamonds becoming more difficult,” reported GIA.

How fast do CVD Diamonds Grow? Unlike the billions of years that it takes for a natural diamond to form, lab-grown diamonds take around a month to grow. During the CVD process, carbon atoms attached to the diamond seed one layer at a time. The amount of time that it takes to create different synthetic stones varies too. For example, it takes 2+ weeks to grow a 1-carat clear diamond vs 5-10 days to grow yellow and blue diamonds.

Are All Lab Grown Diamonds CVD Diamonds?

As mentioned above, not all lab grown diamonds are CVD diamonds. Lab diamonds can also be created using the HPHT process. According to GIA, “high-pressure, high-temperature synthetic diamonds are produced from carbon material in apparatuses that mimic the high pressure, high-temperature conditions of natural diamond formation in the earth.”

Are Cubic Zirconias The Same As A CVD Diamond?

No, cubic zirconia is not the same thing as a CVD diamond. Lab created diamonds share the same chemical properties as natural diamonds, while cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant with a shorter lifespan due to damage from everyday wear and discoloration over time.

GIA comments on this stating, “some people might refer to lab grown diamonds as imitations or simulants, but this is incorrect. Actual imitations like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which only look like a diamond, have very different chemical and physical properties that allow trained gemologists to identify them easily. However, lab grown diamonds are more challenging to detect since they are in every way the same as natural diamonds.”

While cubic zirconia is a lower quality diamond simulant often used in costume jewelry, other diamond simulants are higher in quality and better stand the test of time. One of these simulants is moissanite, a stone composed of silicon carbide that was discovered in 1893. Moissanite gemstones are typically near colorless and are famous for their shimmering disco ball effect when exposed to light. These stones sell at a much more affordable price than mined diamonds and act as fabulous center stones—though easily told apart from diamonds because of their sparkle factor.

For a top tier diamond simulant option, engagement ring shoppers love the Nexus Diamond™ alternative. A patented diamond simulant, the Nexus Diamond™ alternative is the one simulant that most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a diamond. This lab created stone is virtually indistinguishable from a diamond with the naked eye alone as it can cut glass, is completely colorless, rates internally flawless on the diamond clarity chart and is cut to maximize brilliance and fire. Unlike cubic zirconia, the Nexus Diamond™ alternative should not chip, crack or become discolored over time.

Why CVD Diamonds?

Aside from the great price point, CVD diamonds appeal to consumers due to their conflict-free nature. When you purchase a lab grown diamond you know exactly where the stone comes from. When you purchase a mined diamond it’s likely that your stone was sourced from a region that’s teeming with conflict. The traditional diamond industry is guilty of child labor, human rights violations, poor working conditions and funding armed conflicts. Buying a diamond that’s grown in a lab helps consumers avoid contributing to this cycle of cruelty.

In addition, man made diamonds have a smaller environmental footprint. Contrary to what marketers want us to believe, diamonds are not rare and they have never been. Mining for stones is also extremely disruptive to local landscapes, habitats and wildlife. To find just a single 1-carat diamond, miners must sift through thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, pounds of dirt.

CVD diamonds create almost no waste, they aren’t used to fund conflict and they don’t originate in mines making lab grown stones a favorite among ethically-minded shoppers.

How Much Do CVD Diamonds Cost?

Lower prices are one of lab grown diamonds’ biggest appeals. Totaling 30 to 50 percent less than a mined diamond of comparable size and quality, CVD diamonds allow consumers to go bigger and better with their fine jewelry purchase.

What Is The Resale Value?

While some traditional jewelers will tell you that lab diamonds have no resale value, this is absolutely not true. Just like a mined diamond, man made diamonds also have resale value that is determined based on the Four Cs of diamonds - carat, cut, clarity and color. However, buying an engagement ring, of any kind, with the intention to sell it later is never a good investment. This is because unless a diamond is incredibly rare it’s nearly impossible to turn a profit on a diamond engagement ring.

Local jewelers don’t always accept lab grown diamonds for resale because they are a relatively new product to the market. If you are looking to sell your lab diamond jewelry, try exploring options online.

[arifhossainlove]

Why do people favor purchasing the 4cs quality diamonds at the market?

Everyone over the world cherishes wearing the ring at their fingers. The rings are the one that shows both male and female fingers rich, unique, gorgeous and elegant. That’s why people are showing unlimited love for the rings. You can able to classify the rings into various types such as designer rings, traditional rings, wedding rings, proposal rings, and a lot more.

People are purchasing their preferable rings as per their wishes and circumstances. From kids to adults rings are loved by everyone because of their design and collections. When it comes to the collection of rings, individuals are going for the diamond 4cs chart. The number of four stands for the color, carat, cut, clarity of the diamonds.

Why people show interesting in 4cs rings?

The cost of the above-mentioned ring will vary as per the element, when it comes to the 4cs lab-grown diamonds, the cost is affordable and reasonable when comparing to other elements. This kind of diamonds are placing the top-ranking at the market, every sort of retailers givens their first important to the rich quality and perfect carat, cut, clarity, color diamonds.

The look of the diamond rings provides an absolutely rich and gorgeous look. The main essential things which people should remember about it are, purchasing the ring as the appropriate size of them. When people purchase the best clarity, cut, colored diamond rings in the bigger size or else at the smaller size, and then it will completely collapse.

To evade difficulties, people should know about their regular ring size. Multiple are now purchasing the rings at online jewelry stores. They are marketing diverse collections and designs when comparing to land-based ornamental stores. Without any sort of challenges, people can make the desirable ring by knowing their size, and then the ring will directly deliver to your home.

How online ring size finding chart is helpful?

Now online ornamental stores are providing a ring size guideline chart to the individuals. When you follow the guidelines in the chart, you can find the ring size yours. It is very convenient and easy for you to find. You don’t require other people when you have chat support on your side.

Another way of finding the size of the ring is, visiting the nearby jewelry shop to know the size. When referring to the second methodology, you can either prefer the first one which is a ring size chart. The chart guidelines are providing on the online jewelry web pages. Simply by downloading the websites, you can find it.

Bottom line:

The online stores also provide some essential helpful tips which will most probably important for the requested 4cs diamonds. People's dominant hand is slightly bigger than they thought. On hot summer days, most people's hands got swollen. When it comes to winter cold days, the ring size might get smaller. 

When you purchase the winder rings it gets tighter to you, when you buy thinner rings it will get loose to you. So, it is essential to find the ring size which is suitable for your hand in every occasional climate to wear the best 4cs diamonds.

[yarilokadalovgrad703]

Synthesis Part 1: Interview Compilation

This was the first step in my Synthesis process. 

I took all of the interview answers from each interviewee and compiled the main/most important parts into one whole document. 

I wrote the the names of the interviewees at the start in order of how each question’s replies are ordered. So in each question Raz’s answer was put down first, then it was Matt’s answer and so on.

The purpose of sorting the data this way is to allow me in the future to be able to go back if need be and retrieve any quotes or particular comments/replies and be able to attribute them to the user who was interviewed. 

The big spaces between each answer is what denotes the answer of one interviewee’s answer ending and the beginning of the next interviewee’s answer. 

The point of part 1 of the Synthesis is to get all of the information gathered from the interviews into 1 big document. So that I could then go through it and filter it even further, determining potential patterns, similarities etc. The image above showcases the highlighting that ensued after the compilation was created.

The next part of the Synthesis process is explained in the next post.

Potential Focus:

How can people effectively and efficiently find out about specific food additives?

Interview Questions:

Raz, Matt, Rakin, Anastasia

1)    How much do you know about food additives in general?

the purpose of food additives which can add colour, textures and flavours to foods and also to keep them fresh.

Do not know common type of food additives used, would not be able to easily identify them.

 slightly more than the ‘average’ person

 Artificially made,

made to serve a purpose to enhance the taste, flavour or colour.

Everything to sell the product, nothing that just comes with the ingredients themselves.

Make it better for the consumer.

If it can be preserved longer, make it look nicer or taste better.

 2)    Why do you think they exist, what purpose do they serve?

the high demand of processed and readily available food risen from mass production.

necessary to find chemicals to keep up with this demand in order to keep food fresh.

Presumably, making food and beverage more appealing to the senses. Both visually and taste-wise.

Preservatives would also need to be used for types of processed meats such as salami and bacon.

 Taste better without the real calorie dense ingredients. Artificial sweeteners can be used, but labelled as no sugar. So people are incentivised. Make more money for the company.

