Bling: it’s such an annoyingly accurate word. It conjures images of pimped out cars with 22 inch rims, rappers with gold teeth and huge diamonds encrusting belt buckles and body parts with equal equanimity. While the rap music industry is famed for its use of bling, there are many other areas of the entertainment industry where these diamond and gold confections can be found with relative ease. However, there are a number of Hollywood types sporting less bling than during times previous.
Part of this is because of the sharp increase in diamond prices. While larger stones (2 carats and up) were expected to rise in price (and did), smaller stones have also risen in price. That means that the all important “bling” is now harder to come by for many people. The reasons behind this price increase are not as easily defined as the limit on a starlet’s credit card, but there are some that can be explained with consummate ease.
The US Dollar: Diamonds are priced in US dollars on the world market. While most of the time that is fine, the US economy is currently not feeling so well. What that means is that the lowered worth of the US dollar has increased the ultimate cost of the diamond. The less a dollar is worth, the more dollars are needed to make up the same amount. While the worth of the dollar has fluctuated in the past, the current recession has had a greater impact because of other reasons.
Increased Demand: Diamonds are in high demand around the globe. There are a number of emerging economies (China, for one) that are finding their taste for these gems. As global demand rises, so does the price of diamonds. Also, since they are priced in US dollars, it exacerbates an already high price. Quite a few nations have found a taste for diamonds and diamond jewelry with their newfound economic freedom, not just China. Since diamonds are produced by a relatively low number of nations, the supply remains steady, but lower than demand, creating a high priced environment.
So, now we know why the price has gone up. What are all of the stars and starlets wearing now, if not the same heavy gold and diamond jewelry that they have been. Well, the last Academy Awards saw much of what we are used to, but if you look behind the scenes, you’ll find that many stars are toning down their jewelry. They are wearing smaller, lighter pieces. Many of these have semiprecious stones mixed with diamonds, giving the piece a great look, with a much lower price tag than a similar one with all diamonds.
Hollow gold and diamond jewelry is also becoming very fashionable, with some of the top jewelry designers in the world creating truly stunning pieces in this medium. It has actually given birth to some astounding works of art. Also, many consumers (both stars and average consumers) are turning to white gold rather than platinum. The cost of platinum is up to three times more than the equivalent size piece created in white gold. The look is almost the same, as well, which makes many consumers very happy with the trade off.
So, who’s still wearing bling? Plenty of people are, though, in many cases, it is jewelry that they already own. Many fashion houses have decreed the death of bling in favor of other forms of jewelry. Even wood and stainless steel are becoming very fashionable, where before you would have only seen gold and diamond. In fact, diamonds gems set in wood or nontraditional metals such as steel and titanium offer an amazing look for those seeking a “greener” aspect to their jewelry.
While the extremely wealthy still find the funds to purchase enormous diamonds and blazing gold jewelry, the average consumer is finding that their “luxury” fund now has to be put towards usage in their gas tanks or their pantry. However, jewelry designers are prepared for the passing of the venerable bling (hopefully from the lexicon, as well!) and have begun creating several items to take its place.
One of these is the cuff, which is truly just a large bracelet. Ordinarily, these are found in all gold, though other materials are being used as well (wood and other metals, as mentioned above). There are also a number of other items that are beginning to use diamonds in their creation. From dog collars to shoes, from watches to nose rings, diamond marketers and jewelers still retain a number of ways to set their stones for the public to purchase.
While the current state of the US economy may make diamond sales flag from the brisk pace the enjoyed a short time ago, that time will come again.
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June 21st, 2011 at 5:49 pm
lol, for a easiest smile you should use tooth teeth whitening house kits.