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I had to bitch about this somewhere and here seemed like a nice place.
WHY ARE DIAMONDS SO EXPENSIVE? You know they're the most common gemstone on the planet, right? You know that they most common size little unpolished diamond is the traditional 1 carat, right? You realize that there is already a 20 year supply of the things cut and polished and sitting in warehouses waiting for poor suckers like me, right?
I've been struggling for a month now trying to figure out how DeBeers pulled this off. You want to talk about the one of the all-time great marketing schemes this has got to be it. How do you convince a world full of women that diamonds are her best friend? You jack the price up to ungodly levels and tell her that if she doesn't have one then she's not really loved.
Actually, scratch that, you make the guy feel obligated to buy the shiny little rock, and that if his rock does not match up with the rocks his friends bought their wives then he has a small penis.
As soon as I get the time-machine built I'm gonna back in time, find this damn DeBeers fella, and kick him square in the ass.
Good night, people.
-------------------- Pat Whatley Montgomery, AL (334) 262-7446 office (334) 324-8465 cell Posts: 1306 | From: Wetumpka, AL USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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ya,, a diamond,,, its worth about 2 months pay,,,
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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Pat, You know the song goes like this: "words of love so soft and tender don't win a girl's heart anymore. If you love her then you must send her somewhere where she's never been before! What about a trip away from all that nonsense! And always open the door for her and be kind, a diamond can be small and a different design. You're an artist!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Hey Pat, DeBeers was considered a monopoly and wasn't allowed to conduct business in the USA for a long time. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't recommend it. But, before you buy a diamond, check out your local Sam's Club. I bought my wife's ring there and saved about $2k. Another choice would be www.diavik.ca or www.riotintodiamonds.com I'm sorry to say that you just missed their last sale of the year.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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It's DeBeers. They have a complete monoploly on the diamond market. I don't buy diamonds. They are overpriced. There are a lot of clear real gems that are just as pretty. And speaking jewerly, did you know that you can't even buy any gold beads, chains etc, unless you are a licensed jeweler? Also, have you noticed that the market is being more and more flooded with sinthetic rocks. And stupid people are buying them. Sinthetic diamond ring at the mall jewerly store, $200.00. Same ring at KMart, $25.00 Also it has been proven by 60 Minutes that some jewelers are selling FAKE diamonds, rudies etc. as real ones. And of course we now have the unditectable fake diamond,,Moissnite. Chemicaly it is a diamond, but it's a man made diamond. They are great looking rocks, but they are really over priced. It wonder how much it costs a lab to produce a 2K Moissanite diamond? I would love to find out.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3845 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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The dead giveaway to a fake or man-made diamond is the fact that it's absolutely perfect.
Perfect diamonds rarely exist in nature. There will always be some flaw in a real diamond, whether it's a tiny piece of garbage inside of it (requires a microscope to see) or the color is slightly "off white". In fact, such flaws can actually be desireable to an extent because they tell of the authenticity.
If you think buying diamonds sucks, try being the guy trying to sell the diamond. It's worse than being in the sign industry. Here you are trying to sell this rock. It's a really expensive rock that you've fronted a crapload of money to bring into your store. Your average customer doesn't understand the value behind it nor the intricacies of assigning that value, so combining their misunderstanding along with the cost, they have absolutely no trust in the person trying to sell it to them. Because of that, they ask for a price on a piece of look-alike plastic after you've already spent a ton of time trying to educate them about diamonds.
My dad's a jeweler, what can I say? I hear him gripe all the time , in fact I was with him the day that he bitched out a customer because she ordered a large diamond, so large it was a special order, and once it arrived she decided it was too expensive and didn't want it! It took him a long time to move that rock but he did it and he no longer deals with diamonds unless they're on the tiny side.
It might surprise you to know when a jeweler orders diamonds, they are delivered loose in groups wrapped up in folded tissue paper and stuck in a manilla envelope as if they were worth nothing.
There are restrictions in the jewelry industry as to who can buy what in order to maintain the integrity of the industry and end product. If the sign industry had something similar nobody here would be able to bitch about the soccer mom down the street stealing all the crappy coroplast jobs.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Pat - Diamonds are relative like anything else - you get what you pay for. Questions to ask are what is the exact carat weight? (not its spread) What is the color grade & what grading system was used? What is the clarity? Again, ask what system was used. How is it cut? (Marquise, brilliant, emerald?) What are the exact millimeter dimensions of the stone? Is this stone certified? You might also make sure all these answers are included on the bill of sale. Curtis had a point - expect to spend some money on quality (Maybe not 2 MONTHS pay!) Do a little research, find a Jeweler you TRUST - they're out there but be careful. I have found fine jewelry to be a fine investment. Edited to say: I just heard where Naomi Judd said the other day on her T.V. special - "I've never owned a diamond & never will" Who woulda thunk it a country star as big as she is? I guess she's trying to prove she still remembers her roots - I admire her for that - Most of 'em wanta flash - remember Porter Waggoner? I guess the baddest fine jewelry I've ever seen had to be Elvis' stuff - that 13 carat TCB ring he wore is awesome - damn thing was big as a dime would put your eye out - you can see a fine display in Graceland ; just heard last week Lowell Hayes (one of his personal Memphis Jewelers) is retiring & going out of business - he's pushing 75 it's time - these rap boys nowadays with their big fake chains are wannabees - -no style or taste. . . .