 Used for enhancing foodstuffs flavour profiles, used to enhance the appeal of food, colour and smell can be improved with additives. Food can be made softer and crunchier also (softening and hardening agents). To preserve foodstuffs for longer shelf life.

 3)    Why do you personally try to avoid food additives or why not?

I generally try to eat a wholesome fresh diet

I do not feel eating processed food will allow me to have a rich diet with vitamins and minerals

 At one point I had to make sure I knew what I was consuming for the sake of my health. vast majority of things were okay to consume for me.

I had to watch out for (artificial flavours & sweeteners etc).

 Don’t go out of my way to avoid it. I believe anything in moderation should not be able to harm you.

Don’t go overboard on the artificial sweeteners.

 I think organic food is better absorbed and digested by the body.

I believe the human body needs time in order to recognise what has been consumed, additives can lead to confusion of the body in this regard.

food additives enhance the flavour so much than an addiction can begin to form which can lead to overconsumption of a foodstuff. Example: Eating Bacon flavoured chips leads the brain to thinking you are consuming bacon, yet in reality you are eating potato chips.

This means the brain and taste receptors are mismatched in their understanding, this means the body is not getting the food it believed it was initially getting.

I believe this can lead to problems regarding a person’s metabolism.

  4)    Which food additives have you heard of as potentially dangerous (food additives that have a bad reputation)?

artificial color, flavouring, MSG and corn syrup.

MSG and artificial flavours and sweeteners

Preservatives can upset some people too

allergies or sensitivities to additives

 Aspartame, tested on rats.

 Artificial food colouring, preservatives, added salt, added sugars, lemon acid, artificial flavour enhancers.

  5)    Do you or anyone in your immediate circle make it a point to shop for mostly organic products that are low in additives?

Yes – father owns a café and catering business, aims to serves as much organic/fresh food as possible.

 My family and I would usually just shop normally (conventionally).

 My Wife prefers shopping for whole foods and organic foods.

 Yes I do, I have two co-workers who are vegan, and they try to avoid all inorganic products

  6)    If so, then why or why not?

To improve health

reduce lifestyle diseases

promote awareness of wholesome rich foods.

 Most organic or additive free foods/supplements are much more expensive than the norm, make a point to buy ‘normal’ things.

We do look for the products with the least additives of the products we’re shopping for

 His wife is health conscious

 The co-workers prefer no added salt or sugar.

  7)    Prior to eating a foodstuff do you make sure to check its ingredients label for any additives you may wish to avoid consuming?

I generally shop in the organic or health aisles

I feel have clear labels

to artificial flavouring and colors not being added.

 not imperative that anyone in my household avoid additives,

I sometimes check ingredients  to be sure I’m not missing anything that could be potentially harmful.

 Artificial sweeteners, check to make sure it has natural sucralose or stevia.

 I often forget to as I don’t have the time or my attention may be elsewhere.

I try to eat foodstuffs I know and trust, these are mostly organic.

  8)    Does reading an ingredients label pose any difficulty for you? Any confusion? Lack of clarity? Potential pain points?

I do not recognise ingredients on some food products

scientific or commercial name which I may not recognise immediately is a food additive.

 Not so much.

pretty good at differentiating the harmful from the harmless.

 Guess so,

All these acids and numbers and things and stuff. Unless you know what you are looking for it can be confusing. The numbers are confusing, I don’t know what they mean.

Doesn’t impact my decision. Looks more at nutritional chart.

 Yes it does.

I don’t always know which ingredients are lab made versus naturally grown and harvested.

Don’t know the meaning of the letters and numbers (e.g. E and 472).

Unsure of what imported ingredients means, unsure if they are to be trusted if they are from other countries.

  9)    What methods of finding out if a foodstuff contains unwanted additives have you used in the past?

Internet research.

 reading the ingredients and/or researching

 Research a preworkout. label said it was a specific blend and a lot of people said it might be dodgy blend of ingredients.

I have noticed a direct correlation between foodstuff price and additive amount. I believe that due to a higher number of additives, the product is more costly to manufacture, as such the price may go up.

Foodstuffs with a high amount of preservatives tend to not go bad for overly long periods of time.

The shorter the ingredient list the more organic the food item generally is.

 10) Hypothetically, what type of product or service would you personally want to exist which could help you effectively and efficiently figure out if your foodstuff contains unwanted additives?

an app which allows you to search up common food products which identifies if food additive or preservatives have been used.

 a resource that would educate and empower people to learn about additives

commonly used in day to day things they’d buy in their grocery shop.

This would mean they can read ingredients lists and be confident

 When shopping a laminated chart. What the benefits are and what the side effect are. WHO approved, subject to certain amounts. One poster A3 or A2 per shop isle.

 I would like there to be shelves inside grocery store that state that all items on them are 100% organic.

Then a food isle that states that the foodstuffs within it contain no more 25% of total additives.

Another food isle that explicitly states that all items in the isle contain a concentration higher than 25% of total food additives within the foodstuffs.

Ingredients label: Higher risk food additives need to be written in a different colour to signify potential danger, e.g. Red

 11) If a product or service were to be created to serve the aforementioned purpose would you use it yourself and/or recommend it to your friends and family?

Yes.

 Yes,  it would mean they have the knowledge to make decisions about the food they’re consuming

 Yep would advise them to look out for the poster

 Using the above methods, the stores would be self-explanatory enough where I wouldn’t need to explain this to my close circle.

 12) Would you rather use a convenient product or tool to educate yourself about food additives and their role in the food you consume? Or, would you rather use a product or tool which could immediately provide you with information about the food additives in question on the spot?

A tool such as an app which will immediately provide me information of food additives.

 I would prefer to educate myself first.

I could then inform others who are concerned about the contents of their food and drink

empower people to make the best choices for themselves and others.

 On the spot would be easier. Due to time constraints and short vs long term memory. Unless you fully study it or are invested into it.

 Would rather use the tool that answers my question on the spot.

[perfecthealthseo-blog]

All CBD products listed in this story are derived from hemp. Some CBD products, like those derived from marijuana, are only legal in certain states; see here to determine whether or not you can legally make a purchase. Additionally, THC/CBD edibles and additives are not necessarily FDA-approved.

Hypothetical comparison time: CBD is the #1 band on the charts right now. Oil is the lead singer, and gummies are the less famous member that started a solo career because they deserve just as much attention.

CBD-infused gummies are a delish alternative when estimating drops of oil sounds too hard and when vaping in public draws too much attention. For anyone who's on the fence about trying CBD, gummies are a fun way to get started. Most retailers offer mini sizes for less than $15, so a trial run is much cheaper than with other CBD products, too. But just like with marijuana, CBD is something you'll have to test on yourself to see how much you want to take. Starting low is crucial, so these mini variety packs can help there.

While there hasn't been a ton of peer-reviewed scientific research (yet) to support all the reported benefits of CBD, that hasn't stopped the hype train from barreling ahead at full steam. We know it helps some people who suffer from certain epileptic seizures — the FDA has approved a prescription drug called Epidiolex to do just that — but whether it can treat anxiety and inflammation often depends on who you talk to.

Do CBD gummies work as well as oil?

Here's the thing, and we can't say this enough: There just hasn't been the level of research to accurately answer the question about all of CBD's true benefits. But what about comparing gummies to oil? CBD purveyors say dropping oil under your tongue will have faster results than ingesting a gummy — and you may have to take a higher dosage one way to get the same effects (if you feel any at all) depending on how your body reacts to oil versus edibles.

A general rule though is that oil gets you more CBD per purchase, but gummies may make it easier to regulate your dosage. Regardless of your method, the most important thing to know is that CBD won't get you high.

How fast gummies work is different, though: A drop of oil under the tongue enters the body through the sublingual gland, letting CBD hit the bloodstream faster than it does through oral consumption of gummies. (But both are slower than vaping and swishing oil around in your mouth and swallowing will reduce its impact.) Everyone's body and metabolism handles new substances differently — and you should definitely talk to your doctor to make sure CBD is right for you — but gummies can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to kick in. Actually, edibles are the slowest delivery method next to topical creams.

Are CBD gummies legal?

If the CBD is derived from hemp (which is the type of CBD in all of the gummies below), you're pretty much in the clear. Hemp's low THC content (under .3 percent) isn't enough to get you high.  The U.S. Senate legalized the widespread farming and sale of hemp across state lines last year. Buyers should pay attention to where the hemp plant used to harvest CBD was grown and where — hemp is known to suck up toxins in the soil so be wary. Many CBD experts suggest purchasing products only made from U.S. hemp due to agricultural regulations. High-quality CBD companies will provide third-party lab results to inquiring clients.

