An Emerald Encryption: The Abhaya Emerald Buddha

Cameron Cooper has worked in print media in Asia for over two decades, covering a wide range of subjects. He has been an editor and writer at GemKey Magazine, Yomiuri Shimbun and Dow Jones Newswires, as well as launching and publishing Bangkok-based Untamed Travel magazine. He has also contributed features and interviews to the National Geographic Traveller, Toronto Star, Melbourne Age, The Independent (UK), BBC radio and television, and taught media studies at Thailand’s Thammasat University. Pascal Butel is a fourth-generation private collector of exceptional ancient Asian art. After earning a Masters Degree in Thai Language and Civilizations from INALCO (Oriental Languages and Civilizations National Institute, Paris), Pascal began building upon his inherited family collection. Over 20 years of field experience and first-hand knowledge of Asian culture and antiques has honed his expertise and made him a leading authority in Buddha iconography. As a devoted collector, Pascal has acquired one of Bangkok's most stunning private collections of antiques(Time Magazine International Edition, April 2011). He has lectured before prestigious groups such as the WPO (World Presidents Organization). pascal.butel.aeb@gmail.com Richard Shaw Brown is the author of over a dozen books including "Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans", winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award. Brown co-founded and is currently Acting Secretary of the Institute of Planetary Gemology in Bangkok, Thailand, a school teaching the Navaratna system of Asian birthstones. He is also is a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America. Diane Morgan is an experienced teacher and author of several cookbooks including "Cooking for the Week". She also writes a food column for the "Los Angeles Times". She lives in Portland, Oregon. Richard K. Diran, an accomplished sculptor and oil painter, was in the first graduating class of the California Institute of Art. He is the author and photographer of "The Vanishing Tribes of Burma" launched at the United Nations, and is a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America.