In October 2005, Egg asked the Social Issues Research Centre to
investigate the trends that would define the “Noughties”. They
found that many people thought of the period as the “Decade of
Fear”, due to the immense media coverage of 9/11, the tsunami
and the War on Terror. As a result, people are increasingly
likely to stay at home, to indulge themselves and to demand
everything on their own terms. One great way to combine all
three is to treat yourself to gorgeous jewellery, ordered from
the comfort of your own computer desk, and delivered straight to
your door within days. The big surprise for online
jewellery retailers is that diamonds sell remarkably well
through websites. The range available is incredible, with
everyone from top-end specialists such as Blue Nile through to
familiar high street names such as H.Samuel selling diamond
jewellery online. Consumers are now confident that buying online
is secure, and the quality and design of websites makes the
decision easy. For example, some jewellers’ sites feature zoom
and 360 degree views of their products so you can see exactly
what you’re getting. Blue
Nile even offers an online design service – you can ‘build’
a diamond ring by choosing the stone shape, selecting the
perfect band to complement it, and setting the budget.
How to Wear Diamonds: Diamond
Earrings Diamond jewellery is more affordable than ever, so
now is the time to buy something special. For true
self-indulgence, treat yourself to a pair of diamond earrings to
wear every day. There’s no point saving special jewellery for
special occasions – if you buy something because you like it,
then why not wear it? Diamond earrings come in all shapes and
sizes, and the glittering stones are so versatile that you can
wear them with anything. For adding discreet sparkle to any
ensemble, a little pair of diamond studs is probably the safest
option; however, there are some gorgeous drop and hoop earrings
around that look fantastic with a strapless little black dress.
Diamond Bracelets Tennis bracelets are a
favourite accessory, although they are possibly a little over
the top for everyday wear. They have a classic appeal akin to
that of pearls or solitaire rings, so are perfect 18th or 21st
birthday presents. For something a little more subtle but just
as stylish, try a delicate bangle in ultra-fashionable white
gold, pavé-set with a sweep of gems. The beauty of diamond
bangles and bracelets is that whenever you move your arm, at
least one of the stones will catch the light, and sparkle in
that magical way that diamonds have. If you are looking for a
stunning accessory that won’t date over the decades, diamond
bracelets are definitely worth a look. Diamond
Rings And finally we come to rings. Diamonds no longer have
to be restricted to a timeless solitaire engagement ring.
Confident, successful women are beginning to regard right-hand
rings as the ultimate expression of self. Wearing a fashionable
diamond dress ring to the office every day is a subtle
statement, but it will definitely get you noticed at the boring
weekly meeting. Make a statement with a “what, this old thing?”
attitude to your diamonds. Diamond Watches If
you’re a bit strapped for cash, but can’t resist the appeal of
the little sparklers, why not try a diamond-set watch? It’s far
easier to justify to your other half than a dazzling diamond
pendant, however gorgeous it may be, because you really need a
watch anyway, don’t you? Diamond Celebrities
Catherine Zeta Jones is famed for her stellar ascent from
Swansea mini-series girl to A list silver screen goddess. Her
red carpet outfits always play to her strengths – she has a
stunning, hourglass figure, and knows that sumptuous satiny
gowns with structured bodices and flowing skirts look fab on
her. Catherine accessorises with the kind of jewellery you’d
expect from someone married to an elder statesman of Hollywood;
old-fashioned jewellery, set with obscenely large diamonds.
Jennifer Lopez has a very different attitude to her
rocks. Like Destiny’s Child, she buys her own. She may have once
been Jenny from the block, but she is now queen of a
multi-million dollar empire, which allows her to buy herself a
new set of diamonds to perfectly accessorize each of her
fabulous reinventions. J.Lo no longer has the stunning six carat
pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck proposed with, so for her
36th birthday, she bought herself a gorgeously indulgent £2.5
million diamond-encrusted ring. Guys would do well to
take a leaf out of David Beckham’s book. He treated wife
Victoria to a pink diamond even bigger than J.Lo’s, but he’s no
stranger to bling himself. The London-born footballer has become
an international style icon thanks to his sharp tailoring and
immaculate grooming. David likes to wear a huge single stud
earring, set with a sparkling square-cut diamond, with a sharp
suit and no other jewellery. Herein lies the secret to men’s
jewellery – one piece at a time is usually enough, especially if
it’s diamond-set. In recent years, ice has become the
jewel of choice for rappers such as Fifty Cent, who choose it as
a visible display of their wealth and success. The subject of
conflict diamonds has hit the headlines of late, thanks to Kanye
West’s “Diamonds from Sierra Leone”, which directly refers to
the ongoing civil war in that country, financed by the sale of
diamonds mined in the warzone. Jay-Z, another Roc-A-Fella artist
known for his appetite for bling, is shown using a “diamond
cutting” gesture on the front cover of his album “The Dynasty:
Roc La Familia”. These rappers have now, rightly or wrongly,
become role models, and to get the look of any of these hip-hop
stars, a chunky, expensive diamond-encrusted crucifix is a good
start.