Gummies could be a good starting point for people who are paranoid about THC or drug tests, as many gummies are made with CBD isolate rather than full-spectrum CBD. Isolates are the purified, THC-free stuff that have also had other cannabinoids (cannabis compounds) filtered out.

Full-spectrum CBD uses the whole hemp plant and contains naturally-occurring terpenes and other compounds, which are said to work together to create different effects. CBD isolate has been shown to be less effective at certain dosage levels compared to whole-plant CBD, according to a 2015 Hebrew University of Jerusalem study, but more research needs to be done to confidently discern which is better. In addition, how the CBD isolate is made matters: If a brand won't explain their method, your spidey senses should go off. Some states are stricter than others about CBD, and while most rules concern marijuana-derived CBD rather than hemp-derived, requirements that that go into the exact percentage of THC can be hard to follow. If the minor discrepancies have you worried, stay safe by choosing isolate-infused gummies. (Take a look at this table for extra clarity.)

Heads up: CBD may be legal in most places, but it is not legal on Amazon. Though searching "CBD" turns up a lot of products that look legit, they're probably not. Sneaky merchants will market a product that resembles CBD gummies as "hemp seed oil gummies" to get around Amazon's legal policies while conveniently leaving out the fact that hemp seed oil doesn't contain CBD. The whole section just gets sketchy, and we suggest that you skip the scams. The Prime shipping isn't worth it.

It should also be noted though that the FDA has been pretty cranky about how companies talk about food containing CBD, and while they have softened their stance a bit, the agency isn't all that keen about the sale of CBD in food or as supplements. A press release by the FDA from December 2018 put it thusly:

Which CBD gummies are best?

Taste is the reason most people choose gummies over another method in the first place, but it's obviously relative. You can, however, predict what brand will satisfy your taste buds by considering factors like the presence of a sugar or sour coating (like a Sour Patch Kid), natural fruit flavors versus noticeable artificial flavoring, no gelatin for vegans, and so on.

Potency is another thing to consider: A bottle with only 5 or 10 mg per gummy could be perfect for newbies, but someone with inflammation or anxiety might be looking to try a stronger dosage in their gummy. Most CBD sellers suggest starting out with a 10 mg serving and then move up from there — you'll have to test on yourself to see what works for you, if anything. Interestingly, Dr. Esther Blessing, an assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine, told the New York Times, that to treat anxiety one must take roughly 300 mg of CBD. Now that's a lot, so take your personal experimentation slow over a period of time.

We'll say it louder for the people in the back: Comparing price per gummy doesn't make sense. Like we said, all gummies are not created equal when it comes to potency — and obviously a gummy with 5 mg will probably cost less than a gummy with 25 mg. And if you're taking multiple low-dosage gummies at a time to get the effects you want, you'll find yourself running out faster and having to re-order.

See more:- http://www.perfect4health.com/full-spectrum-cbd-gummies/

https://www.facebook.com/perfect4health/posts/907218696287546

https://www.facebook.com/events/2356871507935987/

https://twitter.com/Perfect4Healths/status/1136568805713272833

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/839851030491909093

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXR6-eHN_b/

https://www.quora.com/unanswered/Do-CBD-gummies-work-as-well-as-oil

https://www.flickr.com/photos/155900216@N08/48012429003/in/dateposted-public/

[creativesage]

(via The New Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid)

Profound changes are closing the gap between the world’s poorest consumers and others, offering an unprecedented opportunity for businesses to create — and share in — prosperity.

By Deepa Prahalad

Almost 20 years ago in a strategy+business article, my father, C.K. Prahalad, and his colleague Stuart L. Hart debuted a simple but radical idea. They argued that the 4 billion poor people around the world represented a vibrant consumer market, that this market could best be tapped with for-profit models, and that the poor themselves had to be partners in the process. This challenged many long-held assumptions about the role of both government and business in addressing poverty. At the time, their thinking (which had been rejected for four years by scholarly journals) invited polite skepticism at best. Much of the hesitation to engage with their ideas stemmed from a belief that uplifting the poor was the domain of government and nonprofits, or was simply too risky. Most businesses lacked the insight and cost structures to reach poor consumers. There was a persistent belief that needs such as shelter and nutrition had to be addressed before the poor could understand — and pay for — aspirational products and technology. Sadly, this pessimism was as common among elites in emerging markets as it was in the West.

Nevertheless, the idea of merging profit and purpose at what my father and Hart termed the bottom of the pyramid and that many now refer to as the base of the pyramid captured the imagination of both corporations and the development community. What began in strategy+business as a blueprint for what was possible grew into two editions of a book, The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid, authored by my father, profiling companies and social-sector organizations that had created successful business initiatives in developing economies. And unlike many management ideas that have come and gone, the concept of the bottom of the pyramid continues to inspire vibrant conversation today. I think the reason is that it speaks to the aspirations of managers and consumers alike. It represents a fundamentally optimistic view about the ability of the poor and people inside organizations to collaborate and make the world a better place.

Nearly 20 years after the article’s publication, the idea of business as a force for good has taken hold, and the discussion around poverty has changed, too. Since my father’s passing in 2010, I’ve revisited many of the organizations and people he profiled in his book. I’ve advised entrepreneurs, served on nonprofits, and worked on bottom-of-the-pyramid innovation. It’s clear to me that three fundamental shifts are affecting the world’s poor and their role as consumers:

• Most importantly, a dramatic reduction in extreme poverty around the world has created opportunities for entrepreneurial solutions to many social problems and narrowed the gap between developed and bottom-of-the-pyramid markets.

• Technology — including the widespread use of cell phones among the world’s poor — is significantly lowering the cost of communication and learning. This is enabling companies to develop, deliver, and scale many important services, such as bank payments to mobile phones.

• Not only are industry and civil society ready to accept the narrative of innovation as the antidote to poverty, but there’s a rising expectation that businesses should try to make the world a better place.

The solutions to today’s pressing social problems cannot be decided by debate; they must be discovered through experimentation. The opportunity is huge: Companies are now in a great position to improve life for the world’s poor while also improving their bottom line.

Rapid Change Means Goals Are Changing, Too

The World Bank estimates that since 1990, 1.1 billion people have moved out of extreme poverty. One major reason is that the United Nations Development Programme’s Sustainable Development Goals have offered many stakeholders in the poverty problem the strategic clarity they need to successfully collaborate in bringing about change. Data from the International Monetary Fund shows that the fastest-growing economies in the world are in emerging markets. This powerful combination of reform and rapid economic growth is on display in countries such as India, where the World Data Lab’s World Poverty Clock shows that about 40 people per minute overcome extreme poverty. The transition is in progress in many parts of Africa, too (although there is tremendous variation in poverty rates on the continent), with Chinese investment leading economic growth. The idea of the world’s poor as active consumers is no longer dubious. They are now purchasing a range of goods and services, including consumer products and cell phone plans.

Because of this overall reduction in extreme poverty, the conversation about the bottom of the pyramid has shifted from how to alleviate poverty to how to address deep inequality — and not just in developing countries. A comparison of the world economic pyramid from my father’s original paper with 2017’s numbers tells an interesting story (see “A Tale of Two Pyramids”). In 2017 there were fewer people at the bottom of the pyramid (3.4 billion, compared with 4 billion in 2000). Income tiers had also risen so significantly by 2017 that it’s now extremely challenging to directly relate them on the two charts. In 2000, the richest 20 percent of the world’s population accounted for about 85 percent of global income. By 2017, there was a new concentration of wealth at the top. The Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report (pdf) for that year showed that approximately 86.3 percent of global wealth was controlled by 8.6 percent of the population. Oxfam reports that 42 individuals now possess the same cumulative wealth as the bottom 3.6 billion people on the planet. Poverty has decreased and access to technology has accelerated, but the widely held idea that the income pyramid would transform into a diamond, with wealth concentration in the middle, has not yet become a reality.

