NationStates Jolt Archive

My husband works in a diamond mine, and can get fairly good deals on cut diamonds from that particular mine. He called me the other day to ask if I wanted one...you see, he'd been considering buying me a ring, but felt wrong about making that kind of expensive purchase without my consent...gift or not. I told him a diamond was the last thing I wanted...hell, I'd rather have a trip somewhere if he thinks he needs to buy me something.

My reasons.

1) To me, they look like glass...or cubic zirconium. I really can't tell the difference.
2) What the hell is a diamond good for...really? An overpriced rock...no thanks.
3) Canadian diamonds are not blood diamonds...but most diamonds are 'dirty'...and I don't want to support the industry, period.

The whole diamond demand is so ridiculous. It's something pushed upon us...men and women are taught that diamonds are a woman's best friend...and if he loves you, he'll buy you one. But worse, is that this 'false demand' funds wars in Africa...and no one seems to really care. I think diamonds should be the next 'fur'...you know...major boycotts by celebrities and so on.

So I say, forget diamonds. My husband is my best friend, and he's free:)

*claps frantically and hands out special brownies*

2) What the hell is a diamond good for...really? An overpriced rock...no thanks.

Well, diamond is (I think) the hardest substance known to humankind, so it's useful in industry for making saws to cut through stuff that's only slightly softer than diamond.

As for jewelry, I see your point. Transparent isn't the best colour in the world.

My husband works in a diamond mine, and can get fairly good deals on cut diamonds from that particular mine. He called me the other day to ask if I wanted one...you see, he'd been considering buying me a ring, but felt wrong about making that kind of expensive purchase without my consent...gift or not. I told him a diamond was the last thing I wanted...hell, I'd rather have a trip somewhere if he thinks he needs to buy me something.

My reasons.

1) To me, they look like glass...or cubic zirconium. I really can't tell the difference.
2) What the hell is a diamond good for...really? An overpriced rock...no thanks.
3) Canadian diamonds are not blood diamonds...but most diamonds are 'dirty'...and I don't want to support the industry, period.

The whole diamond demand is so ridiculous. It's something pushed upon us...men and women are taught that diamonds are a woman's best friend...and if he loves you, he'll buy you one. But worse, is that this 'false demand' funds wars in Africa...and no one seems to really care.

So I say, forget diamonds. My husband is my best friend, and he's free:)
hm
maybe when i get married i should buy a cubic zirconium ring and if she thinks i'm being cheap, i can say i didn't want to buy her a dirty rock

Of course, you could buy them in order to resell them someplace else. Maybe make a little on the deal. Or is that not done?

My wifes engagement ring doesn't contain a single diamond. After I told her about what a blood diamond was, she has refused to wear any diamonds at all. And we plan to keep it that way until we know that buying a diamond doesn't fund genocide.

Well, diamond is (I think) the hardest substance known to humankind, so it's useful in industry for making saws to cut through stuff that's only slightly softer than diamond.

As for jewelry, I see your point. Transparent isn't the best colour in the world.
Industrial diamonds aren't the issue. Those aren't the ones being coveted by women all around the world...or the ones being sold to buy arms.

Industrial diamonds are incredibly useful...and ugly. I prefer them:) I should ask him to get me one of those...I'll tell everyone...yeah, he got me this HUGE diamond...it's bigger than my hand! How many carats? And they'll all be so disappointed when it's a grey-yellowish hue...

Of course, you could buy them in order to resell them someplace else. Maybe make a little on the deal. Or is that not done?
My sister is recently divorced, and tried to sell her ring. It cost them over 2 grand, and no one will offer her more than 600 bucks for it. Wholesale prices are apparently well below market value.

My wifes engagement ring doesn't contain a single diamond. After I told her about what a blood diamond was, she has refused to wear any diamonds at all. And we plan to keep it that way until we know that buying a diamond doesn't fund genocide.
Well, you COULD buy a Canadian diamond if you want a clean one....

....or go to Mexico. It's cheaper...and more fun:)

Industrial diamonds aren't the issue. Those aren't the ones being coveted by women all around the world...or the ones being sold to buy arms.

Industrial diamonds are incredibly useful...and ugly. I prefer them:) I should ask him to get me one of those...I'll tell everyone...yeah, he got me this HUGE diamond...it's bigger than my hand! How many carats? And they'll all be so disappointed when it's a grey-yellowish hue...

Bonus points for having the band made of industrial metal too. Haha. That would rock.

Could he get an uncut diamond? Still in it's matrix?

Or could he get a polished diamond capuchon? Either of those might be more interesting...

My suggestion for all those talking about diamond rings: get an anodized titanium one. They're really cool, you can get them with awesome colors, etc. Also ridiculously durable.

The whole diamond thing annoys the hell out of me too for pretty much the reasons you listed. I'll never understand the appeal.

I only have one piece of jewelry, and it is my wedding ring, it has 8 diamonds (small ones, they add up to like 1/4 carot) I hardly ever wear it, not because I don't love my husband, but because I don't see the point of jewelry at all.


I told my husband when we were dating

I don't like jewelry
I am allergic to flowers
Chocolates will just depress me

If you want to buy me something, get me a DVD or take me out to a concert or something, at least that is something more to bring back good memories, rather than metal and rocks, sneezing and hives, or an upset stomache and quilt from over-eating.

the major difference between diamond and imitations is that diamond is a great heat conductor, whereas glass and cubic z arent. So it will "feel" different temperature wise.

