People are never content with what they have! They always look for material items to fill their emotional gaps. They want pearls and diamonds to show their status. They don't actually want the diamond, they want what the diamond represents. But just how useful are diamonds. They don't satisfy our hunger or thirst. They can't be used as transportation. They are pretty much useless. As we all know diamonds are very expensive.Its human nature to many, its a challenge to get them. I think everyone would agree in saying that diamonds make wonderful gifts but are they worth it?
I am sure you've all heard the phrase "blood diamonds." The term “blood diamond” refers to diamonds that come from war zones in Africa. They are usually sold to fund the rebel groups in Africa. These rebel groups trade these diamonds for weapons and money. Millions of deaths are results of rebel attacks and the trading or trafficking of these diamonds. Some movies like blood diamonds deceive us. They show them wearing shoes, gloves and hard hats with flashlights, when typically they don't wear any of that. They have very simple tools like a pick and a rope. They get paid less than a dollar. All this sacrifice, so one can prove their social status, is it really worth it?
If someone offered you a fake diamond and a real one, would you be able to tell the difference. If you did know the difference, would you accept the fake one?
Watch this music video showing how the "blood diamond" process works
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgqd80026xU
Provocative start Alexis ... thanks. The blood diamond issue certainly taints the whole idea of diamonds, but even without blood diamonds, is it all about status? And who says that diamonds bring status? Did someone just make that up?
ReplyDeleteIn cultures and religions, for example, the Hindus adored diamonds as a tradition. However, it is theDe Beers Group that successfully advertised dimonds to msny other countries. We have all heard of their famous slogan 'A Diamond is Forever'. That advertisement and some specific designed rings, like the 'eternity ring', 'trilogy ring' made diamonds a symbol of Love and Commitment. They also advertised diamonds with the 'Forever Mark'.
ReplyDeleteDiamonds are the toughest natural mineral. It is widely used for industrially. Its hardness and excellent electrical condusctivity made the less beautiful diamonds also very popular.
As an investment, unlike gold, diamond prices are relatively stable, so it a rather safe long term investment. The profit might not be so hign, but the risk is also low.
You may wonder if diamonds are worth it but for people with the money, why not? Of course they don't have the practical use of something else expensive like a car but that isn't necessarily bad. For example, whats the difference from some one "pimping" out their car compared to their fingers or ears (as in rings and earrings if you didn't get it). This is just something to think about. I am not necessarily agreeing with it just trying to give a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteThat was really good Alexis! I agree that diamonds are only used to boost one's status or appearance, at least thats what the person wearing it must think. Fake diamonds are just as nice as real diamonds and can be bought for just $10.00! The amount of money spent on real diamonds is ridiculous and definitley not worth the cost. People may even tell a little lie and say that the diamonds are real. It's definitely not worth it to buy real diamonds or to mine for them. Mining is dangerous and deathly. Is it really worth your life to try to find a rock that people will just wear on their ears, necks, fingers or wrists, especially when the diamonds can just end up getting lost? I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteDiamonds are really worthless once you discount the flashiness about them. Sure they are glittery and look good on a ring, but besides that they are only really valuable to industrial companies. The companies can use diamond bladed saws to cut through every type of material and this is a vital tool to them. However you do not see Elizabeth Taylor(who is known for her affection for jewels,) using diamonds for cutting materials. So diamonds are so valuable, and sought after because they are viewed as the most beautiful gem . When some rich stock broker, well maybe not stock broker, when some rich man or woman has money to burn, why not spend it on the glamour of diamonds!
ReplyDeleteI think to some extent diamonds are worth it. I mean even though they do cost a good amount of money they come with a lot of benefits like status, glitter and really, who wouldnt like to wear something as pretty as a diamond on their finger. And for rich people, like others said why not, if you have the money you might as well.
ReplyDeleteFor Mr. Sykes' question I kinda think that the "Diamond Status" came from old sayings that came out when diamonds were thought of as really rare. Also the reference that is made in movies to diamonds are also very significant because media has such impact on us. So movies like Diamonds are Forever and Breakfast at Tiffany's made a impact on the diamond status.
But really, I do agree with Alexis that they actually are just a piece of useless, yet pretty, rock. Even though that is true that doesnt stop people from buying them and being sucked into the diamond absession!
Alexis makes a very good argument about the purchase of diamonds. Researchers predict that at least 1/3 of all the diamonds in a jewelry store are from the "blood diamond" trade. Diamond is one of the strongest elements of the face of the earth; why can't Americans use this material on cars and means of transportation. This tough material would probably prevent serious damage to a vehicle or person when in an accident. This would be a much more efficient way to use diamonds rather than putting them in your ears or on your fingers. Fake diamonds have only one difference than real diamonds, they're not as tough. In reality, who cares whether a stone on your finger can cut through glass. I thought that diamonds and jewelry were for show, not for toughness. As for investment, diamonds are a stable investment but they usually do not rise as dramatically as gold or platinum does and especially in this economy. I believe we are abusive with diamonds; only using them for looks and not for the welfare of the people,
ReplyDeleteSo far everyone has agreed for the most part that diamonds are not worth purchasing. A diamond can not do anything to help you with your day to day lives. If this is so why do people continue to buy them. Its the that drive tat also fuels the wars in Africa. The war lords know this and are using it to their advantage. The one thing that diamonds do seem to bring is lust. The war lords have a lust for diamonds because they want more money to help fund their wars. The lust will attract thieves to a diamond. If one would look at this then they would see that a diamond does more bad then good.
ReplyDeleteA person doesn't even know if they purchased a blood diamond. An honest man could buy a diamond ring for an engagement. He will not know that hundreds of people died just for a diamond. It seems that diamonds will only bring misfortune to people.
Some of the religions use diamonds for rituals and cerimonies. They are not widly used though. Many just carry them through the times with the hope that they will become more then a sense of power and money. They hope that when people need them they will pay top dollar. Many use them for investments although they are not very good ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually beginning to wonder if diamonds used to be rare, because if they were, then that may sort of explain why they are so 'valuable'. If they used to be rare, it would make sense for them to be expensive, no? Maybe the prices just never came down, and it seems to me that people sometimes think whatever is expensive must be important too. A diamond is virtually useless, but how important they are to other people, actually made me feel like they were important too. I had never even thought about the fact that they might be useless before, until Mr. Sykes pointed it out the other day.
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