   Nevertheless, there has been significant progress at the bottom, and both multinational corporations and local innovators have driven the progress. The original strategy+business article cited “information poverty” as a major roadblock to development and pointed out that “half of humanity has yet to make a single phone call.” That claim no longer holds, as local companies — Kenya’s Safaricom, India’s Reliance, China’s Alibaba, and many others — have grown in size and sophistication, in both product and service offerings, giving rise to more entrepreneurial cultures and making technology accessible to the world’s poor. In some cases, the technology is even more accessible than low-priced products. For example, in 2009, India’s Tata released the Nano, dubbed the “world’s cheapest car,” at a price point of US$2,500. But the way the car was marketed hindered its appeal among its intended consumers, and Tata halted production in 2017. Meanwhile, ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Indian local alternative Ola have enjoyed brisk growth, and Ola is now expanding overseas. Everyone can both use these platforms and find work on them, and in the future, some of these services may help fulfill last-mile delivery challenges, too. And companies such as Amazon, which is training many small vendors around the world to scale up and become credible brands in their own right, are also helping to propel growth.

Access to technology enables growth for consumers and businesses. And these days, the fortunes of many tech companies rely heavily on their performance in bottom-of-the-pyramid markets. China’s Xiaomi, for example, sold 100,000 phones in less than 10 seconds on India’s e-commerce platform several years ago and is the world’s fifth-largest cell phone maker, despite having no sales in the U.S. to date. (Apple is the only Western company in the top five.) India’s Reliance launched the 4G Jio network, which has 215 million subscribers and is spurring e-commerce growth in the country. And Warren Buffett made his first investment in India in August 2018, taking a stake in One97 Communications, which owns payments firm Paytm.

The evolution of technology has dramatically affected life at the bottom of the pyramid — and created new opportunities. The poor all over the world now have cell phones. Companies no longer have to guess about the preferences and opinions of the bottom of the pyramid when they innovate — they can ask directly. Big data and a payments infrastructure exist for consumers at all income levels.

The statistics, though, can never adequately capture the palpable changes on the ground or give a complete sense of the new dynamics now at work. Kenya, for example, had a per capita income of only US$1,507 in 2017, according to the World Bank. Yet Kenya’s 10 most valuable brands include Safaricom (telecom), M-Pesa (money transfer), local radio and TV outlets, Facebook, and banking and power companies, many of which serve consumers across income categories. The traditional view of needs explains very little of what is being adopted and purchased at scale in emerging markets. The picture in most countries mirrors this trend — purchases among the poor are a reflection of aspiration rather than pure need. Savvy companies and social innovators today often leverage this phenomenon.

Bottom of the Pyramid Converging with Other Tiers

The original bottom-of-the-pyramid vision suggested that companies that innovated successfully for the poorest markets might be able to attract consumers in developed countries too. Since then, the gap between these markets has narrowed, which means companies of all sizes should be able to capture both types of consumer by considering their common wants in five specific areas:

Companies with a higher purpose. Business leaders today face pressure to deliver profits while also contributing to society. Changing consumer attitudes show that people like companies engaging on social issues. And many employees, especially millennials, want to work at firms that use innovation as a force for good in the world. It is increasingly common for leaders to articulate a vision of how their companies can contribute to a higher purpose. Larry Fink of BlackRock used his 2018 annual letter to CEOs to call for companies in the portfolio to directly contribute to the community. India’s Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance, drew public support for the company’s 4G Jio network by declaring “digital life will no longer be the privilege of the affluent few.” Given all this support for purpose-driven businesses, it might be less risky than it once was to make big bets in unfamiliar territory.

Trust and community before transactions. Trust is a central precursor to scale. For example, creating opportunities for consumers to sample products and enlisting local salespeople has been critical to the success of the personal care, snack, and detergent businesses. Many companies have invested heavily in product development, but fall short on customer service. Increased competition, which puts pressure on companies to provide better customer service, and new platforms for feedback, delivery, and co-creation, which help companies understand what customers want, can help address this gap and establish and maintain trust.

Design for a fraction of the cost. Big data allows businesses to draw on insights and come up with products and services at radically reduced price points. Rather than relying on limited samples or anecdotal evidence, companies can track actual purchase behavior and transactions to get a sense of the design elements and attributes that consumers value. Companies around the world can already access new markets through platforms such as Amazon. And a new Target line of 70 essentials and personal-care items, dubbed Smartly (with most items costing less than US$2), is at an attractive price point for global markets. The line can challenge established brands in the U.S. and appeals to consumers in many different markets. New feature phones from Reliance are available in India for the equivalent of US$20. In addition, new ways of consuming, especially shared ownership, are allowing people to access previously unattainable goods and experiences.

A blend of luxury and economy. If you look at a list of the top 100 global brands today, both the luxury and mass market sectors are well represented. Tech companies, which attract consumers across a wide range of incomes, are exceptions. However, many of the companies in emerging markets have never had the freedom to serve just one sector or the other. A volatile world will require companies to create products and services that appeal to customers across a much wider swath of income levels. Tata, for example, has credibility in the luxury category and in the middle- and bottom-of-the-pyramid markets. Its brand requires design with similar standards — albeit different aesthetics — across all consumer categories.

Creation of social codes and norms. The role of business in helping to establish social codes and norms is at the heart of its power to transform society. Regardless of a person’s income or profession, daily survival requires a series of transactions — through cash, barter, or credit. The way those transactions are constructed affects how easily people are able to transition between professions, locations, and lifestyles. The need to be heard and respected is universal, and the engagement of firms is helping make this happen for a much larger community than ever before. For example, because many roads in Kenya don't have names and buildings lack numbers, even receiving a piece of mail was a stressful and onerous process for many people until MPost allowed people to use their mobile number as a postal address.

It finally feels as though the debate about how to create social impact is getting louder than the debate about whether business has an obligation to do so.

       As the definition of a decent standard of living continues to advance, businesses and governments are trying to figure out how to manage what I deem “the good bad news.” For example, the World Health Organization reports (pdf) that non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, now account for 80 percent of deaths in emerging countries. This figure indicates that economic growth has brought progress in some areas, including infectious disease, maternal health, and life expectancy, all driven by economic growth. But this change also imposes tremendous strain on societies now forced to cope with hunger and diabetes at the same time. This is a pattern that is global in nature — progress, even as it creates benefits in certain areas, creates new pressures and problems in other areas. Sustainability challenges will require businesses to balance new customers’ aspirations to consume with environmental concerns. Rich and poor countries will be grappling with similar problems — but the potential is great for good solutions to scale.

Reflections on the Journey

Long before it coalesced into a framework, aspects of the bottom-of-the-pyramid story were a part of my life and dinner table conversation. Seeing the way it has evolved over the years has taught me that even if life isn’t fair, companies and individuals can strive to make it more so. For me, the impact of this idea is measured in moments. It’s in the interactions I have today, some of which were unthinkable when I was a child.

Ice cream was once taxed as a luxury in India. When I had it, it truly felt like a guilty pleasure because it was out of reach for so many. My father challenged local entrepreneurs to create an ice cream that everyone could enjoy. Today, there is a popular ice cream bar that retails for Rs 7 (about US$0.10), and now when I’m in India, I see day laborers in line alongside me to buy treats for their children. Some aspects of my identity, such as my American accent, no longer create a barrier, but open a conversation instead. A store clerk once noticed my accent and asked me to read out a list of words so he could record it and share it with his accent correction class. When I asked him what he wanted to do with that training, he patiently explained that he planned to work in customer service for a few years, and perhaps start his own business someday. In my interactions with people traditionally at the bottom of the pyramid, I’ve slowly been able to move beyond empathy to engagement and friendship. My WhatsApp contacts list now includes tailors, forest rangers, and drivers — many of the people I could only smile at politely in years past. Today, we share family photos, jokes, and ideas.

But that is only half of the story. Back at home in the U.S. and in management forums, the conversation has changed, too. It finally feels as though the debate about how to create social impact is getting louder than the debate about whether business has an obligation to do so. My excitement about the bottom of the pyramid is no longer rooted in its promise. It is continuously renewed in conversations with entrepreneurs and in seeing the actual ventures the bottom-of-the-pyramid idea has inspired. It’s in realizing that skepticism has given way to thoughtful questions. Mainstream business magazines now profile multinational corporations that are striving to win over rural consumers. There is competition among investors and fear of missing out on the growth opportunities in emerging markets. My LinkedIn invitations have multiplied over the years, too, largely with the addition of people with business ideas that serve — or at least seek to include — consumers at the bottom of the pyramid. The people who were once dismissed are being studied and discussed, and slowly being brought into the conversation. Local innovators are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Most importantly, the conversation about how to uplift the disenfranchised and address inequality in rich countries is now part of the public discourse.