Personally, I think ruby and tanzanite are much more beautiful

you want to make a girl swoon? look up the victorian flower language, and give her a bouquet and translate each flowers meaning...

for a new relationship, do 11 yellow roses, and one either red or white rose. Yellow roses=friendship, which having 11 shows that it is the most important thing to you, and red rose=passionate love. White rose=inocent love. depends on the message you're going for.

If you want to buy me something, get me a DVD or take me out to a concert or something, at least that is something more to bring back good memories, rather than metal and rocks, sneezing and hives, or an upset stomache and quilt from over-eating.
your husband is a lucky man. Although, my ex (bitch. [sorry, force of habit;) ]) felt much the same way

your husband is a lucky man. Although, my ex (bitch. [sorry, force of habit;) ]) felt much the same way
the thing I love about my husband is I know that thought goes into every single present he has ever gotten me. Almost all of them have been less than $20.00 but knowing that he bought me something because he loved me and put thought into what I would want, it's just priceless.

He is much to creative to show up with a generic present. :)

as far as the flowers, most girls would prefer thier favorite flower over a dozen roses. If you don't know what her fav. flower is, you can't go wrong with an Orchid (http://vanillashots.com/gallery/albums/Orchid/031009_orchid_wp1.jpg), they are beautiful and delicate (and they make me break out in hives:( )

He is much to creative to show up with a generic present. :)
That sounds already like the kind of person I might like. I hate generic presents. Then again, I have two artists, a musician, a Communist during the McCarthy era, and a nonconformist teacher in my family, so go figure... ;)

W00t! 400 posts! I have been spamming lately, haven't I. :(

as far as the flowers, most girls would prefer thier favorite flower over a dozen roses. If you don't know what her fav. flower is, you can't go wrong with an Orchid (http://vanillashots.com/gallery/albums/Orchid/031009_orchid_wp1.jpg), they are beautiful and delicate (and they make me break out in hives:( )
Is it just me...or in that picture does the flower look like an open, panting mouth?

My husband works in a diamond mine, and can get fairly good deals on cut diamonds from that particular mine. He called me the other day to ask if I wanted one...you see, he'd been considering buying me a ring, but felt wrong about making that kind of expensive purchase without my consent...gift or not. I told him a diamond was the last thing I wanted...hell, I'd rather have a trip somewhere if he thinks he needs to buy me something.

My reasons.

1) To me, they look like glass...or cubic zirconium. I really can't tell the difference.
2) What the hell is a diamond good for...really? An overpriced rock...no thanks.
3) Canadian diamonds are not blood diamonds...but most diamonds are 'dirty'...and I don't want to support the industry, period.

The whole diamond demand is so ridiculous. It's something pushed upon us...men and women are taught that diamonds are a woman's best friend...and if he loves you, he'll buy you one. But worse, is that this 'false demand' funds wars in Africa...and no one seems to really care. I think diamonds should be the next 'fur'...you know...major boycotts by celebrities and so on.

So I say, forget diamonds. My husband is my best friend, and he's free:)
Diamonds are unnecessary, yes. So are a lot of things. That’s why it’s a luxury. Judging someone else for how they spend their money is ridiculous. Maybe they hate some of the things you spend your money on, eh?

Diamonds are unnecessary, yes. So are a lot of things. That’s why it’s a luxury. Judging someone else for how they spend their money is ridiculous. Maybe they hate some of the things you spend your money on, eh?
Well, my luxuries don't help buy guns for children.

Then again, never did I say that I run around judging everyone who buys diamonds. So hush puppy.

Well, my luxuries don't help buy guns for children.
Do you happen to use any illegal drugs besides pot, not that I have a problem with that either, but the traffic is linked to terrorism and dictatorial regimes who do happen to employ children?

Do you happen to use any illegal drugs besides pot, not that I have a problem with that either, but the traffic is linked to terrorism and dictatorial regimes who do happen to employ children?
No, I don't.

Well some people (I.E. me), can't afford diamonds, wither they'd want to buy one or not. Too me it shouldn't be the price of the gift, but what the gift will mean to the person (I probably poorly worded that, but it's late and i'm tired).

No, I don't.
Well, that’s no fun.:p
I assume you insure that any gasoline you consume (public or private transit) was not mined in the Middle East or Africa.

Well, that’s no fun.:p
I assume you insure that any gasoline you consume (public or private transit) was not mined in the Middle East or Africa.
Well, since gas is not mined per se....:)

I fill up at my Co-op. It's Albertan gas, oddly enough (considering our beef is usually from New Zealand). I don't buy brand name clothes, because they generally use some sort of sweat-shop labour. I buy most of my groceries locally, and avoid food products with bad histories...which means we don't eat many bananas any more, nothing from Dole in particular...in fact I recently got into a fight with my husband because I won't buy most Chilean wines becuase of the way they spray the grapes (with the workers standing there). It can be a pain in the ass to be an ethical shopper..and I'm sure things slip by me here and again. I'm not perfect...I buy Pampers, and who knows what those bastards are up to, not to mention the environmental impact of disposable diapers...but I do make a very conscious effort to make my purchases count. My 'luxuries' are few...and mostly involve time spent in the bush with my family.

I'd like more people to just think about the products they buy. And decide whether they feel comfortable buying that product, based on how, and under what conditions it was produced. If they don't, I'm not necessarily going to judge them...but that doesn't mean I'm going to be like them either.

Now, with that sanctimoniousness out of my system, I believe it's time for bed!

