Blue Moon Diamond sells for world record $48.4m

The rare and flawless Blue Moon Diamond sold for 48.6m Swiss francs (£31.9m, $48.4 million) to a Hong Kong buyer on Wednesday (11 November), setting a world record for a gemstone at auction, Sothebys said. The cushion-shaped diamond, mounted on a ring, has the top grading of fancy vivid blue and weighs 12.03 carats. It had a pre-sale estimate of $35-55m. The previous record was held by the Graff Pink of 24.78 carats, sold by Sothebys for $46.2m in November 2010. Nov 12, 2015

Global warming is good news for Champagne lovers

Climate change is a touchy subject in Champagne, because as France prepares to host world leaders for talks on how to slow it next month, producers of the regions famous sparkling wine have seen only benefits from global warming so far. The 1.2C increase in temperatures in the region over the past 30 years has reduced frost damage. It has also added 1% in the level of alcohol and reduced acidity, making it easier to comply with strict production rules, according to Champagne makers group CIVC. Nov 10, 2015