[ed. 'Silent rings'?! : )]
It may not be as glittery or romantic, but saving for a house together or putting money aside to cover future parental-leave shortfall does signify a deeper level of commitment than the traditional diamond ring. That’s a possible explanation as to why among millennials – the generation in full marital swing – cheaper gemstones seem to be an increasingly attractive choice.
They’re also more fashionable, particularly in art-deco-style jewellery. “About five years ago, there was a massive reappraisal of coloured stones; a recognition they could be just as beautiful,” says John Benjamin, an expert in antique jewellery. For years, coloured stones were under-appreciated and undervalued. “The prices have absolutely skyrocketed in recent years. In auction, we’re seeing prices that we never saw before, it is a very different sort of marketplace from the old days when coloured stones could be bought, frankly, very cheaply in auction.”
That isn’t to say diamonds, particularly among younger people, are over – a 2016 report into the market by De Beers found that millennials spent $26bn on new diamond jewellery in its four key markets – more than any other generation. But jewellers are reporting that younger customers are starting to look for something less traditional than the white sparkler. An article in style journal the Gentlewoman this month even suggested that some women are opting for “silent” rings – fingers left naked as a mark of independence.
The internet – and specifically Pinterest and Instagram – has opened up options, says Nikolay Piriankov, founder of Taylor & Hart, which specialises in custom-made rings. “Before, it was very much driven by what jewellers could stock, and, if it wasn’t in your local shop, you wouldn’t know it was possible.
by Emine Saner, The Guardian | Read more:
It may not be as glittery or romantic, but saving for a house together or putting money aside to cover future parental-leave shortfall does signify a deeper level of commitment than the traditional diamond ring. That’s a possible explanation as to why among millennials – the generation in full marital swing – cheaper gemstones seem to be an increasingly attractive choice.
They’re also more fashionable, particularly in art-deco-style jewellery. “About five years ago, there was a massive reappraisal of coloured stones; a recognition they could be just as beautiful,” says John Benjamin, an expert in antique jewellery. For years, coloured stones were under-appreciated and undervalued. “The prices have absolutely skyrocketed in recent years. In auction, we’re seeing prices that we never saw before, it is a very different sort of marketplace from the old days when coloured stones could be bought, frankly, very cheaply in auction.”That isn’t to say diamonds, particularly among younger people, are over – a 2016 report into the market by De Beers found that millennials spent $26bn on new diamond jewellery in its four key markets – more than any other generation. But jewellers are reporting that younger customers are starting to look for something less traditional than the white sparkler. An article in style journal the Gentlewoman this month even suggested that some women are opting for “silent” rings – fingers left naked as a mark of independence.
The internet – and specifically Pinterest and Instagram – has opened up options, says Nikolay Piriankov, founder of Taylor & Hart, which specialises in custom-made rings. “Before, it was very much driven by what jewellers could stock, and, if it wasn’t in your local shop, you wouldn’t know it was possible.
by Emine Saner, The Guardian | Read more:
Image:ProArtWork/Getty Images/iStockphoto