Chiefly a cultural luxury demand thing. They're very rare, and quite shiny. There's a rather effective marketing campaign around diamonds, and that helps to boost demand, as well as the long standing tradition of diamonds being a sign of wealth and the like. Sure, conflict diamonds are a pain, but, yeah. It's just a simple case of people just want diamonds.

Hmmmm De Beers! Diamonds are an artifically created demand. If De Beers was to release all the dimonds they have in strorage, they would be worth glass.

I don't wear diamonds because I think they look flashy and gaudy. My mom always said "Women wear diamonds, but ladies wear pearls". I know pearls are for "old ladies" but all of my jewelry pieces are set with pearls...including my engagement ring.

I don't wear diamonds because I think they look flashy and gaudy. My mom always said "Women wear diamonds, but ladies wear pearls". I know pearls are for "old ladies" but all of my jewelry pieces are set with pearls...including my engagement ring.
Pearls are NOT for old ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wore a pearl necklace (be nice boys I know what you are thinking) at my wedding. They made me feel like a princess.


(my grandma used to say the ladies wear pearls thing too though)

That sounds already like the kind of person I might like. I hate generic presents. Then again, I have two artists, a musician, a Communist during the McCarthy era, and a nonconformist teacher in my family, so go figure... ;)

W00t! 400 posts! I have been spamming lately, haven't I. :(
It probably has to do with my creative side, being a musician myself. My husband is probably good at thinking stuff up because he is pretty musically inclined too, and has a few artists and such in his family too.

Pearls are NOT for old ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wore a pearl necklace (be nice boys I know what you are thinking) at my wedding. They made me feel like a princess.
(my grandma used to say the ladies wear pearls thing too though)

Pearls have got to be the most beautiful and mysterious of the precious and semi-precious gems...if a pearl can be called a gem. They're luminous like the moon, are quietly beautiful, and just say "Classy". I have them in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but my favorite piece is a plain simple strand of cream pearls.

My 'luxuries' are few...and mostly involve time spent in the bush with my family.


So, anyone else laugh when they read that? Or do I need psychiatric help?

So, anyone else laugh when they read that? Or do I need psychiatric help?

are those two necessarily mutually exclusive?

p.s. hate diamonds. and thank sinuhue for bringing it up.

So, anyone else laugh when they read that? Or do I need psychiatric help?

*Slaps upside the head* :p

Is it just me...or in that picture does the flower look like an open, panting mouth?


what kind of pervert ARE you? orchids are never seen as mouths!

explain yourself or turn in your "pervert society of canada" membership card

The request for a Diamond as jewelry is not just made. It grew over the time. There are substances more seldom but Diamonds, Gold and Silver are just a cultural thing:
Silver is worth near to nothing but people still wear it because they like the colour and they like the silver.

And Diamonds? Heck, Diamonds are nice. They have a high refraction (no, the nice zirconium does not beat 2.4 with its 1.9 (2.2 for zirconi_a_)), they have a nice colour - clear and white is still a symbol for innocence throughout european imprinted cultures and other colours are available too.

Yes, there are blood diamonds. As in every business where money can be made fast, there is crime. There is crime in the oil-business, in the uranium-business, in the gold-business, don't ask where. There is also crime in the food-business: you can eat your meat from tortured cows transported through whole europe or eat eggs from chickens held in small cages OR you can buy your flesh and eggs from certified sources.

So if you want to hate anything, hate and fight the crime and the abuse. Ask for a certificate for your jewelry when you order it and don't buy it discount. Don't play the aggressive vegan, ups, diamond-hater.

are those two necessarily mutually exclusive?


Maybe I should have made that "Or is this another reason why I need psychiatric help?"

I keep telling my wife that I'm going to get her diamond because nothing says "I love you" like something that literally cost an arm and a leg. Then she hits me and says that the blood diamond thing isn't funny. But it is I tells ya! It is!

Seriously, though, yeah, diamonds are pretty, but they're not the prettiest stones on earth and they aren't even all that rare. They just happen to be monopolized. When I got engaged I bought my wife a ring with a big chunk of sapphire in a nice cut that took some expertise. It was alot more beautiful than any diamond I've seen, it didn't break my bank, and no one's children were maimed in it's creation (gotta love laboratory-produced stones).

(gotta love laboratory-produced stones).

because nothing says gourmet chef like microwave meals!

I hate greedy and stupid people who buy conflict diamonds because:


Conflict Diamonds are made from African slaves from the corrupt African governments that make them.

Conflict Diamonds help the people who make the slaves work because it allows funding for war (hence the name Conflict Diamonds).

The slaves who make the Conflict Diamonds have to kill each other for food.

People suffer just because someone wants to make war and have stupid jewelery.

Regular diamonds I have no problems with. Conflict diamonds are bullshit and anyone who buys them loves bullshit and torture.

because nothing says gourmet chef like microwave meals!


Heh, the only way you can tell a good lab gem from a natural gem is that the lab gem is too perfect. Now if you happen to have someone who care about the cost of the thing and weather they can show it off to the North Shore Trixies, then yeah, no go. But if you happen to be marrying a woman who care about the symbol and the beauty of the thing, then theres no reason not to go with lab created stones. An expertly cut (and thats the gourmet) lab stone always looks better than a similarly cut natural stone....unless you're talking about amber.

