Diamond hype

Upfront: I have bought two diamonds. I bought a diamond (for an engagement ring) back when I was in college. That diamond was on my wife's ring finger for 25 years. About 6 years ago it chipped (really) and we traded it in on a larger diamond now on her hand.

I found these articles / links interesting:

1. Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?
   
2. When Buying a Diamond Starts With a Mouse
   
3. Wiki: Diamond
   
4. BlueNile
   
5. Is There a Difference Between Tiffany, Costco Diamonds?
   

The point is:

1. Diamonds are not a good investment
   
2. Marketing created the link between marriage and a diamond ring (a must have?)
   
3. The market is "controlled"!
   

How much money should be spent on an engagement ring? Have you ever heard this common advice - "spend the equivalent of two months salary"? Think about that for a moment? Who recommends that? Answer: the jewelry business! Right when things are generally most tight financially (for a couple getting married), the industry advice is - spend two months salary.

I am fascinated with wedding customers. Here is a good article.

I have a little experience (having been married for 32 years) and the most important marriage tradition to hold is this: be a Christian, marry a Christian, make Christ the Lord of your marriage!