We have always thought “diamonds were a girl’s best friend,” but recent jewelry trends may be establishing a new tradition. Since 2010 jewelers have been seeing increased numbers of gemstone sales. Another interesting trend, according to Vashi Dominguez the founder of Diamond Manufacturers, is that more women are buying jewelry for themselves, rather than waiting around for their man to make the move. When women shop for themselves they are more likely to buy themselves a stone with color, such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
18k White Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Cuff
Georgina Rycyk, the marketing manager for the center of the UK’s jewelry trade at Hatton Garden, believes that many women are taking jewelry buying into their own hands because men just don’t know what to look for, and therefore default to diamonds. Most women have very specific ideas of what they want in jewelry, especially an important piece like an engagement ring. Women know sizes. Women know cuts. Women know settings and they know if they want a splash of color to go with their diamonds or not.
EGL 3.06 ct Marquise Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring
There could be an underlying economic reason for this change. The recent economic recession left many people reevaluating their “money morals” and setting new standards of living for themselves. These standards of living tend to be thriftier and less indulgent. Although some gemstones can still dangle a pricey tag, psychologically a person associates diamonds with luxury and indulgence and many women may be able to justify the purchase of a gemstone rather than a diamond.
Platinum 13 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Of course, as with most fashion trends, celebrities play their part in sending subliminal messages to the masses of women roaming through jewelry stores around the world. According to Stylebistro.com Angelina Jolie, who many women respect as a morally upstanding, devoted mother, often chooses gemstones over diamonds. And we must not forget the “Kate” effect on just about any fashion trend. When Kate Middleton proudly showcased her stunning sapphire ring you could almost hear the funeral bells for diamond solitaires everywhere.