So, anyone else laugh when they read that? Or do I need psychiatric help?
*sticks tongue out*

My wifes engagement ring doesn't contain a single diamond. After I told her about what a blood diamond was, she has refused to wear any diamonds at all. And we plan to keep it that way until we know that buying a diamond doesn't fund genocide.
The whole diamond demand is so ridiculous. It's something pushed upon us...men and women are taught that diamonds are a woman's best friend...and if he loves you, he'll buy you one. But worse, is that this 'false demand' funds wars in Africa...and no one seems to really care. I think diamonds should be the next 'fur'...you know...major boycotts by celebrities and so on.

So I say, forget diamonds. My husband is my best friend, and he's free:)
This is a record. I actually agree with not only Sinuhue, but FireAntz on something!

That's a good point you make, that diamonds are pushed on us. Who needs them as jewels? They are not of great beauty but they are of great cost in more ways than one. Let us free ourselves!

I know that few people will agree on this, but I think that "if he loves you, he'll buy you one" is especially bullshit. I don't think that buying expensive gifts can prove love. If you really love someone you will make a gift for them. It comes from your heart, not your wallet.

So if you want to hate anything, hate and fight the crime and the abuse. Ask for a certificate for your jewelry when you order it and don't buy it discount. Don't play the aggressive vegan, ups, diamond-hater.
I'm a vegan because I hate diamonds? Give me a break. No. I'm not going to buy diamonds, period. PART of the reason for that is blood diamonds...the other reasons have to do with my complete lack of interest in something so useless.

I know that few people will agree on this, but I think that "if he loves you, he'll buy you one" is especially bullshit. I don't think that buying expensive gifts can prove love. If you really love someone you will make a gift for them. It comes from your heart, not your wallet.

I don't think "if you love them, you'll make them something" really works either, unless something=happy.

One reason why diamonds are stupid is that if DeBeers didn't artificially float the market price, a flawless 1 carat diamond would be worth about 50 bucks.

One reason why diamonds are stupid is that if DeBeers didn't artificially float the market price, a flawless 1 carat diamond would be worth about 50 bucks.
If that.

I never bought into the diamond hype. I mean, they're bloody expensive and rather boring looking. I mean, apart from being shiny, there's not much to them. Give me something with colour!

Personally, I like opals. They're sparkly.

apart from being shiny,

Don't dismiss shiny like it's not important!:mad:

If that.
Flawless diamonds would still be relatively rare, other category diamonds would be like 2 bucks.

I'm a vegan because I hate diamonds? Give me a break. No. I'm not going to buy diamonds, period. PART of the reason for that is blood diamonds...the other reasons have to do with my complete lack of interest in something so useless.

Of course you are a vegan. :rolleyes: *pointing at the context*

Your decision. I underlined that you can avoid the blood diamonds. And then the "reason" to hate the product just vanishes. Hate the people who fund crime.

I don't think "if you love them, you'll make them something" really works either, unless something=happy.
I never used the word "something" - too vague. I said:

If you really love someone you will make a gift for them.

Don't dismiss shiny like it's not important!:mad:

Shiny is their only redeeming quality. And would you rather just have something shiny, or something shiny and colourful? Especially when the latter is less expensive than the former.

Even better is something that's sparkly.

Shiny is their only redeeming quality. And would you rather just have something shiny, or something shiny and colourful? Especially when the latter is less expensive than the former.

Even better is something that's sparkly.

And some people like shiny and sparkly. I already wrote about the high refraction. Add the cut, the brilliant cut and you have a sparkly thing.

Diamond is a unique material and some people like it. If you don't like it. Fine. There are other things for you.

Expensive? What is the matter with a price in _jewelry_? Jewelry is just for fun, so buy what you want if you can afford it. The ring of my GF is made of silver and palladium, just for the colours. And yes, palladium is somewhat more expensive then the silver ... so what, it is jewelry.

And some people like shiny and sparkly. I already wrote about the high refraction. Add the cut, the brilliant cut and you have a sparkly thing.

Diamond is a unique material and some people like it. If you don't like it. Fine. There are other things for you.

Expensive? What is the matter with a price in _jewelry_? Jewelry is just for fun, so buy what you want if you can afford it. The ring of my GF is made of silver and palladium, just for the colours. And yes, palladium is somewhat more expensive then the silver ... so what, it is jewelry.

Personal opinion, love. We're both expressing it, but there's no need to get defensive because some people don't like diamonds.

Also... no diamond will ever be sparkly as an opal is sparkly! Nor particularly colourful. :P

I'm also not sure where you're going with the price thing. My point was more along the lines of: Would you rather see a great movie for $7.00 or a 'just okay' movie for $10? Which should really be a no-brainer. It's not JUST that diamonds are bloody expensive, it's that they're bloody expensive and other less-expensive things are prettier. Not to mention the other faults pointed out in the thread.

But hey! I have nothing against people who like diamonds. I just don't see the attraction myself.

Well, that’s no fun.:p
I assume you insure that any gasoline you consume (public or private transit) was not mined in the Middle East or Africa.

To be honest, transport isn't a luxury, so is unrelated.

One reason why diamonds are stupid is that if DeBeers didn't artificially float the market price, a flawless 1 carat diamond would be worth about 50 bucks.

While you're on the market for diamonds, something about the marketing of diamonds.

You probably know the slogan that "diamonds are forever." The truth is that they aren't.

Diamonds, of course, are just a highly structured form of carbon (specifically, a form of carbon that has formed network covalent bonds under extreme conditions). Graphite, the most common and stable form of carbon, is chemically identical, but contains only covalent bonds.

Under normal conditions, the degradation of diamonds into graphite is a spontaneous process. The entropy of diamonds will gradually increase as the carbon atoms naturally seek a low-energy state. Given sufficient time, your diamond will ultimately turn into pencil lead, at which point its best use is as an industrial lubricant.

