How's this for a sign of hard times, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre has postponed their conference. The conference, scheduled for November 17-18 was to feature Richard Branson as a keynote speaker. Antwerp is still the world's center for diamond cutting and the conference was to bring in diamantaires from around the world. Antwerp World Diamond Centre CEO, Freddy J. Hanard is quoted by the AFP as saying that it was deemed prudent to postpone the conference and "allow the dust to settle first" after the recent global economic turmoil. The conference also would have include a lavish dinner which was seen to be a too extravagant display while the economic situation is so fraught with chaos. The conference will be rescheduled for some time next year.

Marilyn Monroe sang "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and at the premiere of the movie she wore the famous Moon of Baroda necklace which has a a 24.04-carat canary yellow pear-shaped diamond at the center. You can see this necklace and many other diamonds worn by royals, high society and celebrities at the Diamond Divas exhibit at the Antwerp Diamond Museum. The exhibit, which runs from April 11 through June 8, 2008. Every piece in the exhibit has its own legend and the Antwerp Diamond Center relied on igh-end jewelers, auction houses and private collections from around the world to put the exhibit together.

[via Diamonds.Net]

Another hotel concept is launching this time in Antwerp and Amsterdam. The cutely named Qbic is budget-conscious chic. Each room is a cube-shaped living space called a Cubi. The Cubi is equipped with a Hästens bed, Philippe Starck bathroom fixtures, TV and wireless internet. The Cubi makes ample use of LED fabulousness, letting you set the color and theme of your room. The upholstery can also be changed with switchable panels.

The service is strictly hands-off. The hotel lobby has a digital kiosk with a screen that lets guests find infor on restaurants, movies and other attractions. There is also a "Grab-and-Go Corner" that will offer food and beverages as well as items such as toothbrushes, chargers, phone cards, magazines or condoms. Qbic will reward early reservations using a system where rates run from 39 to 139 euros per night. Checking in and paying is also done electronically on site. The first two Qbic hotels will open early next year.