[ December 07, 2005, 03:01 AM: Message edited by: Carl Wood ]
-------------------- Carl Wood Olive Branch, Ms Posts: 1392 | From: Olive Branch,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1999
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So what you're saying Mike is that maybe Pat's money would be better spent on a Moissanite diamond, since they are flawless and of course you get more bang for your buck. Gee, Maybe I'll buy one for myself.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3845 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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pat just go down and talk to tom neville his business is called "the source" he is located in the old union bank building top floor.
you have to make appointment you do not walk in. he sold me my engagemnet ring and spent about 2 hours with me and explained diamonds to me. if its in the mall it sucks!!!
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
quote:Originally posted by Mike Pipes: If you think buying diamonds sucks, try being the guy trying to sell the diamond.
When I walked in a a jewelery store and looked at a ring for my fiancee, the tag on it was $1100, and the guy behind the counter told me that he could let me have it for $550, just by asking to see it...Now thats too much of a markup when the salesman can knock 50% off just by asking to see it...
My fiancee has a different outlook on the whole ring thing...She is happy to have one, and says it is a symbol of love... She would rather see me spend the money on important things like food, mortgage, or electricity. She has one young girl that works for her that wasn't happy with the 1.2 k ring she originally got, she wanted more (and got it)...now she's not happy with that ring, and wants one bigger...
Hey, Pat, when you catch up to the DeBeers guy, after you kick him in the ass, turn him around and give him a good swift kick for me...
-------------------- Mark Kottwitz Kottwitz Graphics Ridgely, MD www.SeeMySignWork.com -------------------------- Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein Posts: 749 | From: Ridgely, MD | Registered: Oct 2000
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Pat mate buy her an "antique engagement ring" thats shop talk for second hand a fraction of the cost, I bought the wife an eternity ring last year, she picked the one she wanted from pictures on the internet I then had a jeweller in Thailand copy it still on the net and when I got it I had a local jeweller value it for me, he valued it at 5 times the price I paid for it.
-------------------- Steve Broughton Alpha Grafix Signs Lowfields Road Benington, Boston Lincolnshire, England Posts: 315 | From: Boston, Lincolnshire, England | Registered: Aug 2001
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and the next time someone steals yer design????????/
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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Diamonds aren't all that expensive if you use some creativity. Give her a whole bunch of them....buy her a deck of cards.
Here's a somewhat related story regarding diamond rings. Last summer in Toronto, police arrested a younger girl (teenager) who was in the habit of showing up at funeral homes during visitation. Her "story" was that she was some long-lost cousin of the deceased. While paying her "final respects" she would steal any rings that the deceased person was wearing. Invariably, these would turn up in pawn shops around the Toronto area. Seems that some people will resort to some pretty low down practices, to support a drug habit.
[ December 07, 2005, 10:32 AM: Message edited by: Ken Henry ]
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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quote:Originally posted by Alicia B. Jennings: So what you're saying Mike is that maybe Pat's money would be better spent on a Moissanite diamond, since they are flawless and of course you get more bang for your buck. Gee, Maybe I'll buy one for myself.
Hahahahaha.. I guess you could look at it that way! But if you actually did have a naturally perfect diamond, it could be mistaken/devalued as a fake unless the person knew what to look for.
Mark, that ring was probably sitting there for a while and probably sold it at cost or marginal profit just to move it. The thing about retail is, they have to move inventory out so they have room to bring in more inventory, which they are *required* to purchase in order to maintain certain volume discount levels from their suppliers. Look at all the sales, 40, 50, 60, 75% OFF? on clothes, electronics and everything else? Usually people don't even stop to think how a company can sell some clothes at 50% off and still make a profit, they just focus on the deal they got.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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The Mamas and the Papas, the sweetest voices...big 12 strings. thanks Deb! Wendesday Wendesday.....
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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quote: I don't buy diamonds. They are overpriced. There are a lot of clear real gems that are just as pretty. And speaking jewerly, did you know that you can't even buy any gold beads, chains etc, unless you are a licensed jeweler? Also, have you noticed that the market is being more and more flooded with sinthetic rocks. And stupid people are buying them. Sinthetic diamond ring at the mall jewerly store, $200.00. Same ring at KMart, $25.00
Alicia B. , were have you been all my life
-------------------- Snow's Sign Works 865-908-0076 snowman@planetc.com www.snowsigns.com
I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message... Posts: 1640 | From: Sevierville, TN | Registered: Jul 2005
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DeBeers and P.T. Barnum must have been related!
-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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I had a customer who is a jeweler, and I've heard some stories from him that would curl your hair... Jewelry is the ultimate "perceived value" commodity, and the prices are entirely based on emotional manipulation.
I was in his store once and overheard his wife and business partner doing a sales pitch on a man who was shopping for his wife's birthday. He was hesitating over the price of something, and she finally said, "look. You and I both know that this ring is going to get you the best orgasm you've had all year." Even my customer, (her husband) was shocked... but it worked; the guy shelled out a coupla grand, right then and there. If I hadn't been there, I wouldn't have believed it.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hey Cam, what an idea! "Buy this carved sign and it will get you the best orgasm you've had all year!" Going to try it!
-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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I don't beleive all diamonds ARE expensive Pat.
Some are very, very cheap (relatively) and go up in price based on cut and clarity, those being perfectly clear and without any, or the least yellow or brown spots, being the most rare and expensive. In that case you either have to take the word & repuation of the jeweler even after looking thru the little microscope to see the spotless are only slightly flawed gem.
That said, I don't even wear more than a coupl'a different $10 watches and could care less about an expensive peice of jewelry unless it's resale value is high . . .
Now...BACK TO WORK!
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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Seems that some people will resort to some pretty low down practices, to support a drug habit. 
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