Millennials ‘Hack’ The Diamond Industry By Finding Cheaper Alternatives And It’s Brilliant
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” said the iconic Marilyn Monroe, but the millennial generation, apparently, prefer having food on the table and their taxes paid. While everyone seems to blame Generation Y for “killing” industry after industry, when it comes to expensive things like gemstones, it all makes sense. Research shows that millennials tend to marry later in life than their parents and grandparents. They are also more focused on prioritizing their finances, as well as the ethical problems that come from the gemstone industry. And after all, when you look into it, are diamonds really worth it?
Sure, they are extremely hard and durable and have a high dispersion of light which gives them the characteristic “fire” that people seek, but they are also severely overpriced luxury goods. And what or who is to blame for that? Marketing. Back in the 1930s, De Beers started advertising diamonds as ‘a must’ for engagement rings, successfully manipulating consumer demand. While almost universally believed to be extremely rare, and therefore expensive, these white gemstones are actually quite common with an estimate of 26 tonnes produced annually.
It seems like millennials are just catching up and realizing that diamonds are not that special, and this Tumblr thread on cheap jewelry is a great example. So scroll down below to read what people had to say on fake diamonds and tell us what you think.
This tweet from 2016 questioning why millennials don’t buy diamonds received a lot of attention
When people of Tumblr got together to answer the question and share advice on gemstones
32Kviews
Share on FacebookMarried once, engaged four Times, never a single rock of any kind. No point in making DeBeers any richer, I support local artists ans buy beutiful crafted rings of silver or white gold.
Don't know why this was downgraded. DeBeers has a murderous history. Many people were enslaved and murdered over diamonds. They are one of the reasons Africa has had so many problems. I'd take a craft ring with my birthstone over a diamond any day.
Load More Replies...Because......they want to invest money wiser? Because....status based on a rock isn't cool? Because....horror stories?
I think you should get whatever color engagement ring stone you like. My co-worker has a large, midnight-blue sapphire and it is quite lovely.
I totally want a sapphire engagement ring. They are strong and gorgeous.
Load More Replies...All good reasons. Oh and sometimes crows seem to be smarter than the general society
The person who wanted a rainbow stone should consider an opal. Good quality synthetics are now available for those who can't afford natural stones.
This is all well and good so long as the focus is on the recipient, not the giver. Some men can get too caught up with their own opinions and don't give enough consideration for what the gf/wife wants. I know men who think flowers are overpriced and a waste of money so never buy their gf/wife any for V-day or her bday. The result is often a secretly unhappy wife/gf bc although they understand where their guys are coming from, they still secretly want those flowers because they make them happy.
Agreed. I had a boyfriend who didn't understand why I wanted the flowers or little surprise knick knack gifts for "just because". He even called me a child and said to my face that he doesn't want to do it because it means nothing.
Load More Replies...True fact: The concept of the “Surprise Marriage Proposal” was invented by the diamond business.
We don't do it in my country and when seen them in films or tv, supposed to be actual... so cheesy and sexist. Why do not decide it together?
Load More Replies...Love the tip about Moissanite. Cheaper than diamonds, almost as hard, and they're even more refractive. Plus, unquestionably ethical. I'd rather have a glittering little prism of light than a boring white stone. The diamond industry can seriously just die off, it's their own fault for being so greedy.
If you want a naturally mined coloured stone with a high refractive index than consider Sphene, Sphalerite, Demantoid Garnet, Zircon (naturally mined and not to be confused with cubic zirconia although that is very pretty). They are all very beautiful gemstones. Some easier to get hold of than others.
Load More Replies...In the 60's or 70's an english teacher could buy a house wich has enough room to a family of five, only for his or her two months payment. Maybe is not was nice and "designer" but it was a home without debt and without landlord. And now if you want to buy an own house it is good if you could do it with your ten year!!! salary. But why we do not buy diamonds....
To heck with spending 10K on a tiny chip of rock that does nothing. I would rather buy a vacation, useful things, and avocado toast with that money.
Diamonds are not an investment. They are not worth what people think they're worth. The retail price of diamonds are ridiculously artificially inflated. Anyone who's ever tried to sell a "used" (after market) piece of diamond jewelry has learned how much they're really worth. They depreciate faster than new cars.
My sister likes pink sapphire so I gave her a customized yellow gold ring that I designed with a 5 carat pink sapphire as a birthday gift. PicsArt_03...eb96d7.jpg
I told my husband that I didn't want a diamond, so we picked out a lab created sapphire with created diamond chips for the engagement ring and the weeding band is one of those 'ring enhancers' with some more diamond chips. And everyone tells me how unique the ring is and asks if it was custom made. There's no need to get into debt over a piece of jewelry.
I love jewelry, but after numerous accidents & almost having fingers ripped off because of rings, I can't wear them anymore. that being said, I'd love to check out something in a white sapphire (and by it for myself if I like it!). I like the sparkly stuff, but I'd rather save the $$ for other things like trips or camping equipment!
