As Marilyn Monroe famously sang, ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’, and her words still ring true today. They are some of the most sought-after stones in the world, used to commemorate life-changing moments and express love and affection. Although most people these days associate diamonds with engagements, there are plenty of other pieces that make for excellent gifts for birthdays, accomplishments and national holidays.
It’s the ultimate way to show you care, and it doesn’t have to cost the moon and the stars. There are plenty of jewellers that sell affordable diamond jewellery. So, if you’re thinking of gifting something precious and sparkly to a loved one, read on to find out everything you need to know about this most exquisite of jewels.
Shopping at a jeweller on the high street
It’s always a good idea to see your diamond in-person before gifting it to a loved one. You want to get the exact cut, shape and colour right; after all, diamonds are a very personal gift, and you want them to reflect the lucky recipient as much as possible.
Investigate your local jewellers on the high street and look at different pieces before making a purchase. Diamond earrings also make for beautiful gifts, so take your time and browse their different collections.
Lab-grown diamonds
If you are concerned with the sustainability aspects of buying diamond jewellery, there are plenty of options to still purchase luxury jewellery without the environmental and human cost. One option is lab-grown diamonds. Thanks to breakthrough science and technology, labs are able to recreate the billion-year process in as little as 600 hours. What’s more, some labs are powered by renewable energy, meaning that there is little to no impact on the environment.
Going vintage
Of course, the best way to eliminate your environmental impact altogether is to purchase something second-hand. Vintage diamonds are seeing a huge boom in popularity as customers are prioritising pieces that are of better value, quality and are not steeped in controversy. By buying vintage jewellery, customers are avoiding the ‘blood diamond’ era that came to light in the 1980s, as well as supporting smaller, family-run businesses that usually trade second-hand pieces.
And, if customers aren’t convinced by those reasons, many are tempted by the romanticism, stories and uniqueness behind vintage jewellery.
Bespoke
For those who want something new and unique, designing your own piece is the best way to go. Customise your jewellery to reflect personality, incorporating birthstones and favourite colours to make it more unique to the recipient. Design your piece around your budget and create the gift of a lifetime that will be treasured forever.
Images: Unsplash