There is still a long way to go, and the answers to many pressing social questions remain elusive. I believe the impact of the bottom-of-the-pyramid idea was that it injected both pragmatism and optimism into the debate, thereby helping to direct the innovative capacity of business in places where it was needed the most. As business leaders grapple with daunting challenges, they can and should continue to engage directly on social issues with faith that their efforts can make a difference — because they already have. Business has already made the world a better place by creating shared experiences and aspirations. The challenge ahead will be in unleashing innovation to create shared prosperity.

Related Stories:

The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid

by C.K. Prahalad, Stuart L. Hart

Common Purpose: Realigning Business, Economies, and Society by Colm Kelly, Blair Sheppard

The New Ways to Win in Emerging Markets by David Wijeratne, Gagan Oberoi, Shashank Tripathi

Author Profile:

Deepa Prahalad is a speaker, design strategist, and expert on innovation in emerging markets. She coauthored Predictable Magic: Unleash the Power of Design Strategy to Transform Your Business (Pearson) and consults for corporates and startups. Prahalad mentors leading social entrepreneurs and serves on several international nonprofit boards.

[Entire post — click on the title link to read it at Strategy + Business.]

***

At Creative Sage™, we love to connect corporate leaders and entrepreneurs with good causes, and help companies start genuine Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Social Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, Impact Investing and/or philanthropy programs that are a win-win for all partners. We’re also researching new developments in the Sharing Economy that include new business models to increase profits, and also support social good.

Please do not hesitate to email us if you would like to discuss your situation and find out more about how we can help your organization move forward to a more innovative and profitable future, strengthening your branding and resonance with customers while helping to do good in the world through appropriate, authentic CSR partnerships with nonprofits, philanthropists, educational institutions and programs, or government agencies and community organizations.

We can also help you connect with celebrities and other notable people who can help amplify your message of social good, or headline entertainment events and concerts for good causes. You can call us at 1-510-845-5510 in San Francisco / Silicon Valley. We look forward to talking with you!

***

[icsquare]

How to create a strategic plan for your Start-up?

In the start-up circle, people often roll their eyes at the mention of ‘planning’. They think that start-ups are too cool to plan. They say that the beauty of entrepreneurship lies in the uncertainty of everything. By the time they realized that they are heading for a disaster, it is already too late. More often than not, the reason turns out to be the lack of proper planning. 

A start-up is as strong as the strategic planning behind it. 

In this article, we will touch upon the topic of ‘strategic planning’ and shed light on the importance of the same.

Why does your start-up need strategic planning?

A strategic plan is a set of steps and strategies that a company needs to identify and implement at earlier stages in order to meet its predefined objectives.

Time and again, it has been observed that start-ups generate sales easily and covers the growth curve quickly. Then they hit the point of stagnation. At this stage, start-ups with a well-crafted strategic plan find their way out, while the start-ups ‘too cool to plan’ get stuck in the swamp of anonymity. With the help of this strategic plan, the founder of a company can define a growth path for themselves as well as the employees. Another major benefit of this plan is that it acts as a device to measure and re-calibrate success regularly. Lastly but most importantly, VCs are likely to fund a start-up with a strategic plan and clarity of goal as compare to start-ups with just ‘an idea that will change the world.’

Difference between Strategic Plans and Business Plans

A strategic plan is a kind of a business plan, but quite different from the business plan itself. A business plan is the literature of a start-up. It charts out the very definition of the company, how it is going to sell its product, at what price, etc. It is drafted in the initials phase of a company. On the other hand, a strategic plan is drafted for a company that has grown out of its initial phase and is an established venture now. The bigger the company gets the more crucial the need for a strategic plan gets. Another mistake that people make while making a strategic plan is that they think of it as a static plan. In reality, a strategic plan must be seen as a dynamic activity, that must be optimized as an when a challenge or an opportunity presents itself.

The building blocks of a Strategic Planning-:

Vision: The     vision defines what a company plans to become or achieve in the future. It     is what drives a business and gives the employees a path. A well-crafted     vision must answer these questions about the business – What business are     we operating in? Who is our customer? What is success in the long and     short-run? What is the company’s competitive advantage?

Values: 

The beliefs and the founding principles of a company are its values. The values of a company are permanent. It has been found to be beneficial to write a core value statement.

Mission     Statement: 

A mission statement states the core incentive for a firm to engage in business. It does not compose the strategic planning directly but creates the foundation by defining the strategic objectives. It differs from the vision statement in terms that it does not project a future goal for the company.

Goals:

Goals are the results that we desire to get out of the company’s efforts and activities. Well-defines goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. For example, the goal of increasing sales by 30% in 2 years will be more likely to be achieved as compared to the goal of selling more products rapidly.   

Competencies: 

Every company must be founded on the fact that they do something better than everyone. These activities that a company specializes in are termed as its core competencies. Every start-up must assess, define, hone its core competencies and associated skills.

Evaluation: 

A plan is useless if it can’t be evaluated in terms of performance and effectiveness. Therefore, every organization, established or start-up, must-have performance indicators against which it can measure its success.

Now, when we have discussed the composition, need, and importance of strategic planning, we believe that you have a better chance of taking a start-up to newer heights. In case, you have doubts that can’t be resolved with a strategic plan, then it is recommended that you do a pilot test of your core business idea. Participating in a start-up contest can be a good idea. Rajan Nanda Innovation Lab recently launched its Inter College Innovation Challenge – a start-up contest for the budding entrepreneurs of India. Students from colleges all over India with innovative technology solutions in agri-tech, rail-tech and infra-tech can submit their names for the contest. 10 most creative and innovative product ideas will win seed funding of Rs. 5 lakhs each. 

[ladystylestores]

Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today

Mixed messages in the C.D.C.’s new guidelines for reopening schools

In the anguished battle over reopening America’s schools, the nation is divided into distinct, sometimes overlapping groups. There are those who want schools to fully reopen in the fall in order to restore normalcy for children or to help reopen the economy or both, and others who are much more concerned that in-person instruction could seed broader outbreaks.

Into this morass comes a package of documents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about reopening schools, a second attempt after President Trump assailed the agency’s original recommendations last month as “very tough and expensive.” This time there’s something for everyone.

The documents include an opening statement that offers a full-throated call to reopen schools this fall, sounding at times more like a political speech than a scientific document. The C.D.C. did not write it; the statement was created by a working group convened by officials at the Department of Health and Human Services.

It lists many reasons children benefit from being in school, and downplays potential health risks, repeatedly describing children as unlikely to catch or spread the virus, even though the transmission risk is not definitively known.

But the package also includes information that some epidemiologists said was helpful, including checklists for parents and mitigation measures for schools, like keeping desks at least six feet apart, teaching hand-washing and mask-wearing, and keeping small groups of children in one classroom all day.

Our colleague Abby Goodnough, who covers health care for The Times, told us that after all of the back and forth on back-to-school guidelines, “the C.D.C.’s job is done for now.”

“It’s now pretty fully in the hands of local school districts and principals and superintendents to figure this out,” she said, “and there’s really not a lot of time left to make these decisions.” Because the new materials are of two minds — arguing for children to return to school while recommending very cautious guidelines for doing so — it won’t go far in mending the splits dividing Americans about how and when to reopen schools.

“It’s confusing,” she told us. “I would say that instead of providing clarity or creating a truce, it just kind of digs people into their differing positions on this even more.”

The cost of getting it wrong. A number of virus clusters in the U.S. have been traced back to school-related events like graduation ceremonies or gatherings of teenagers.

The state of testing: dismal

If you want a coronavirus test in the U.S., be prepared to wait days, even weeks, for the results. As the nation’s outbreak continues to rage, the demand for testing has overwhelmed labs and supply chains, leading to long delays that could be helping the virus spread.

In New York City, 20,000 to 35,000 people have been tested most weekdays recently — far below the target of 50,000 — but even that has strained local labs. Rapid-testing capacity hasn’t ramped up at the state and city levels, and case spikes in the West and the South have deluged national labs.

The delays have limited officials’ ability to quickly identify new cases and perform contact tracing. Quick turnaround times are considered critical for limiting transmission from people who do not show symptoms and may not isolate themselves until they know they have the virus.

But demand for lab capacity is only likely to increase as flu season approaches and universities that bring students to campus rely on plans to test them frequently.

Also contributing to the bottlenecks: strained or dwindling supplies of the machines, containers, chemicals and tools, like plastic pipette tips, used to move liquid between vials.

The surge, by percentage. President Trump has blamed the ballooning U.S. case count on increased testing, but the rise in infections far outpaces the higher volume of tests, a Times analysis found. Over nearly the last two months, the average number of tests has grown by 80 percent — to about 780,000 per day — while daily case counts shot up 215 percent.

