This is ugly, reminds me of PETA advertisements, is this how Amesty Intl wants to do it? Ouchhh... Distubingly powerful visual. Ugly, but goddamn if it ain't true. As I mentioned on another diamond thread, there needs to be more attention drawn to the fact that there are now equally beautiful (with equal or better clarity and sizing) synthetic/cultured diamonds available. So dedicated blingsters do have an alternative. Something that DeBeers et al aren't too pleased about. Actually, the diamond barons have a HUGE reserve of diamonds already, more than actually exist in the market. In order to keep prices high, they only release a small percentage each year. Realistically, they could quit mining diamonds and still be set for 20+ years to come, even taking into account population growth and increased demand. I concur that this is over the top but what else is to be expected from this organization knowing who supports them. I have two friends in the diamond business and I know what knslyr says to be true. Something needs to be done and I also agree with Geekette... there are totally viable alternatives to real diamonds but (sorry but this is fact) women drive this market and any man that buys her less than the real thing is shamed. For my wife's engagement ring, I purchased a 1.12 carat Moissanite solitaire. We made the decision together, and instead of sinking a huge chunk of money into a diamond, we added it to the down payment on our first home. It is a beautiful stone, and you'd never know the difference. If you are in the market, I highly recommend checking into the Moissanite. It is considered more "brilliant" than a diamond, and many people prefer it to the real thing. MAN! That is really powerful. knslyr: Actually, the diamond barons have a HUGE reserve of diamonds already, more than actually exist in the market. In order to keep prices high, they only release a small percentage each year.Absolutely; I also discovered that the first time I researched & blogged the issue and it highlights another threat cultured diamonds poses to the cartel: If man-made stones become popular, it doesn't matter how much naturals they have stockpiled, people will gladly buy from other sources at significantly less than the stockpilers would ever sell for, thus rendering their stash almost worthless. That is why discrediting and supression of info about such alternatives is really their b... I can't see owning something that expensive that either sits in a box or adorns a hand. To me, it really serves no purpose. If a woman feels they need a guy to spend $10k on a piece of jewelry to prove their love (or the other way round), I am certainly not that guy. I can prove my love in many other ways. *wink* How much for what is all a matter of perspective. Spending 1cent when you have 5,000cents may not be an issue but if you have only 50cents, it may be. Then again, you may have an issue spending 1 out of 5000cents on something you don't believe in even if inexpensive. You may also be crazy about some things regardless of what they cost. I mean, I'd love an SLR unconditionally whether it cost ~500k (as it does today) or if the price suddenly dropped to 1cent. But that's just me. *shrug*  Mostly I am referring to the people who really can't afford what they spend on a ring. For example, I have a friend whom I love dearly but he is in some debt. Owes for schooling, a car to get back and forth to work, etc. His g/f has blackmailed him into buying her a ring that costs $8,000 when this guy can barely make it as it is. Of course as much as I love him, he's a freakin schmuck for even thinking about it but that's another story. Wolf i agree with you completely. The relative amount of money people spend on jewelry really surprises me. I know that much of it is very beautfiful, but i truly believe that the primary motivation behind wanting it is to keep up with everyone else. |
View the Top Clips from May 29, 2006
Embed This Clip In Your Site...
|
||
