Does anyone have any strategies on how to say no to diamonds? Just like other FWers I know that diamonds are the biggest scam around and I don't feel like contributing to the cartel. Has anyone been able to get away without buying a diamond?
I am thinking of sending my GF this article: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1293073/posts
My GF is obsessed with diamonds though and has always dreamt of having a nice, big one. I don't know how I can talk her out of it. The way I see it, its all peer pressure.
I have compiled a list of articles about diamonds if anyone is interested:
Should I open a ROTH IRA in her account and put the money toward the diamond?
nilpunk said:You should start glancing at other gemstones with your GF and mention how "plain" & "boring" diamonds are. Talk about how "unique" she is and how as a couple you should find a ring that would express that. Or just talk about how beautiful her eyes are and how you wish you could find just the right gem to match them. Basically just make sure she sees the hundreds of other types of gemstones & ring settings that are possible. Don't force her into not getting a diamond just expose her to all the possible options.
My wife and I looked at hundreds of gems before she found one that really caught her eye in a firey Black Opal from Australia. We took it to a really great jeweler and worked with him to design a unique setting for the ring. He had a wax mold to look at in a couple days, and then a couple weeks later we had the ring. Total cost was about $300 for the gem & $350 for the setting. All her friends and relatives loved it, and she adored it enough that when it came time to get married she decided to keep the engagement ring (which saved going out and buying a seperate wedding band). I think it's much more special to her than a generic diamond engagement ring could ever be.
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vOv said:My GF is obsessed with diamonds though and has always dreamt of having a nice, big one. I don't know how I can talk her out of it. The way I see it, its all peer pressure.
Kempman said:vOv said:My GF is obsessed with diamonds though and has always dreamt of having a nice, big one. I don't know how I can talk her out of it. The way I see it, its all peer pressure.
relationships > money
I agree, but its exactly that kinda mentality that leads ppl to make bad financial decisions. Is it smart to get in debt to please your GF or speakup even if it hurts her feelings and let her know why its a waste? My GF expects a 2 carat diamond and it would set us back if I go ahead and pay that kind of money.
vOv said:Kempman said:vOv said:My GF is obsessed with diamonds though and has always dreamt of having a nice, big one. I don't know how I can talk her out of it. The way I see it, its all peer pressure.
relationships > money
I agree, but its exactly that kinda mentality that leads ppl to make bad financial decisions. Is it smart to get in debt to please your GF or speakup even if it hurts her feelings and let her know why its a waste? My GF expects a 2 carat diamond and it would set up back if I go ahead and pay that kind of money.
You need to talk and discuss what the pros and cons are of making this purchase. This won't be the last discussion on what she wants vs. what you want. I bought the diamond and it was worth it because she truly appreciates it and it is a symbol of the sacrifices I'm willing to make for her. It also makes me feel good that she appreciates those kinds of sacrifices. Is it fiscally responsible, no. Is it healthy for our relationship, yes.
BTW, I didn't go 2 carats though. (I was a student at the time, so last time I checked two months salary when you make nothing, is, uhhh.. nothing)
jkanownik said:Explain to your GF that for the price of a 2 carat diamond you could get like 5 Russian brides. Personally I'd take my chances with the Russians.
I second that, they cook better too.
Or you could look for a more practical GF, one of my friends asked, no DEMANDED, that her bf/fiance did not buy an expensive ring and instead helped her buy a new car. I almost married her on the spot myself whenI heard that. Of course, you do know that the diamond is NOT for the girl is for all her friends/co-workers/acquaintances. Self-esteem can be expensive
jkanownik said:Explain to your GF that for the price of a 2 carat diamond you could get like 5 Russian brides. Personally I'd take my chances with the Russians.You must be single, eh?
On a serious note, this is FW for crying out loud -- you've got to be able to get more than 5 brides through Hot Deals
RushnRockt said:jkanownik said:Explain to your GF that for the price of a 2 carat diamond you could get like 5 Russian brides. Personally I'd take my chances with the Russians.
I second that, they cook better too.All 5 of them at the same time or do you let them alternate?
I like the responses here. Here is the deal though. By buying the diamond (with cash of course), we would be eating into our emergency funds. Is it really smart to fulfill your GFs desires or talk her out of it. Like someone said here, the diamond is not for her its for her friends.
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