Many teenagers have as passionate an affection for diamonds and diamond jewelry as many adults, yet there are quite distinct differences in the appearance of many “teen” jewelry items and their “adult” counterparts.
Current trends indicate that teenagers wear jewelry, not for the social reflection or evidence of wealth that motivates some adults, but purely for aesthetic and fashion reasons. Teenagers like the way certain pieces look and purchase them purely for that reason. Quite often carat weights and the “four Cs” of diamond buying are not taken into consideration, as evidenced in industry sales analysis and evaluation.
What today’s teens are buying in diamond jewelry often involves major events in their lives, their transforming senses of fashion and value, and their interests in popular cultures.
Today, teens wear “purity rings” which are often simple bands encircled with small diamonds, indicating that they are committed to abstinence until adulthood. Most of these purity rings are of significant value in a monetary sense, but are also symbolic of commitment. The rings are traditionally given to teenagers by their parents when they make their pledge of abstinence and this accounts for the higher cost and value to such a piece of teenage jewelry. This has been a remarkably popular item and growing trend over the past decade.
Another incredibly popular teen jewelry item are the new, grown up versions of traditional “friendship bracelets“. Many major clothing manufacturers that sell specifically to teenagers and young adults are making these luxurious versions of the classic woven bracelets available. Instead of intricately knotted strands of embroidery floss or thread, these newer, hipper bracelets are braided strands of diamonds and other precious stones which are secured with a precious metal clasp or button. They are worn in multiples, or as single bands, and can be up to two or three inches in width. They have begun to make major appearances only since the early part of 2008.
Some of these precious stone friendship bands are also sold as travel tokens, where in addition to diamonds, other semi-precious stones that are native to a specific destination or region are woven into the intricate stripe or patterned designs. These items are generally retailing for two to three hundred dollars each, and are almost impossible to keep in stock as they increase quickly in popularity and fashion sensibility.
Other diamond jewelry pieces that are popular with teens are those seen on the many television and cable programs or networks favored by this age group. The latest “bling” will quickly appear at jewelry counters or online retail sights once it has been seen on a music program, in a video or on a popular series. For example, colored diamonds are increasingly in demand by teenagers and young adults due to the number of celebrities who sport colored diamond engagement rings, or those who wear large colored diamonds to popular awards ceremonies and red carpet events.
In fact the language regarding jewelry has been greatly influenced by the teen culture showing an interest in buying and wearing finer, and more well-made pieces of jewelry - with words like “bling” entering into common knowledge and understanding.
Other diamond jewelry and items that are available due to a strong interest from teens and young adults are cell phone cases that are encrusted or highlighted with jewels, initial or name jewelry with diamond accents, and of course the annual prom events that require a great deal of “bling” for both boys and girls.
Prom jewelry varies from year to year, but a certain range of pieces will also be popular. While not all girls will be able to invest in a diamond tiara, there are still strong sales in diamond bracelets, necklaces and pendants and diamond earrings during the season leading up to major Prom events.
A final category of diamond jewelry for teenagers includes the pieces given as gifts and rewards for graduating from high school and college. Many teenagers will receive tennis bracelets, rings or pinky rings, earrings, necklaces and even money clasps made of diamonds or strongly ornamented with the precious stones.
Well made jewelry is a sound investment, but not all teenagers will look at a piece of diamond jewelry for its value. Industry trends continue to indicate that teenage diamond sales are built around popular trends, aesthetic value and annual events. However, many young adults have begun to realize that formal jewelry as well as casual pieces are available at reasonable price ranges, and many pieces will easily hold their values and transition into reliable and treasured diamond jewelry items well into adulthood. This realization has created new and stronger markets in teen and young adult diamond jewelry, with both female and male shoppers investing in durable, well-made and fashionable items that they will enjoy for years to come.
Related Posts:
