Why Choose a Diamond for an Engagement Ring
Diamonds & Marketing
Many people steer towards a diamond engagement ring out of convention and modern tradition. Diamonds have become synonymous with engagement rings. Effective marketing by DeBeers contributed greatly to this. Since we specialise in both diamonds and engagement rings, we ourselves contribute to the marketing of diamonds with every photograph and article we write.
Reasons for Not Choosing a Diamond
Let us begin looking at a few reasons why perhaps people do not buy a diamond for an engagement ring. Firstly cost is a significant issue. Some feel that the cost of a diamond ring does not work for them. Others opt for one of many alternative stones, including precious and semi-precious coloured stones. When it comes to fancy colour, the cost of a natural fancy colour diamond steps outside most people’s budgets. Some people still feel a certain unease when they look back on the unscrupulous use of diamonds to fund wars in foreign countries (see our page on conflict diamonds.) Perhaps you have your own particular reason and could share it in our comments? Start a discussion and let us know your thoughts.
Reasons For Choosing a Diamond
There are many reasons why people do choose a diamond for their engagement ring. The following are just three reasons why some people choose a diamond.
Hardness – A diamond will withstand wear, retaining the faceting and high polish for a lifetime. For this reason, many antique diamonds are re-circulated to this day and some are even re-cut into better proportioned versions. The eternal nature also reflects upon the symbolic permanence of a couple’s relationship. A diamond ring will also withstand everyday wear to a greater degree.
Fire – There are few stones that have the exceptional fire produced by a diamond. The round brilliant, when proportioned to give a very good or excellent cut, produces fire and brilliance as light refracts and reflects out of the stone.
Value – Diamonds trade on a worldwide market and carry very specific values. Both rough and polished diamonds will carry an intrinsic value. Once cut and polished, a diamond’s value lies within four factors. The colour (or whiteness) the clarity, the cut, and the carat weight of the stone. Although there are levels of value (trade, retail selling price and value for insurance) a diamond will keep its value, will not perish, will not decay and for some, investing in diamonds proves far safer than investing with a financial institution.
Price – For some the cost of an engagement ring itself represents a gesture of commitment. Whether the ring purchase comes out of finance, or saved for, many feel that the modern tradition of purchasing a valuable engagement ring as an important part of expressing commitment, partnering for life.
Neutrality of Colour – This might not seem an obvious reason for a diamond ring, but worn everyday, with a full range of clothing colours, a white diamond will be neutral to a certain extent against a varied wardrobe of colour. Combined with the whiteness of Platinum, Palladium or White Gold, regardless of the value, sentiment and purpose, the ring remains an accessory worn daily. Just like the colour of metal which becomes a consideration, the colour of the stone should be well considered.
For further information on diamonds, see our information page which has many useful and relevant pages.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