Millions of Americans are on the brink of losing the $600 a week the federal government has been providing on top of state unemployment benefits to help them weather the pandemic. The extra benefit expires at the end of the month, but because of a quirk in the calendar, workers in most states won’t qualify for the payments after this week.

Unemployment income will drop off sharply for everyone, but lower-income workers will feel the hit the most.

To help those receiving benefits understand what the change means, The Times charted the shift in replacement income — the share of income that unemployment benefits make up — in every state.

Resurgences

Hong Kong — which had long kept the virus at bay while keeping schools, restaurants and malls open — announced new restrictions in the face of its largest outbreak since the beginning of the pandemic.

An outbreak in Melbourne, Australia, has rattled officials after extensive testing and early lockdowns had limited outbreaks for months.

In Israel, where cases are spiking and nearly one in nine people are now unemployed, thousands of millennials have blocked the streets outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence repeatedly to demand that he quit.

Masks, already mandatory in much of Europe, are now required in shops and supermarkets in England, where people had resisted over fears of appearing perturbed or ridiculous.

Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.

What else we’re following

The Times charted the countries with the worst outbreaks, judging by new daily cases per million people. Oman, Bahrain, Panama, South Africa and the U.S. lead the pack.

President Trump signed executive orders targeting high drug prices, even as he is relying on drug companies to develop virus treatments and vaccines. The orders alone cannot change policy.

The federal government sent nursing homes across the country faulty protective gear, including expired respirator masks and surgical masks crafted from underwear fabric.

More than one-third of the U.S. women’s Olympic rowing team was infected with Covid-19. Now, they’re warning young, healthy people to take the virus more seriously.

When business at a laundry shop in Taiwan slowed during the pandemic, the owners, an octogenarian couple, used the extra time to model left-behind garments on Instagram.

What you’re doing

As I now spend so much time washing my hands, I am using the time to memorize poems. I tape a poem to my bathroom mirror, and each time I wash my hands, rather than singing “Happy Birthday,” I memorize a poem or stanza.

— Karen O’Kain, Vancouver, British Columbia

Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.

Sign up here to get the briefing by email.

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[itswallstreetpr]

Who Will Lead the Hemp-related Space in 2020? (TCNNF, ACB, TMGI, CRLBF)

The time is coming when the cannabis and hemp stocks are back in gear. That means it’s time for investors to start making a shopping list based on what’s likely to work best in the space around the next corner. With that in mind, we present our shopping list drawn from relative strength, breadth of resources, top talent, and recent catalysts: Trulieve Cannabis Corp (OTCMKTS:TCNNF), Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB), Marquie Group Inc (OTCMKTS:TMGI), and Cresco Labs Inc (OTCMKTS:CRLBF).     Trulieve Cannabis Corp (OTCMKTS:TCNNF) is a clear relative strength leader that continues to expand its footprint. The company recently announced that it opened the doors of its latest Florida location on Tuesday, November 26th, in Lakeland. The Central Florida location is a milestone for Florida's largest operator as Trulieve becomes the first operator in Florida to reach 40 locations. "Trulieve has come a long way over the past three years – from closing out 2016 with only two stores to celebrating our record-breaking 40th store in Florida with even more to come in 2019 — and 2020 – as we continue to strategically plan for the future," said Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. "As the patient registry continues to grow and Florida's residents continue to seek alternative, natural relief, we will continue our mission to expand access to the natural, effective, and safe medications they have come to rely on." Trulieve Cannabis Corp (OTCMKTS:TCNNF) promulgates itself as a company that, through its subsidiary, Trulieve, Inc., engages in the cultivation, possession, distribution, and sale of medical cannabis in the United States. It offers a suite of Trulieve branded products with approximately 125 SKUs, including nasal sprays, capsules, concentrates, syringes, and cannabis flower in tamper-proof containers for vaporizers, topical creams, tinctures, and vape cartridges. The company distributes its products to Trulieve branded stores (dispensaries) in Florida, as well as takes orders online and by phone for delivery. As of November 20, 2018, the company operated 21 dispensaries. Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is headquartered in Quincy, Florida. According to company materials, “Trulieve is a vertically integrated "seed to sale" company and is the first and largest fully licensed medical cannabis company in the State of Florida. Trulieve cultivates and produces all of its products in-house and distributes those products to Trulieve branded stores (dispensaries) throughout the State of Florida, as well as directly to patients via home delivery. Trulieve is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol TRUL.” Even in light of this news, TCNNF has had a rough past week of trading action, with shares sinking something like -9% in that time. That said, chart support is nearby and we may be in the process of constructing a nice setup for some movement back the other way. Shares of the stock have powered higher over the past month, rallying roughly 14% in that time on strong overall action. Trulieve Cannabis Corp (OTCMKTS:TCNNF) generated sales of $93.4M, according to information released in the company's most recent quarterly financial report. That adds up to a sequential quarter-over-quarter growth rate of 20.5% on the top line. In addition, the company is battling some balance sheet hurdles, with cash levels struggling to keep up with current liabilities ($41.1M against $64.9M, respectively).     Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) is a member of the so-called “old guard” of the cannabis space, with a huge footprint, but a continuing bent toward innovation in the space, and the resources to keep the company out in front of the pack as the next leg gets underway. To that end, the company just announced that one of the Company's oil products has now been approved for use under Ireland's new Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP). According to the release, Aurora's High CBD Oil Drops received approval from the Irish authorities and have now been added to a regulatory schedule by the Irish Minister of Health enabling importation, prescribing and supply under the scheme and is to date, one of only two products to gain such authorization. Dr Shane Morris , Chief Product Officer at Aurora said, "Aurora is pleased to be able to assist patients who are seeking treatment with high quality EU-GMP (good manufacturing practice) certified pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis in Ireland.   We are very proud to be one of the first approved suppliers of medical cannabis under the MCAP.  We want to acknowledge the efforts made by many people, especially the patients and doctors who have campaigned for access to these medicines.  We look forward to more of Aurora's high-quality medicines being approved, so that more patients can benefit from the MCAP in Ireland.  We will continue to work closely with all parties and state agencies to facilitate further availability." Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) is one of the most widely diversified players in the cannabis space due to its powerful strategic investments. However, just drilling down into its core cannabis production operations, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc, trumpets itself as “one of the world’s largest and leading cannabis companies” and a licensed producer of medical cannabis pursuant to ACMPR. We would expect expansion on the way given the inflow of investment capital. But, at present, the Company operates a 55,200 square foot, state-of-the-art production facility in Mountain View County, Alberta, known as Aurora Mountain, is currently constructing a second 800,000 square foot production facility, known as “Aurora Sky”, at the Edmonton International Airport, and has acquired, and is undertaking completion of a third 40,000 square foot production facility in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, on Montreal’s West Island. It will be interesting to see if the stock can break out of its recent sideways action. Over the past week, the stock is net flat, and looking for something new to spark things. Over the past month, shares of the stock have suffered from clear selling pressure, dropping by roughly -31%. Aurora Cannabis Inc (NYSE:ACB) managed to rope in revenues totaling $75.2M in overall sales during the company's most recently reported quarterly financial data -- a figure that represents a rate of top line growth of 153.6%, as compared to year-ago data in comparable terms. In addition, the company is battling some balance sheet hurdles, with cash levels struggling to keep up with current liabilities ($236.9M against $464.6M, respectively).     Marquie Group Inc (OTCMKTS:TMGI) is a clear emerging leadership play in the CBD space, so it deserves acknowledgement here in this group. While the stock hasn’t yet started to gain traction with traders, the company boasts top talent in the health and beauty space coming together with the concept of the huge growth anticipated in CBD. Much of that promise springs from its leader, Jacquie Carter Angell, who has established an internationally recognized personal brand as a beauty expert, appearing in television, radio, magazine, newspaper and media events around the world. According to the company, during that time, she has partnered with celebrities, Olympic athletes, doctors, nutritionists and Nobel Prize laureates in brand-building and marketing health and beauty products to women in more than 90 countries. “The CBD market has grown exponentially, evolving from the virtually unknown, to a marketplace where consumer perception and expectations are on the rise. A lesser-known fact is that the largest consumer for CBD products is women between 35-49 years of age,” commented Jacquie Carter Angell, President of The Marquie Group. “We have predicated the majority of the packaging, branding, marketing, and digital identity around this fact in a manner that positions Whim with far less direct niche-level competition than other CBD product brands.” Marquie Group Inc (OTCMKTS:TMGI) bills itself as company led by former Director of Worldwide Training and Education for Herbalife Nutrition, Jacquie Carter Angell. It is a direct-to-consumer health and beauty products platform with a pipeline of innovative solutions to pervasive wellness concerns: anxiety, anti-aging, low energy, sleeplessness, and stress that use advanced formulations of plant-based, amino-acids and CBD alternatives to chemical ingredients. All products will feature unique formulations of top-quality ingredients meant to impart skin health that comes from improved amino-acid balance and CBD nutrition. The Marquie Group owns and operates two businesses: Music of Your Life, Inc, the nation's longest-running, nationally syndicated music radio network broadcast nationwide and internationally to a worldwide audience on the Internet, and Global Nutrition Experience, Inc. (GNX), an intellectual property licensing and development corporation. Products planned for a 2020 launch include facial skin care serums, a powerful amino acid infused collagen drink and custom blended CBD tinctures each with their own potent puree of nature’s finest fruits, flowers and herbs. Each one is uniquely developed to provide optimal sleep and relaxation, mental focus and clarity or beauty and antioxidant benefits via an array of plant- based ingredients formulated to enhance one's Inner Health and Outer Beauty.     Cresco Labs Inc (OTCMKTS:CRLBF) is suddenly back on the radar as a deep value slash growth play in the cannabis patch following the stock’s dramatic turnaround in December. To add some further color to the story, the company just announced that it has completed its first harvest from its expanded cultivation facility in Lincoln, IL. According to the release, “With the recent growth of the state’s medical market and adult-use legalization going live on January 1st, Cresco has been scaling operations to be able to accommodate what is expected to be one of the largest cannabis markets in the country. As the only operator in Illinois with three (3) cultivation facilities, Cresco has a unique competitive advantage and is positioned to build on its already market-leading position.” CRESCO LABS ORD (OTCMKTS:CRLBF) trumpets itself as a company that manufactures and sells medical cannabis products in the United States. It offers cannabis dry flower; vaporizer forms of cannabis; cannabis oil in capsule, oral and sublingual solutions; cannabis in topical; and other cannabis products. The company also provides cannabis infused edibles, including chocolate and toffee confections, fruit-forward gummies, and hard sweet and chews. Cresco Labs Inc. sells its products under the Cresco brand. In addition, it operators a Hope Heal Health dispensary in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts. The company was formerly known as Cresco Labs, LLC and changed its name to Cresco Labs Inc. in November 2018. Cresco Labs Inc. is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. According to the release, “Cresco Labs, based in Chicago, is a leading U.S. cannabis company with experienced management, access to capital and a demonstrated growth strategy. As a differentiated grower, processor and retailer of premium cannabis operating in ten states, the company focuses on entering highly regulated markets with outsized demand potential and high barriers to entry. Its impressive speed-to-market gives Cresco a distinct competitive advantage as it replicates its model to expand its national footprint. Cresco’s proven ability to execute is complemented by a cutting-edge brand strategy spearheaded by several of the brightest minds in consumer marketing in the nation. Cresco’s products are tailored to all major consumer segments: everyday cannabis, medicinally focused, connoisseur grade, and chef inspired edibles by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal. Learn more about Cresco Labs at crescolabs.com.” The stock has been acting very well over recent days, up something like 32% in that time. Cresco Labs Inc (OTCMKTS:CRLBF) pulled in sales of $47.8M in its last reported quarterly financials, representing top line growth of 19.6%. In addition, the company has a strong balance sheet, with cash levels far exceeding current liabilities ($108.2M against $60.6M). Read the full article

