Record-setting ring

Hong Kong connoisseur Joseph Lau Luen-Hung paid $HK74 million ($11.63 million) for this 7.03 carat fancy vivid blue diamond at Sotheby's in Geneva. This set a new world record price per carat for any gemstone sold at auction. Lau also won the right to name the diamond, which he has now called the "Star of Josephine".

Praise for Change Your Password Day

"The Change Your Password Day [part of Australia's National e-Security Awareness Week] is a splendid illustration of what can happen when private and public sector organisations co-operate effectively," says Jo Stewart-Rattray from ISACA, the British organisation formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. She said ISACA supported this Australian initiative and would encourage similar moves elsewhere in the world.

Going, going, gone

Following the Going Concern and Related Audit Considerations symposium held in London, the National Institute of Accountants is advising Australian auditors to scrutinise the financial statements of small business clients more closely this year. "The credit crisis and economic downturn have led to a lack of available credit for businesses, which may affect their ability to continue as a going concern," says Michael Carmody, the NIA chief executive officer.

The love boat

Classic International Cruises has announced a series of low-cost deals, starting from $125, for weddings, renewal of vows and same-sex commitment ceremonies on board Athena during her Australian season next summer. The former transatlantic liner has its own chapel. Athena departs from Fremantle and Adelaide in the December 2009 to March 2010 period.