Why We’re Obsessed With Diamonds
GUEST POST.
Image Photo by Edgar Soto on Unsplash
Diamonds are associated with wealth, power and luxury – to an extent that even other gemstones cannot rival. This is so for a variety of reasons, just a few of which inhere in the diamonds themselves. Why do diamonds, and diamond engagement rings, fascinate us to such an extent? Let’s take a look.
The Allure of Brilliance: Evolutionary and Psychological Perspectives
To begin with, human beings are naturally disposed toward bright and shiny things. Catch a glimpse of something sparkling, like a shard of glass on a pristine kitchen floor, and your eye might naturally be drawn toward it – because of the contrast involved.
Diamonds as Symbols: Love, Status and Identity
The toughness of a diamond makes it a natural symbol of endurance. A diamond is rated ten out of ten on the Mohs scale for mineral hardness. There are only a few things in the world that are capable of leaving a mark on them. Understandable, how this makes diamond rings the preferred choice to display your love!
The Power of Marketing: Crafting Desire
Of course, a major factor in driving the ongoing affection for diamonds has been marketing. Some of the world’s most enduring taglines have, appropriately enough, been crafted to promote the world’s most enduring mineral. ‘A diamond is forever’, for example, was coined in the middle of the 20th century, in order to promote the De Beers diamond company. This helped to bolster the appeal of diamonds considerably and even led to the creation of other ideas – like the idea that a diamond ring should cost a month’s salary (or even two months’ salary). Today, De Beers is still shaping attitudes with modern marketing campaigns.
Cultural Significance: Traditions and Modern Trends
In recent times, thanks in part to the emergence of lab-grown alternatives, diamond prices have been in decline. Consumers have been looking to avoid the ethical problems that come along with diamond mining in countries with substandard workers’ rights laws.
The history of diamond engagement rings stretches back more than five centuries. In 1477, the Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented what is considered to have been the first ring of this kind, to Mary of Burgundy. Thus began a trend that rapidly spread through the European aristocracy and which continues to this day.
The shape of the diamonds themselves has changed considerably over the intervening years, with new cuts being created all the time. Among the more popular ones today is the iconic round brilliant, which consists of fifty-eight facets – split fairly evenly between the top and bottom halves.
Other options include the princess, oval, emerald and cushion cuts – with the latter having enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years. If you’re looking to create a distinct impression when you present an engagement ring, then these are the diamonds to consider!
This is a guest post and therefore these are not necessarily the views of Index Digital.
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