[thoughtfuldreamlandwombat-blog]

Revisiting Marina And The Diamonds' Second Album

UK-based electro pop group Marina And The Diamonds, fronted by Welsh native Marina Diamandis, put on an eclectic efficiency of 15 songs with a 2 track encore within the well-known Nice Corridor within the New York Hall of Science in Corona, NY. Just 350 lucky fans received to see this intimate efficiency where she carried out hits corresponding to Learn how to be a Heartbreaker,” Primadonna,” in addition to songs from her most up-to-date album Froot. Diamond Cut is arguably crucial of the Diamond 4 C's. The proportioning and craftsmanship of the diamond are the keys to its brilliance, fireplace and sparkle. Loose diamonds a lot decrease in shade and readability which are cut with high precision can look rather more beautiful than diamonds with perfect colour and clarity but faulty minimize high quality. The primary smaller, slower wave is overtaken by one other stronger second wave,” Kraus defined in a news release. The mix of the 2 waves squeezed the plastic to 150 gigapascals of pressure — more than exists on the backside of Earth's mantle — and heated it to more than eight,500 degrees. At that moment, the diamonds began to type. I call BS on that. A little analysis signifies that while pure diamonds might slightly fluctuate in hardness (the impurities which alter the color additionally modify its crystal properties), synthetic diamonds have a more consistent hardness which is in any other case an identical to a naturally-occurring diamond with the same chemical properties. This seems to make sense.

With a view to do this with Scorching diamonds in must appropriately guess the cardboard face of the cardboard that comes up next in a sport below the primary recreation board. Accessing this further gamble characteristic can help you to mainly double your winnings in case you are cautious. Izraeli, E.S., Harris, J.W., and Navon, (2001) Brine inclusions in diamonds: a new upper mantle fluid. Earth and Planetary Science Letters: 18: 323-332. When contemplating lab grown diamonds, it's wise to grow to be totally informed when making such a purchase. The worldwide demand for industrial diamonds tremendously exceeds the availability obtained through mining. Artificial diamonds are being produced to fulfill this industrial demand. They are often produced at a lower cost per carat than mined diamonds and they perform just as effectively in industrial use. Natural diamonds are shaped over tens of millions of years within the crust of the earth and modern, business mining started in the 1870's. Roughly thirty p.c of diamonds which might be mined are used for the jewelry industry. The opposite seventy p.c are utilized in commercial functions for blades and cutters. Nearly all of diamonds are mined in Africa however Australia, Russia and Canada are also massive producers. In 1953 Dave Somerville , while working as a sound engineer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto, Ontario , Canada, met three other guys one evening who appreciated to sing as a lot as he did. They determined to type a stand-up quartet known as The Diamonds. The group's first efficiency was within the basement of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Toronto singing in a Christmas minstrel show. The viewers's reaction to the Somerville-led group was so constructive that they determined that evening they would flip professional. Diamonds shaped and stored in these "diamond stability zones" are delivered to Earth's floor throughout deep-source volcanic eruptions. These eruptions tear out items of the mantle and carry them quickly to the floor 3. See Location 1 in the diagram on the top of the web page. This sort of volcanic eruption is extraordinarily uncommon and has not occurred since scientists have been in a position to recognize them. Many individuals see natural diamonds as an indulgent present. An expensive extravagance, but also a romantic and symbolic purchase worthy of spending good money to make a beloved one completely happy. We take a wider view, and imagine that in addition to being a present that has a powerful emotional affect, purchasing natural diamonds also as an opportunity for wealth preservation that has lasting sentimental worth. Essentially the most familiar utilization of diamonds at this time is as gems used for adornment —a usage which dates again into antiquity The dispersion of white gentle into spectral colors is the primary gemological attribute of gem diamonds. Within the twentieth century, gemologists have developed methods of grading diamonds and different gemstones based mostly on the traits most vital to their worth as a gem. Four traits recognized informally as the "four Cs" at the moment are commonly used as the essential descriptors of diamonds: carat, minimize, shade, and readability. This technique was developed by Gemological Institute of America in 1953 as internationally recognized normal to guage diamonds traits. The other key pressure behind right this moment's demand for diamond rings is De Beers, the cartel that has spent the last century artificially limiting supply whereas inventing a tradition” through brilliantly manipulative marketing. That two months' salary rule? Thank a Eighties De Beers ad marketing campaign. The saying, now being revived for millennial consumers , a diamond is eternally”? That was the brainchild of a De Beers adwoman in 1947 (and one reason why diamonds have horrible resale worth ). Seeing the diamond in individual will also be the proper time in your jeweler to coach you and answer any of your questions. Jewelers are trained to coach you past the basic four Cs of diamonds. They will present you the diamond underneath magnification, under totally different lighting, and can present and clarify the different characteristics of diamonds. For such a big and essential resolution in someone's life, there must be somebody there who can information you thru the method. And, the process does not cease after a diamond purchase. A jeweler will likely be useful to you in the long run as the years go by. From silver to gold and gemstones to diamonds, Becky Zimmerman of Shane Company mentioned there is an array of styles for any price range. Zimmerman mentioned it's important to be sensible with what you buy. Synthetic diamonds are sometimes yellowish in coloration (rarely used for gem functions, extra commonly used as diamond grit for industrial functions. Fashionable synthesis of thin movie diamond has other industrial purposes). The Diamonds had been one of the most widespread vocal teams of the 1950s, a quartet of Canadians best recognized for their hit Little Darlin',” which reached the #2 spot on Billboard's singles chart in 1957. Tom Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director finest known for profitable consecutive Greatest Actor Academy Awards (for Philadelphia in 1993 and Forrest Gump in 1994). Contrary to the rumor reproduced above, nevertheless, there is no familial connection between The Diamonds and Tom Hanks. When evaluating lab grown diamonds VS pure diamonds, the downfall is just not in the look. You'll get the similar characteristics in hardness, color, brilliance and general quality from a lab diamond as you will from a natural diamond. The only issue that many take a look at as a negative is just the technology and gear used to create these lab grown diamonds: There is much less of a romantic enchantment to have a diamond created in only a few months over a pair million years. There are lots of diamond options that have come to market in recent times, and in some cases these ‘faux' diamonds look almost equivalent to a natural diamond. One of the essential components to think about when selecting is how will the bride-to-be really feel about being proposed to with an actual diamond engagement ring versus a faux diamond ring? If the bride shouldn't be concerned (and some girls are truly alright with diamond options) there are still other issues reminiscent of the value, durability, and advantages of a natural diamond vs a faux, or synthetic, diamond. Ranging from a few hundred dollars, there are diamonds to go well with every price range. There are diamonds that yow will discover from as little as $270 and jewelry that begin at $35 while the most expensive diamond at present listed (a 22 carat white spherical diamond) is shut to three million dollars! Blue Nile is so confident about their costs and high quality that they state that there is no such thing as a comparability. Find out about a variety of topics, ranging from the basics of diamond jewellery fabrication, to the physics of sunshine traveling through diamonds, to misconceptions about lab diamonds promoted by the diamond mining trade. Diamonds possess a high "refractive index," which is to say that mild passing through the stone is sharply bent by the crystal lattice. Cubic zirconia, however, has a much more pronounced prismatic effect, more "fire" as it's recognized in the jewellery business, whereas diamonds seem extra like balls of cotton. 5. Till now, by means of technological advances, the cost of producing man-made diamonds has declined. Artificial diamonds can now be grown in a laboratory selling for about 20% lower than Natural diamonds mined from the earth. My engagement ring is a rigidity-set diamond. I don't know the very first thing about diamonds, and would not probably ever buy them for myself. I'm glad the ring came from a retailer as a result of because of the rigidity-setting it must be retightened ceaselessly, and there's both a waranty and repair settlement. In the event you make the comparison, with respect to quality, then you won't discover any distinction, as chemically they are similar. The hearth, brilliance and distinctive optical qualities of natural diamonds are exactly matched by synthetic diamonds. The only distinction is in colours and flaws proven by natural diamonds that can't be mimicked in synthetic ones. In spite of this, even skilled jewelers find it troublesome generally to distinguish between artificial and pure diamonds. There's superior gear out there, which might easily distinguish between the 2 varieties by checking the inclusions and internal composition of the diamonds. Artificial diamonds have distinct steel inclusions, which pure diamonds are devoid of.

