gherthra

This is interesting, but I guess I'm wondering how it really differs to buying a brand new car. The moment you drive it outside the car dealer you've lost money. It would be interesting to compare the lost value of jewelry as a percentage to other items purchased brand new.

The diamond I have was purchased at wholesale price and custom made into a setting - it wasn't some off the shelf piece from Tiffany's. I think that where you purchase the jewelery from can also make a significant difference to its resale value.

Because a CZ can be easily damaged, whereas the hardness of a diamond makes it very resilient to scratches, damage etc.

Also, the beauty of a ring doesn't solely exist in the diamond, the setting is a thing of beauty - the piece of jewelery itself.

What is useless about something that is beautiful? Many people purchase objects of beauty (just look at the art world!) which cost much more than a diamond!

I love my engagement ring, sure it's not practical and we'll never get the money back that was paid for it. Every time I look at it sparkling, I think about my husband, and I think about the rock itself, where it came from, how it was formed, how old it is, and it makes me really happy.

We aren't short of money so the purchase of the ring wasn't a big deal - we would easily spend twice the amount of the ring's value on travel every year.

The ring is diamond and platinum and it's very strong - I've smashed it against all sorts of things, gone canyoning, scuba diving, you name it, and the platinum is barely scratched.

We plan to keep this ring in the family and pass it down through the generations. The sentimentality and 'family heirloom' qualities are also really appealing to us.

I'd much prefer this ring than a rolex, or a gold Apple iPhone for that matter!