Trust and Information: How Gold Jewelry Markets Solve the Lemons Problem

Trust and Information: How Gold Jewelry Markets Solve the Lemons Problem

Standing in The Gold Corner jewelry store on Piazza di Santa Croce in Florence this past November, examining an 18-karat gold ring, I found myself reflecting on how differently gold jewelry markets operate across the world. As an economist who has experienced gold markets in India, the United States, and now Italy, I realized that…

The Economics of Nostalgia: How Vintage Fiat 500s Drive Florence’s Premium Tourism Market

The Economics of Nostalgia: How Vintage Fiat 500s Drive Florence’s Premium Tourism Market

Experiencing first-hand how nostalgia transforms a utilitarian ‘people’s car’ into a premium tourism product in Florence’s competitive market. Last November, while exploring Florence, my husband and I decided to venture beyond the usual tourist trail of museums and churches. We opted for a self-drive vintage Fiat 500 tour through the Tuscan countryside. As we navigated…

Beyond the Plate: Introducing a Journey of Palates, Places, and Principles of Economics

Beyond the Plate: Introducing a Journey of Palates, Places, and Principles of Economics

The aroma of fresh croissants wafting through a Parisian morning isn’t just about breakfast – it’s about supply chains, labor markets, and agricultural subsidies. The pristine glaciers of Alaska aren’t merely Instagram-worthy vistas – they’re living laboratories of environmental economics and sustainable tourism. And those intricate tiles in Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods? They’re a study in…