[yarilokadalovgrad703]

Synthesis Part 2 Interviews: Key Findings and Insights

This is part 2 of my Synthesis process. I went through part 1 and highlighted all answers which seemed most relevant and important to my research topic. This allowed me to come up with the following overall insights and findings. 

This set of insights is generalised to help me figure out which parts can be actionable and which parts are lacking in validity or importance. 

The idea of this style of Synthesis it like taking a sieve. The goal is to take a large mass or base ingredient, whatever the form is, and then to use the sieve to break it down into finer, more refined parts. Resulting in a pure mixture of exactly what the recipe may call for. This refined set of information will be my actionable insights, allowing me to progress further in the this Research recipe. 

Interviews

1)    How much do you know about food additives in general?

2)    Why do you think they exist, what purpose do they serve?

 People believe that additives exist for the following reasons:

-        To add colour, texture, flavours

-        Keep foodstuffs fresh for longer (increased shelf life)

-        Make foodstuffs look nicer, taste and smell better

-        Make food crunchier or softer (softening and hardening agents)

-        Improve taste without adding significant calories, therefore creating consumer incentive to buy

-        Due to a high demand of readily available food (fast to cook, reheat and eat, etc.)

  3)    Why do you personally try to avoid food additives or why not?

 -        Try to eat mostly organic, wholesome fresh diet

-        Additives and artificial flavour enhancers can lead to addiction, resulting in overconsumption

-        Belief that high consumption of additive rich foods can have detrimental effects on the body: problems with metabolism, cancer, lack of important vitamins and minerals

  4)    Which food additives have you heard of as potentially dangerous (food additives that have a bad reputation)?

 -        Artificial colors

-        Artificial flavours and flavour enhancers

-        MSG

-        Corn Syrup

-        Sweeteners

-        Aspartame

-        Added Salt

-        Added Sugars

-        Acids

 5)    Do you or anyone in your immediate circle make it a point to shop for mostly organic products that are low in additives?

 -        Yes, Father owns Organic Café

-        Yes, Wife prefers organic and whole foods

-        Mostly no, conventional shopping

-        Yes, co-workers are vegan, try to avoid inorganic products

 6)    If so, then why or why not?

 -        To improve general health, reduce lifestyle caused diseases

-        Organic and additive free foods/supplements are typically more expensive, hard to afford

-        Look for similar option with least amount of additives

-        Prefer foodstuffs with no added salt or sugar

 7)    Prior to eating a foodstuff do you make sure to check its ingredients label for any additives you may wish to avoid consuming?

 -        Generally, shop in the organic or health aisles, typically products within them have clear labels in regard to artificial flavouring and colors not being added

-        Sometimes check ingredients to ensure nothing potentially harmful

-        Check for artificial sweeteners, prefer natural sucralose or stevia

-        Often forget due to lack of attention or time constraints

-        Try to eat foods I know and trust to be organic

 8)    Does reading an ingredients label pose any difficulty for you? Any confusion? Lack of clarity? Potential pain points?

 -        Unable to recognise ingredients on some foodstuffs

-        Scientific or commercial additive names hard to understand

-        Acids, letters and numbers can be confusing, doesn’t know meaning (e.g. E472)

-        More concerned with nutritional chart

-        Unsure of difference between which ingredients are lab made versus naturally sourced and grown

-        Unsure of what imported ingredients means, unsure if they can be trusted

 9)    What methods of finding out if a foodstuff contains unwanted additives have you used in the past?

 -        Internet research

-        Reading ingredients labels

-        Specific foodstuff product research

-        Possible correlation between foodstuff price and additive amount

-        Foodstuffs with a high amount of preservatives tend have longer shelf life

-        Shorter ingredient list usually means more organic, with exceptions of course

 10) Hypothetically, what type of product or service would you personally want to exist which could help you effectively and efficiently figure out if your foodstuff contains unwanted additives?

 -        App: Search up common foodstuffs, identifies what food additives and preservatives it contains

-        Resource that would educate and empower people to learn about additives in common grocery shopping. So that people can read ingredients lists and be confident

-        An A3 or A2 Poster/Laminated Chart: Stating what the benefits are and what the side effects are. WHO approved, subject to certain amounts.

-        Designated Shopping Isles and or Shelves that only stock the following products: 3 Tiers: 100% organic products, Foodstuffs with a total additive concentration under 25%, Foodstuffs with a concentration of additives higher than 25%

-        Ingredients label: Higher risk food additives need to be written in a different colour to signify potential danger, e.g. Red

 11) If a product or service were to be created to serve the aforementioned purpose would you use it yourself and/or recommend it to your friends and family?

 -        Yes, it would mean they have the knowledge to make decisions about the food they’re consuming

-        Yep would advise them to look out for the poster

-        Using the above methods, the stores would be self-explanatory enough where I wouldn’t need to explain this to my close circle

 12) Would you rather use a convenient product or tool to educate yourself about food additives and their role in the food you consume? Or, would you rather use a product or tool which could immediately provide you with information about the food additives in question on the spot?

 -        A tool such as an app to immediately provide information

-        Prefer to educate myself first, to then inform others who may be concerned

-        On the spot would be easier: time constrains, short vs long term memory