I can demonstrate this mathematically if anyone doubts the fact.

Personal opinion, love. We're both expressing it, but there's no need to get defensive because some people don't like diamonds.


Hm. Look at the topic. Hate leads to ... argh :) Hate is more then just a opinion, it tends to transport violence towards others.

No, I do not say that you share the opinion of the topic :)


Also... no diamond will ever be sparkly as an opal is sparkly! Nor particularly colourful. :P


Yes, clear crystals will only sparkle in bright light :) I, myself, don't like colourful on itself this much.


I'm also not sure where you're going with the price thing. My point was more along the lines of: Would you rather see a great movie for $7.00 or a 'just okay' movie for $10? Which should really be a no-brainer. It's not JUST that diamonds are bloody expensive, it's that they're bloody expensive and other less-expensive things are prettier. Not to mention the other faults pointed out in the thread.


They are expensive, yes (as is gold despite the masses the spanish brought over here to destabilize their economy some centuries before). But as they are a luxury, just bought for the thing beeing the price does not really matter, that is my point. If you really like it, buy it, if you cannot afford it, don't complain and buy some zirconia instead.

(As it is jewellery and tends to be used some times more then once I don't see that you can compare it with entertainment :))

I like shiney things!

I read an article in Penthouse magazine years ago (yeah, I was surprised too) about how diamonds are a controlled market. Kind of like OPEC was at the time, they allocated the supply. I'd be greatly surprised if that situation has changed. The article claimed that if all the diamonds were distributed out of Antwerp today, diamonds would have the same value as jade on the open market.

Hm. Look at the topic. Hate leads to ... argh :) Hate is more then just a opinion, it tends to transport violence towards others.

No, I do not say that you share the opinion of the topic :)

Well, for one, people today use the word 'hate' a lot. Most of the time it's hyperbole. Also, Sinuhue had other points that could make diamonds hate-worthy. Also, you were responding to my post, where I was saying that I, personally, did not get the diamond hype. It still didn't require you to go on the defensive.


They are expensive, yes (as is gold despite the masses the spanish brought over here to destabilize their economy some centuries before). But as they are a luxury, just bought for the thing beeing the price does not really matter, that is my point. If you really like it, buy it, if you cannot afford it, don't complain and buy some zirconia instead.

(As it is jewellery and tends to be used some times more then once I don't see that you can compare it with entertainment :))

Speaking of gold, I never got into THAT hype either. :D

You still only buy it once. Otherwise, switch 'see a movie' with 'buy a movie' and have the great one cost $15 and the 'just okay' one $20.

I never used the word "something" - too vague. I said:

Yes, I reworded your bullshit into a potentially redeemable statement. The only way to show you truly love someone is to make a gift for them?

**laughter. derisive laughter**

A philosophy professor of mine said once that the idea that it is "traditional" or "expected" to get a woman a diamond engagement represents one of the largest marketing-and-advertising coups of all time.

the thing I love about my husband is I know that thought goes into every single present he has ever gotten me. Almost all of them have been less than $20.00 but knowing that he bought me something because he loved me and put thought into what I would want, it's just priceless.

He is much to creative to show up with a generic present. :)

as far as the flowers, most girls would prefer thier favorite flower over a dozen roses. If you don't know what her fav. flower is, you can't go wrong with an Orchid (http://vanillashots.com/gallery/albums/Orchid/031009_orchid_wp1.jpg), they are beautiful and delicate (and they make me break out in hives:( )

mmm.orchids...personal top 5 list. Name comes from the word testicle in greek...means beauty or belle in vfl.

Again, the bouquet thing is great because it shows that the flowers arent just together because they're pretty, but because they have meaning.

I personally love giving gifts because I think it is a chance to demonstrate your feelings with something that is perfect for the person. Therefore, I have never given a generic gift. I'm giving my sister Swarovski earings for christmas this year because they are amazingly beautiful, will look great on her, and she loves (LOVES i tell ya!) to dress fancy.

Yeah Sinuhue! (and Smunkee, and all the other ladies who agree)

And here I thought I was the only one that thought that expensive rocks - diamonds in particular - are a total waste of money. That and I'd either never wear it, or I'd break or lose the silly things in no time

You wanna buy me something? Buy me something I can use!

Or if you really want it to be a frivolous treat - make it books or add to my horse or dragon collection! :D

I'm jumping on this anti-diamond bandwagon.
Why?
Cos it'll save me money when I get married.
I can always get some other shiny rock and stick in a bit of metal.
Well maybe I won't be able to do it myself,but you know what I mean.

My husband is my best friend, and he's free:)
Ahem! Nothing is "free," hon. :p

Yeah Sinuhue! (and Smunkee, and all the other ladies who agree)

And here I thought I was the only one that thought that expensive rocks - diamonds in particular - are a total waste of money. That and I'd either never wear it, or I'd break or lose the silly things in no time

You wanna buy me something? Buy me something I can use!

Or if you really want it to be a frivolous treat - make it books or add to my horse or dragon collection! :D
yeah books!!!!!!!!!! esp. ones that you have always wanted to read but forget to pick up for yourself. :D

As much as I spent on the engagement ring I bought last year, it damn well better be forever...though it included sapphires, and a plain diamond ring wouldn't be half as appealing. So yes, I paid through the nose for it, but it's nice and she gets compliments on it all the time, and that's all that matters to me.

