SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
EditorsSep 25, 2015
On ‘Forever’
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff tries to understand why diamonds end up the subject of so many “they’re a rip off”-type articles in an age where nobody has a problem constantly creating waste with cheap, throwaway furniture and fast fashion.
This week, someone called my attention to a story in the print version of the New York Post highlighting a trend many in the jewelry industry are already aware of: non-traditional engagement rings.
“Basic chick” is a euphemism for “basic bitch,” a fairly new slang term created to refer to a woman who likes mainstream products or music because this is, apparently, a huge shortcoming nowadays (though only for women, of course.) Why we as a society feel the need to continually come up with new derogatory terms to refer to girls and women—and why women perpetuate negativity and stereotypes by using them—is unclear to me, but that’s beside the point of this blog.
The Post article describes a few beautiful-sounding custom engagement rings and gets a bit into the colored gemstone trend as well, with the requisite mention of the sapphire ring Kate Middleton wears.
The article, all in all, is not terrible and backs up what I just reaffirmed in interviewing millennials for a story in our next digital magazine: they aren’t afraid to break from tradition and want something different, not necessarily bigger and better.
At the end of the story, however, the Post embedded a somewhat random video called “Why Engagement Rings are a Scam,” which covers the same ground as every other “diamonds are a rip off”-type article: diamonds aren’t rare, they aren’t really worth anything, De Beers is a monopoly (incorrect; they control only 34 percent of the world’s supply at this point) that invented the idea of the diamond engagement ring in the 1930s.
While some people did exchange diamonds to mark their engagements before the ‘30s, it is correct that it was De Beers that really put the marketing muscle behind the concept with “A Diamond is Forever.”
But, De Beers is hardly the first company to try to connect with consumers in an effort to get them to buy their products, and they won’t be the last. Sorry to break the news for the star of this ill-informed video and all the other men out there that rail against the diamond ring but … there’s some type of marketing behind almost everything you buy.
Gentlemen, do you know that giant, 64-inch HD TV in your living room?
You know, the one that will be technologically out of date in a few years and end up outside on the curb alongside your Ikea furniture?
You likely bought it because Samsung or Sony or LG convinced you that you needed it, which, unless you have a vision problem or are trying to compensate for shortcomings in other areas, you don’t. You’d be perfectly fine with a much smaller, less expensive TV.
Why diamonds, which really do last forever, specifically end up the subject of so many “they’re a rip off”-type articles in a world where nobody has a problem constantly creating waste with cheap, throwaway furniture and fast fashion, I’ll never understand.
My mother has worn the same engagement ring for 45 years. I have no idea what my father paid for it back in 1969.
It doesn’t matter.
It’s something that she kept close to her for decades and that makes it worth a lot to me today.
You likely bought it because Samsung or Sony or LG convinced you that you needed it, which, unless you have a vision problem or are trying to compensate for shortcomings in other areas, you don’t. You’d be perfectly fine with a much smaller, less expensive TV.
Why diamonds, which really do last forever, specifically end up the subject of so many “they’re a rip off”-type articles in a world where nobody has a problem constantly creating waste with cheap, throwaway furniture and fast fashion, I’ll never understand.
My mother has worn the same engagement ring for 45 years. I have no idea what my father paid for it back in 1969.
It doesn’t matter.
It’s something that she kept close to her for decades and that makes it worth a lot to me today.
More on Editors
The Latest
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
