451–460 of 774 posts
I mean, hey, look at language. That's pretty dumb. It was made by a bunch of poor dudes sitting in caves and squawking at each other? Who would buy into that shit, am I right?
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Yup, I've had a similar conversation. Basically came down to some variation on "I don't ask for a lot (she doesn't), but I want the diamond ring."
>>Basically came down to some variation on "I don't ask for a lot (she doesn't), but I want the diamond ring." As some one newly married, I have observed the following. 1. See . Demand for it. 2. When rationally explained why we can't buy it. 3. Simply state.. "I don't ask for a lot, but I want the ." 4. I buy it. Repeat steps 1 - 4 endlessly.
"Great idea, I never thought about it, we really need ! Problem is, this particular model of is not the best and will not do very well. In fact I remember reading bad reviews about this. But fear not! We'll go home, spend some time reading review sites and will find a really good version of ."
This will buy you some time, and might even look that YOU want it, which might even make it less appealing to your other half. Now, find a really expensive model of something, but at such price point that the rationality wins, even in someone who usually does not listen to your arguments (step 2). YMMV, but sometimes this tactic works out quite well.
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It doesn't have anything to do with financial security. Look, if your man is spending three months worth of salary on a piece of shiny rock, he is exercising poor financial judgment and that is a signal against future financial security. Women want diamonds not because of any symbolic reasons ("Diamonds are forever!") but because of reasons that are much more practical: they want to be able to show off the diamonds t…
The social status is changing I think. I commented on this in some other Diamond discussion thread but I have noticed an increase in people my age group (Gen Y) having engagement/wedding rings with other stones. Purely anecdotal but it seems to be a trend in my group of friends at least. For example my wife has a Sapphire ring (yes I know Sapphires can be made at any size artificially) and so does my brothers. A clos…
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Then buy used (the diamond) and pay for a nice ring design. But don't tell her.
My grandfather ran a grocery store throughout the Depression, and he accumulated a large selection of diamond rings from cash strapped customers. When my father and his brother were getting married, they had their choice of the rings. I've always wondered how other diamond rings get recycled or removed from the market. Diamonds are forever, after all, so why doesn't the price collapse from being awash in used stones…
After a certain age is reached though, the stigma seems to go away somewhat. We got a 'vintage' ring (about 100 years old) in the end - but they're hard to find; you won't find them in most chain jewelry stores.
Incidentally, the reason you don't see many used bands is different; the metals are worth so much now that it's more cost effective to melt them down than to resell them at the depressed price the market demands for used jewelry compared to new.
The demand in countries like India and China is rising. Diamonds and jewelry is the modern dowry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry
Its inherent value is that it shows people that the family is well to do.
Things may change with the advent of artificial factory made diamonds (already showing up, but not in big quantities). But it won't ruin the diamond prices, just create two diamond categories. It should follow the trends that the pearl industry followed after the advent of cultural pearls.
Source: my Dad is a diamond trader.
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Then buy used (the diamond) and pay for a nice ring design. But don't tell her.
My grandfather ran a grocery store throughout the Depression, and he accumulated a large selection of diamond rings from cash strapped customers. When my father and his brother were getting married, they had their choice of the rings. I've always wondered how other diamond rings get recycled or removed from the market. Diamonds are forever, after all, so why doesn't the price collapse from being awash in used stones…
DeBeers today controls 35% of the diamonds. They are not big enough any more to control and manipulate diamond prices - as they used to before. Diamond prices are still high, and rising because of the demand. The demand in countries like India and China is rising. Diamonds and jewelry is the modern dowry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry Its inherent value is that it shows people that the family is well to do. Thin…
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What if I bought a nominal ring and instead threw the rest of the money (and then some) at a REALLY awesome vacation for us?
You have to find the right woman. A bit over 23 years ago I had a wedding which - including wedding bands - was under $200. I'm still married to her. We're both glad we didn't go into debt to get married...