I get that da1 has generated some hate from the forum but he brings up a good point about the diamond market and that's the fact that it is a sham. Diamonds are not rare. Sure perfect ones, large ones or certain colored ones are but that is the same as any other gemstone. When I see people talk about how women want a nice ring that cost several hundred or even thousand dollars I cringe. If it takes that much for her to be satisfied when nice rings can be had for much less then you're probably marrying the wrong woman. I also cringe when I see women go gaga over a ring and ask how much it cost and where he got it and other similar questions. Why does any of that matter? Shouldn't you be happy about the action of engagement and marriage instead of an item. Please spare me the whole "symbolic of my/our love" speech that is so often associated with diamonds or rings. If you need something expensive to be symbolic of your love then you're probably marrying the wrong person. I could go on and on but I am with da1 on this, the diamond industry is despicable.
What about the soft drink industry? Or Nike? Or luxury bags? No one is forcing you to use any of these products, even though they were produced in questionable circumstances and most likely harm you. The issue here is you being broke - diamonds aren't a necessity, they're marketed like any other luxury good.
That's pretty tacky. I don't normally see women asking other women how much their ring cost, or even what type of cut, color, etc it is. I did research on what I picked out (Ideal cut, hearts & arrows) so I can spot a diamond a little better than most but most people don't investigate about others' rings. They'll compliment it but that's about it. This argument can be made for why people buy expensive watches, cars, shoes, and so forth. If you have the means, there shouldn't be a problem. Don't bend over backwards for these items if you don't.
I spent a reasonable amount of money on a ring with a pretty rock. The wife is not obsessed with it or anything. I prefer to buy her, and she prefers to wear, handcrafted items out of silver or gold.
So are we just talking about the "value paradox"? Or are people just whining because they'd rather buy a surround sound system than a diamond? Google: William Stanley Jevons or Carl Menger or Leon Walras.
The thing is that diamonds are just not as "rare" as other stones, which make you believe they should be less valuable. But price is driven by demand and many other commodities are overvalued in the same sense, it's a result of consumerism. The fact that diamond is the hardest stone and is a symbol these days for a everlasting commitment makes it a perfect marketing play.
So did I. It wasn't because she DEMANDED it or pressured me into it (LOL), it was just because I wanted to make her happy.
Go out and try to buy a nice, fairly large, natural emerald with good color right now. Now that's a rare stone!
How exactly are these things similar in nature to diamonds? I get it that they are not necessities but how else?
Not all diamonds are dirty. Tiffany's sources their own. They may be overpriced, but so are plenty of other things that we spend our money on.
The thing is that most people know that the diamond industry is crummy. This isn't some great revelation.
Good day to order a heart shaped pizza I guess. Flowers and chocolates are best bought the day after for severe discounts though.
The next time I buy diamonds I will buy synthetic diamonds. Surprisingly not as inexpensive as one would hope.
In the short term we would have to see more fat people. In the long run we would see less fat people. I am down for this. Clothes should be optional. Just like diamonds on a ring.