White topaz is a beautiful alternative if you want a natural white stone with out the history and cost of a diamond. 2018-07-08...5d7072.jpg
No fire. Doesn't have the same refractive qualities so doesn't sparkle with rainbow colours.
Load More Replies...I think I will make rings one day. After researching the basic tools and such it looks like a really fruitful hobby. I can't wait till people start valuing local crafts people's work, and put the box store jewelry places out of business. I want to go to a jewelry store with an actual jeweler working there. Not some strip mall Corp.
Because i won't invest my money on something that created by the suffering of thousands of people!
Have never seen the point of diamonds - they are just a bit of sparkle and the modern synthetic ones look just as good. Many more attractive minerals out there. A perfect opal is beautiful to see and they are much harder to find
I was shocked to be told that my grandmother's ruby engagement ring was worth olmost £1000 purely on the value and quality of the 3 rubies - the 4 diamonds were of negligible worth
Load More Replies...No good asking anyone here if they'd like me to leave them my 1ct. almost perfect diamond ring then.
A good quality diamond is a very beautiful thing. For me it's not the value, it's how lovely something is. Yes, the price of diamonds is kept artificially high but what can you do? Bar buy other gemstones and most people, mainly those wealthy enough to afford them, aren't going to play ball. Jacquie, I am certain you were being facetious but if you didn't have someone to leave it to, which I hope you do, then as a jewellery maker and fan of most sparkly gemstones I'm happy to chuck my hat into the ring! I would cherish it. <3
Load More Replies...No way. I'd much rather have gorgeous jewelry than some s****y designer handbags. I want a big a*s high quality rock. Costume jewelry is garbage. I'll gladly take all the diamonds other millennials don't want.
my favourite ring (other than my inherited stuff) is cubic zirconia in gold - it's beautiful
Load More Replies...B.S. A white sapphire doesn't look anything like a diamond. Just white and dead. Refractive indices of sapphire and diamond are completely different. No spectrum colors from sapphires. And sapphire and ruby are both CORUNDUM, not carborundum. Sheesh. I was GIA certified years ago and have been out of the business for a long time, but I don't think the properties of minerals have changed.
Someone already pointed out about corundum not carborundum.
Load More Replies...THIS IS ALL TRUE! It is a ritual that the jewelry stores dreamed up, and they have made a shitload of money off of it! Back in "the old days" the woman had a dowry. It was money, land holdings, anything of wealth that was kept by the BRIDES family to be given to the MAN on the wedding day!! It used to be a big deal to get your daughter married off and outta the house! (when people lived really far apart, etc). Additionally, they wanted to seduce the most eligible (and genetically sound) bachelor to marry their daughters. I am 55 and I tell you, dont spend that money on a diamond! Take it and go away, or put in savings! ADDITIONALLY!! In case you havent heard yet, there are now MAN MADE diamonds!! THAT is going to further change the game! But remember, an item is only worth what people are willing to pay for it!!!
the diamond manifacurest promoted the stone as a symbol of romance - previously they were not that valuable
Load More Replies...Married once, engaged four Times, never a single rock of any kind. No point in making DeBeers any richer, I support local artists ans buy beutiful crafted rings of silver or white gold.
Don't know why this was downgraded. DeBeers has a murderous history. Many people were enslaved and murdered over diamonds. They are one of the reasons Africa has had so many problems. I'd take a craft ring with my birthstone over a diamond any day.
Load More Replies...Because......they want to invest money wiser? Because....status based on a rock isn't cool? Because....horror stories?
I think you should get whatever color engagement ring stone you like. My co-worker has a large, midnight-blue sapphire and it is quite lovely.
I totally want a sapphire engagement ring. They are strong and gorgeous.
Load More Replies...All good reasons. Oh and sometimes crows seem to be smarter than the general society
The person who wanted a rainbow stone should consider an opal. Good quality synthetics are now available for those who can't afford natural stones.
This is all well and good so long as the focus is on the recipient, not the giver. Some men can get too caught up with their own opinions and don't give enough consideration for what the gf/wife wants. I know men who think flowers are overpriced and a waste of money so never buy their gf/wife any for V-day or her bday. The result is often a secretly unhappy wife/gf bc although they understand where their guys are coming from, they still secretly want those flowers because they make them happy.
Agreed. I had a boyfriend who didn't understand why I wanted the flowers or little surprise knick knack gifts for "just because". He even called me a child and said to my face that he doesn't want to do it because it means nothing.
Load More Replies...True fact: The concept of the “Surprise Marriage Proposal” was invented by the diamond business.
We don't do it in my country and when seen them in films or tv, supposed to be actual... so cheesy and sexist. Why do not decide it together?