I have no idea where the diamonds that went into it came from (I bought it at JB Robinson jewelers and it's a 1/2 carat diamond.) There was probably some blood going into it, but there's blood in the shoes I wear as well...not to say I don't care or anything, but it's difficult to care when I have come to the conclusion that it's only hurting myself if I care. I happen to love a woman who loves jewelry, I happen to hate expensive shoes, and I shop at Wal-Mart sometimes. Call me a bad person if you want to; I don't care. I judge you only if you judge me.

As much as I spent on the engagement ring I bought last year, it damn well better be forever...

The good news is that the diamond will last for several thousand years, so as far as your wife is concerned, that's close enough to forever. Just make sure she keeps it away from temperatures of 1000°C. That'll do the job instantly.

The good news is that the diamond will last for several thousand years, so as far as your wife is concerned, that's close enough to forever. Just make sure she keeps it away from temperatures of 1000°C. That'll do the job instantly.

Several thousand years...so unless we get cryogenically frozen and wake up in the year 20,000 AD, and she happened not to be wearing her ring, then we should be OK. Of course, someone's bound to have stolen it in 18,000 years, knowing what a curious species humans are.

Wow...so many people against dimonds. Who whould have thunk? LOL Well I used to work in a really nice jewlry store where I live, in fact my older sister still works there. And the owner of the store goes to the Debeers dimond place in Africa to get the dimonds for the store. And he is very choosy about how the dimonds he is buying were harvested. He does not but, "Blood dimonds" and what-not. And you would be supprised how cheap raw dimonds are, compaired to the selling price. But along with the "fake demand scheme" the major chunk of the price...is the price of labor. I know some jewlers, and gemologists and it takes great skill and patience to "sculpt" a dimond: it is a science. And they get payed very well. And there is more to dimonds than just colorless. Some of you are saying that one of the reasons that you don't like dimonds is because they are boring and look like glass...but you do know that dimonds come in black, grey, white, brown, red/pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

In my opinion...I like jewlry, I like gemstones, I like dimonds nothing really big or anything...sure they are useless but so are a lot of things that we have and use day to day. So I don't see what the big deal is.

THe diamond industry is crazy! They overcharge so much! I mean, they have a secret endless supply of diamonds, yet they hide them all and say there's a shortage so they can get people to pay thousands of dollars!

Down with Diamonds!!!! (hey that's pretty catchy...)

Down with Diamonds!!!! (hey that's pretty catchy...)

But up with Diamond Head!!!

Some of you are saying that one of the reasons that you don't like dimonds is because they are boring and look like glass...but you do know that dimonds come in black, grey, white, brown, red/pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

But they aren't colorful like this! (http://www.australianblackopals.com/images/frontnew1.jpg) :eek: :p

But they aren't colorful like this! (http://www.australianblackopals.com/images/frontnew1.jpg) :eek: :p

That's hot.

I think that it’s terrible the way the Diamond Industry has conned everyone into thinking that they need to shell out for a big diamond ring for engagement and then for the wedding. They’ve made it a part of our culture through aggressive marketing, not because it was part of our culture to do so. It’s gotten to the point where the Diamond Industry is lobbying you to buy expensive jewelry on Mother’s Day or even Easter to keep their coffers full. In the Middle Ages you exchanged iron rings for weddings and it was more symbolic of marriage than of trying to show off rings (see how far an iron ring will get you these days, when her girlfriends get into her head about what a terrible person you are). If you think about what a young couple could do with the money that gets spent on an engagement and wedding rings, the kinds of memories it could buy far exceed the grief caused by shelling out for expensive jewelry.

The Diamond Industry has even corrupted the Feminist Movement, by launching a hefty marketing campaign, to tell gals that they don’t need a man to buy them a nice diamond ring: they should do it themselves. They’ve got a lot of celebrities on board and the Her Ring or whatever it is, is just another case of an industry gauging society for everything it’s got.

The Bruce

That's hot.

Opals are so much sparkliness.

umm...diamonds used in industry, for saw blades for example are produced in a lab, not mined. Only when serious cutting has to be done are 'real' diamonds used, by this i mean cutting other diamonds!

If you get diamond coated drill bits, or diamond coated blades, diamond sharpeners, the diamonds are made in a lab because they are smaller and cheaper!

As for the whole jewlery (sp, sorry!) thing, i believe in free choice and therefore people should be free to buy whatever they want no matter its 'history.' It is up to the people themselves to decide whether it is ethically unjust to buy that product, no one else should influence this decision it is a personal choice.

Of course I knew a guy who bought a tropical fish for his girlfriend instead of an ring. The fish died and you can guess who well the marriage worked.

The Bruce

Diamonds are a simple of perfection. The are clear, refined, delicate, strong & breath takingly beautiful and the perfect expression of love.

Is it just me...or in that picture does the flower look like an open, panting mouth?

The 'usual' connotation IS 'open'... but not usually a 'mouth'....

Orchids have a long history of overt sexual connotation...

Given sufficient time, your diamond will ultimately turn into pencil lead, at which point its best use is as an industrial lubricant.

I can demonstrate this mathematically if anyone doubts the fact.

Yes, but since I'll be long since dead, I'm sure it won't matter.

As for opals -- yes, they are brilliantly sparkly, and I love the milky colors -- but they tend to be an EXTREMELY delicate stone, especially since they are only semi-solid. You've got to be VERY careful with them.

Of course I knew a guy who bought a tropical fish for his girlfriend instead of an ring. The fish died and you can guess who well the marriage worked.

