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Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

theatlantic.com

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Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#61
Sorry but is this the real reason why somebody buys a diamond? The number one reason why anybody buys anything expensive is because they wish to make a statement for that moment. Now if you go by what this article is trying to convey is the value of diamonds in the investment per se. No body I know buys diamonds as an investment.

My father once gave me a gift which his father gave it to him. Which is basically a wrist watch that automatically winds a spring inside while a person is walking. That watch is practically useless by today's standards. But that is totally besides the point. He gave it to me because that has some 'emotional value' and the fact that it was expensive at that time, and his father went through a lot of work to buy him that has some sentimental value attached to it. That is the whole reason behind its existence, He gave it to me because it means something to him. Many of my friends have asked me if I want to sell it, but I've turned them down. It looks awesome and is a jewel.

My mom also wears a diamond, and she has told me once she passes away that is supposed to given to me and never to be sold to anybody else. No, De Beers didn't whisper in her ears not to sell it. Its just my dad gave it to her and that diamond reminds her of her days when she was young, and the moment when it was given. That thing reminds her of those days. She just doesn't want some other women to wear it.

You can argue these things in the investment per se. But you don't give the diamond to your girl and that moment is gone forever. You can earn that money back again, but you can't earn that moment back. She won't have that diamond with her which she can remember you gave it to her.

As nerds we can argue about rationality, but what is that worth to human sentiments?

Besides you can expand this argument to everything around. And the only way to live will be to live frugal.

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#62
post #47

Wow, absolutely brilliant. I can't believe this article popped up on HN's front page tonight. I just got back from looking at engagement rings with my girlfriend. I've known about this monopoly for a while, and so has she. Heck, one of the first movies we watched together when we first started dating 7 years ago was Blood Diamond. Here's the conversation we had while in the jewellery store tonight. Me: "Sweety, I rea…

I actually had this argument as well recently. She however did agree with me and is now sporting a Sapphire engagement ring. It does have some diamonds on it but the main stone in Sapphire. She wanted it because she didn't want what everyone else had. Not sure how old you are, but I have also noticed this trend in Gen Y (friends like myself) starting to get colored gemstones. Of course this is totally anecdotal but m…

I haven’t noticed such a trend, but it would be welcome. Never liked the look of diamonds, myself, so I always figured if I got engaged I’d just look for the gemstone that’s right for my partner—their look, their personality.

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#63
post #61

Sorry but is this the real reason why somebody buys a diamond? The number one reason why anybody buys anything expensive is because they wish to make a statement for that moment. Now if you go by what this article is trying to convey is the value of diamonds in the investment per se. No body I know buys diamonds as an investment. My father once gave me a gift which his father gave it to him. Which is basically a wris…

So why do I have to buy my future fiance a diamond to experience that moment? Why not give her a piece of coal? It's the same element/material, just in a different, albeit less attractive, form.

No one's arguing about the idea of giving a gift or a token or your love. The issue is about why this token needs to be a diamond.

I know that in our family, and my girlfriend's, there is a lot of jewellery that is passed down between generations. This is usually gold though, which at least has some value associated with it. It's not like we consider melting any of it down or selling it. But it's nice to have real value associated with generational possessions on top of their sentimental value.

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#64
post #51
post #40

So... why is there no second-hand diamond marketplace? Lots of people would want to buy cheaper diamonds and there has to be people wanting to sell theirs.

Good question. There is a second-hand diamond marketplace. But the discount you get is proportional to the extra effort you must exert to get the diamond you want. Do you want a 2 carat triple-A GIA certified round brilliant with VS1 clarity, >I color, and an HCA score under 2? Good luck. You'll spend months tracking that down. And you better know what you're doing or you could get scammed. Or you could go to a diamo…

So there's an opportunity here, for a market facilitator. Hire a few qualified gemstone appraisers, set up an auction site and take a small rake off the top.

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#65
post #32

Wow, absolutely brilliant. I can't believe this article popped up on HN's front page tonight. I just got back from looking at engagement rings with my girlfriend. I've known about this monopoly for a while, and so has she. Heck, one of the first movies we watched together when we first started dating 7 years ago was Blood Diamond. Here's the conversation we had while in the jewellery store tonight. Me: "Sweety, I rea…

>Honestly, as a community of people in the startup ecosystem, we could stand to learn a thing or two here. Yup. Bang on. Apple does a line in 'oh, but you didn't get an Apple' better than anyone else (they aren't a startup but once were) >I swear, De Beers has probably pulled off the greatest marketing stunt in the history of humanity The Australian Meat & Livestock board came up with a marketing idea. On Australia D…

Japan has this all over the place.

* What do you eat on Christmas Day? A (very specific style of) cake, and KFC.

* Valentines day is for girls to give guys chocolates. Guys give girls chocolates on White Day (March 12th)..

I think the best one is the temples - they sell what's known as a Shimekazari on new years (a kind of wreath). You have to destroy it and buy a new one each year, and it has to be a more expensive one than last years. Nice business if you can get it.

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#66
post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I started thinking about this issue a few days ago and have yet to come up with a strategy for convincing a (future) partner on the follies of purchasing a diamond. Is there any recourse at all to the epic marketing job De Beers has masterminded?

Good luck. It's akin to convincing your SO that you don't want to celebrate Christmas because it's a product of retail marketing.

Oh, did I mention that our family hasn't bought one another gifts on Christmas ever sine I was about 12 years old? :)

Maybe there is hope after all! (not)

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#67

Wow, absolutely brilliant. I can't believe this article popped up on HN's front page tonight. I just got back from looking at engagement rings with my girlfriend. I've known about this monopoly for a while, and so has she. Heck, one of the first movies we watched together when we first started dating 7 years ago was Blood Diamond. Here's the conversation we had while in the jewellery store tonight. Me: "Sweety, I rea…

I could not bring myself to spend my full budget on a stone, regardless of the dreams of my then fiancee. Instead I split the budget between the ring and flying her overseas for a while to propose. She got something she still stares at on her hand, and we both had a memorable trip and event that we won't ever forget.

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#68
post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>Honestly, as a community of people in the startup ecosystem, we could stand to learn a thing or two here. Yup. Bang on. Apple does a line in 'oh, but you didn't get an Apple' better than anyone else (they aren't a startup but once were) >I swear, De Beers has probably pulled off the greatest marketing stunt in the history of humanity The Australian Meat & Livestock board came up with a marketing idea. On Australia D…

Japan has this all over the place. * What do you eat on Christmas Day? A (very specific style of) cake, and KFC. * Valentines day is for girls to give guys chocolates. Guys give girls chocolates on White Day (March 12th).. I think the best one is the temples - they sell what's known as a Shimekazari on new years (a kind of wreath). You have to destroy it and buy a new one each year, and it has to be a more expensive…

I thought White Day was the day when guys are coerced into giving girls a gift that is at least 3x the price of the chocolate bestowed upon him a month prior :P.

Re: Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond? (1982)

#69
post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I actually had this argument as well recently. She however did agree with me and is now sporting a Sapphire engagement ring. It does have some diamonds on it but the main stone in Sapphire. She wanted it because she didn't want what everyone else had. Not sure how old you are, but I have also noticed this trend in Gen Y (friends like myself) starting to get colored gemstones. Of course this is totally anecdotal but m…

I haven’t noticed such a trend, but it would be welcome. Never liked the look of diamonds, myself, so I always figured if I got engaged I’d just look for the gemstone that’s right for my partner—their look, their personality.

As I said purely anecdotal, but it does seem to be a trend in my circle of friends.

BTW you will have little to no say in the process. Just go with whatever she requests it will make your life easier.

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