Load More Replies...Love the tip about Moissanite. Cheaper than diamonds, almost as hard, and they're even more refractive. Plus, unquestionably ethical. I'd rather have a glittering little prism of light than a boring white stone. The diamond industry can seriously just die off, it's their own fault for being so greedy.
If you want a naturally mined coloured stone with a high refractive index than consider Sphene, Sphalerite, Demantoid Garnet, Zircon (naturally mined and not to be confused with cubic zirconia although that is very pretty). They are all very beautiful gemstones. Some easier to get hold of than others.
Load More Replies...In the 60's or 70's an english teacher could buy a house wich has enough room to a family of five, only for his or her two months payment. Maybe is not was nice and "designer" but it was a home without debt and without landlord. And now if you want to buy an own house it is good if you could do it with your ten year!!! salary. But why we do not buy diamonds....
To heck with spending 10K on a tiny chip of rock that does nothing. I would rather buy a vacation, useful things, and avocado toast with that money.
Diamonds are not an investment. They are not worth what people think they're worth. The retail price of diamonds are ridiculously artificially inflated. Anyone who's ever tried to sell a "used" (after market) piece of diamond jewelry has learned how much they're really worth. They depreciate faster than new cars.
My sister likes pink sapphire so I gave her a customized yellow gold ring that I designed with a 5 carat pink sapphire as a birthday gift. PicsArt_03...eb96d7.jpg
I told my husband that I didn't want a diamond, so we picked out a lab created sapphire with created diamond chips for the engagement ring and the weeding band is one of those 'ring enhancers' with some more diamond chips. And everyone tells me how unique the ring is and asks if it was custom made. There's no need to get into debt over a piece of jewelry.
I love jewelry, but after numerous accidents & almost having fingers ripped off because of rings, I can't wear them anymore. that being said, I'd love to check out something in a white sapphire (and by it for myself if I like it!). I like the sparkly stuff, but I'd rather save the $$ for other things like trips or camping equipment!
White topaz is a beautiful alternative if you want a natural white stone with out the history and cost of a diamond. 2018-07-08...5d7072.jpg
No fire. Doesn't have the same refractive qualities so doesn't sparkle with rainbow colours.
Load More Replies...I think I will make rings one day. After researching the basic tools and such it looks like a really fruitful hobby. I can't wait till people start valuing local crafts people's work, and put the box store jewelry places out of business. I want to go to a jewelry store with an actual jeweler working there. Not some strip mall Corp.
Because i won't invest my money on something that created by the suffering of thousands of people!
Have never seen the point of diamonds - they are just a bit of sparkle and the modern synthetic ones look just as good. Many more attractive minerals out there. A perfect opal is beautiful to see and they are much harder to find
I was shocked to be told that my grandmother's ruby engagement ring was worth olmost £1000 purely on the value and quality of the 3 rubies - the 4 diamonds were of negligible worth
Load More Replies...No good asking anyone here if they'd like me to leave them my 1ct. almost perfect diamond ring then.
A good quality diamond is a very beautiful thing. For me it's not the value, it's how lovely something is. Yes, the price of diamonds is kept artificially high but what can you do? Bar buy other gemstones and most people, mainly those wealthy enough to afford them, aren't going to play ball. Jacquie, I am certain you were being facetious but if you didn't have someone to leave it to, which I hope you do, then as a jewellery maker and fan of most sparkly gemstones I'm happy to chuck my hat into the ring! I would cherish it. <3
Load More Replies...No way. I'd much rather have gorgeous jewelry than some s****y designer handbags. I want a big a*s high quality rock. Costume jewelry is garbage. I'll gladly take all the diamonds other millennials don't want.
my favourite ring (other than my inherited stuff) is cubic zirconia in gold - it's beautiful
Load More Replies...B.S. A white sapphire doesn't look anything like a diamond. Just white and dead. Refractive indices of sapphire and diamond are completely different. No spectrum colors from sapphires. And sapphire and ruby are both CORUNDUM, not carborundum. Sheesh. I was GIA certified years ago and have been out of the business for a long time, but I don't think the properties of minerals have changed.
Someone already pointed out about corundum not carborundum.
Load More Replies...THIS IS ALL TRUE! It is a ritual that the jewelry stores dreamed up, and they have made a shitload of money off of it! Back in "the old days" the woman had a dowry. It was money, land holdings, anything of wealth that was kept by the BRIDES family to be given to the MAN on the wedding day!! It used to be a big deal to get your daughter married off and outta the house! (when people lived really far apart, etc). Additionally, they wanted to seduce the most eligible (and genetically sound) bachelor to marry their daughters. I am 55 and I tell you, dont spend that money on a diamond! Take it and go away, or put in savings! ADDITIONALLY!! In case you havent heard yet, there are now MAN MADE diamonds!! THAT is going to further change the game! But remember, an item is only worth what people are willing to pay for it!!!
the diamond manifacurest promoted the stone as a symbol of romance - previously they were not that valuable
Load More Replies...
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