The Bruce

Well, the marriage did outlast the fish, as I recall.

In the Middle Ages you exchanged iron rings for weddings and it was more symbolic of marriage than of trying to show off rings (see how far an iron ring will get you these days, when her girlfriends get into her head about what a terrible person you are).

Bwahahaha :D

That is so funny. Nice line of reasoning.

See, in the middle ages the people ate mostly porridge. This food industry just installed the thought that flesh might taste good in your head. You are not meant to eat flesh!

Did you ever ponder that in the "middle ages" cut gems were pretty rare due to the following reasons: that cutting them is a luxurious skill, that the middle classes were a little bit smaller than now, that the supply was somewhat shorter due to geological facts?

I don't like diamonds either. To me, it may as well be glass. My engagement ring has a few tiny diamond bits in it, as a vague nod to tradition, but the big stone is a gorgeous dark blue sapphire. I've also seen emerald ones, and that can be expensive, if you want to be extravagant without buying diamonds. Not to mention quite lovely. There are lots of other stones, much much prettier than diamonds.

Pearls have got to be the most beautiful and mysterious of the precious and semi-precious gems...if a pearl can be called a gem. ...

I beg to differ... beautiful yes. But opals are far more mysterious looking, and I think even more beautiful than pearls. And I think both are far classier than diamonds.

Yes, but since I'll be long since dead, I'm sure it won't matter.

As for opals -- yes, they are brilliantly sparkly, and I love the milky colors -- but they tend to be an EXTREMELY delicate stone, especially since they are only semi-solid. You've got to be VERY careful with them.

True, true... but SPARKLY. So very, very sparkly. The sparkliness calls to my very SOUL in all it's colourful glittering splendor.

My sister is recently divorced, and tried to sell her ring. It cost them over 2 grand, and no one will offer her more than 600 bucks for it. Wholesale prices are apparently well below market value.

Cost includes the jewller making it. Unless it impresses the jewellers, you lucky to get a third of the cost back.

I don't like diamonds either. To me, it may as well be glass. My engagement ring has a few tiny diamond bits in it, as a vague nod to tradition, but the big stone is a gorgeous dark blue sapphire. I've also seen emerald ones, and that can be expensive, if you want to be extravagant without buying diamonds. Not to mention quite lovely. There are lots of other stones, much much prettier than diamonds.



I beg to differ... beautiful yes. But opals are far more mysterious looking, and I think even more beautiful than pearls. And I think both are far classier than diamonds.

Also the majority of opals are Australian, so no 'bloody' opals unless the miner barks his knuckles on it:)

Yes I totally agree diamonds are evil nobody should buy diamonds ever!!!!:mad:

(continues hammering BUY LIGHTNING RIDGE OPALS! sign to the wall)

Gotta protect my investments somehow :D

Yes I totally agree diamonds are evil nobody should buy diamonds ever!!!!:mad:

(continues hammering BUY LIGHTNING RIDGE OPALS! sign to the wall)

Gotta protect my investments somehow :D

How durable ARE opals?

what the heck are you on about diamonds are flippin amzing in every way and they are very shiny *gazing into midair*:rolleyes:

How durable ARE opals?
Not very. You can dissolve them in water.

Not very. You can dissolve them in water.
Yeah but how often do you come in comtact with WATER? Ehhh I would stick with amber.:p

Yeah but how often do you come in comtact with WATER? Ehhh I would stick with amber.:p
Technically speaking, diamonds are about as common as topaz, and should be priced accordingly. If the diamonds that DeBeers is sitting on were released all at once today, diamonds would be about as worthless as broken glass.

They have taken great pains to try to shut out the newer, super-perfect synthetic diamonds, which offer flawless diamonds at greatly reduced prices.

It's a rock. You're paying money for a rock on your finger that has no other commercial value in that form. Sure, various rocks are used for other purposes, but not in that shape and not attached to a gold band or necklace.

Technically speaking, diamonds are about as common as topaz, and should be priced accordingly. If the diamonds that DeBeers is sitting on were released all at once today, diamonds would be about as worthless as broken glass.

They have taken great pains to try to shut out the newer, super-perfect synthetic diamonds, which offer flawless diamonds at greatly reduced prices.

It's a rock. You're paying money for a rock on your finger that has no other commercial value in that form. Sure, various rocks are used for other purposes, but not in that shape and not attached to a gold band or necklace.

Yep. Its an artificial value. And a market that is totally corrupt through and through.

They have taken great pains to try to shut out the newer, super-perfect synthetic diamonds, which offer flawless diamonds at greatly reduced prices.


I've always wondered why there weren't loads of totally perfect lab made diamonds available.I may not be certain who the are,but curse those De Beers people to hell.To hell I say.


[Off Topic]I hate mac keyboards.Damned school and all their macs[/Off Topic]

Yep. Its an artificial value. And a market that is totally corrupt through and through.

Most men who have purchased diamonds for their women usually find this out at an early age.

Ron White said that "the new DeBeers slogan is "Diamonds - take her breath away". Why don't they just come out and say it? "Diamonds - that'll shut her up""

Of course, you can always get YOURSELF made into a diamond so your spouse (or kids) can wear you in perpetuity.....

http://www.lifegem.com/

Start a trend and eventually your great, great, multi-great grandkids will eb able to whip out a jewellry box as their geneology display!


"Now here's great grandma who married.... ummm ... OK, here's great grandpa... and they had.... HEY! Where's cousin Fred?! ... Chester! Have you been pawning off the familly again?"

Of course, you can always get YOURSELF made into a diamond so your spouse (or kids) can wear you in perpetuity.....

http://www.lifegem.com/

Start a trend and eventually your great, great, multi-great grandkids will eb able to whip out a jewellry box as their geneology display!


"Now here's great grandma who married.... ummm ... OK, here's great grandpa... and they had.... HEY! Where's cousin Fred?! ... Chester! Have you been pawning off the familly again?"

I would rather have my ashes launched into space in a small metal container so I can be a hazard to navigation for the rest of time.

I would rather have my ashes launched into space in a small metal container so I can be a hazard to navigation for the rest of time.


Yeah, but if you get converted to a diamond first.... think of how much more damage you can do!!!!

Of course, you can always get YOURSELF made into a diamond so your spouse (or kids) can wear you in perpetuity.....

http://www.lifegem.com/

Start a trend and eventually your great, great, multi-great grandkids will eb able to whip out a jewellry box as their geneology display!


"Now here's great grandma who married.... ummm ... OK, here's great grandpa... and they had.... HEY! Where's cousin Fred?! ... Chester! Have you been pawning off the familly again?"

I swear I'm going to become a cursed diamond when I die. I will be (in)famous post-life whether it be through cursing people with my prescense or by releasing a zombie virus!

My husband works in a diamond mine, and can get fairly good deals on cut diamonds from that particular mine. He called me the other day to ask if I wanted one...you see, he'd been considering buying me a ring, but felt wrong about making that kind of expensive purchase without my consent...gift or not. I told him a diamond was the last thing I wanted...hell, I'd rather have a trip somewhere if he thinks he needs to buy me something.

My reasons.

1) To me, they look like glass...or cubic zirconium. I really can't tell the difference.
2) What the hell is a diamond good for...really? An overpriced rock...no thanks.
3) Canadian diamonds are not blood diamonds...but most diamonds are 'dirty'...and I don't want to support the industry, period.

The whole diamond demand is so ridiculous. It's something pushed upon us...men and women are taught that diamonds are a woman's best friend...and if he loves you, he'll buy you one. But worse, is that this 'false demand' funds wars in Africa...and no one seems to really care. I think diamonds should be the next 'fur'...you know...major boycotts by celebrities and so on.

So I say, forget diamonds. My husband is my best friend, and he's free:)
I love my diamonds, and my saphires. Of course, I make my gems work for me...

You see, I use a diamond knife and a saphire knife at work. These tools allow me to slice tissue with a precision that freaks me out; if I were to slip and nick my finger with one of these blades, not only would I irreparably damage a disturbingly expesive edge, I would also slice through individual cells so cleanly that I would not even feel the cut.

Compared to these blades, a glittery hunk of rock imbedded in some pretty metal just seems kind of lame to me. Yeah, the sparkle catches my eye, but only for long enough for me to realize that it's not going to do anything more than sit there and sparkle.

I wouldn't date a man dull enough to plunk down serious money for decorative trinkets, especially not when there are so many more interesting and entertaining ways for him to lavish affection on me. Jewelry is, to me, pretty much like flowers: it is most often a cop-out gift for unimaginitive or timid sorts, particularly those too lazy to come up with a unique and personalized present. For instance, when I turned 12 all my relatives started sending me earrings for birthday gifts, because that's just what you give to a random female of a certain age...never mind that I didn't have pierced earlobes (and still don't to this day).

Or another example: a past lover used to give me jewelry for every gift-giving occasion, even though I rarely wear necklaces and never wear bracelets or rings. He didn't seem to care that I did not want or enjoy these gifts (even after I politely explained that I don't like wearing jewelry), and was hurt if I didn't wear them all the time, so mostly the presents ended up being an expensive way to provoke a fight. He could have saved a lot of time, money, and aggravation by just buying me a CD or a book. It's not really his fault, though, because we're all force-fed the message that ALL WOMEN LIKE JEWELRY (just like all men like cars, beer, and stupid blondes with fake boobs), and he was just playing by The Rules Of Getting Women To Like You.

and he was just playing by The Rules Of Getting Women To Like You.

You can't "make" a woman like you. That's like trying to "make" a cat like you. Can't be done. Either they like you or they don't.

You can't "make" a woman like you. That's like trying to "make" a cat like you. Can't be done. Either they like you or they don't.
I disagree. Women are individual people, not some kind of other species. Some women can be "made" to like you, just like some men can be won over with the right approach. Some women, like some men, are more stubborn.

Unless you are talking about specifics of genetics or biology, pretty much anything you say about "women" or "men" is going to be wrong. "Women" and "men" are diverse populations that don't follow some neat and tidy set of rules. That's the whole problem with jewelry; some women may like it, some may not, some may be indifferent. If you think there is a way to make any member of the "female species" respond a certain way, then you're kidding yourself.

I disagree. Women are individual people, not some kind of other species. Some women can be "made" to like you, just like some men can be won over with the right approach. Some women, like some men, are more stubborn.

Unless you are talking about specifics of genetics or biology, pretty much anything you say about "women" or "men" is going to be wrong. "Women" and "men" are diverse populations that don't follow some neat and tidy set of rules. That's the whole problem with jewelry; some women may like it, some may not, some may be indifferent. If you think there is a way to make any member of the "female species" respond a certain way, then you're kidding yourself.

I just don't believe there's a magic formula you can read in a book, or teach to someone. And while you can temporarily win someone over, getting them to be your lifelong friend and companion isn't something arrived at by a "technique".