cz versus the real deal...

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Maybe Im more open minded but when I see someone who is obviously wearing a fake, I say to myself, Im glad that person has a chance to experience something that society pressures us to believe has value, even though they cant afford the real thing

Thats my point....when a person is pressured by society and wears a replica, it is simply pretentious. And why do we have to be pressured by society? The person wearing it is the one and only one pressuring herself to keep up with that image that "I have something of value too." Is she being true to herself, and like you said, SOCIETY? Obviously not. I personally dont like keeping up with the jones' and if I cant afford anything that I want, then I would have to live with that thought and situation. I will only live within my means and wont succumb to pressures from anyone. I'ld rather not have anything blingy on my ears, neck or fingers unless I had the chance to get the real thing. In a nutshell, replicas are again.....pretentious.
 
Thats my point....when a person is pressured by society and wears a replica, it is simply pretentious. And why do we have to be pressured by society? The person wearing it is the one and only one pressuring herself to keep up with that image that "I have something of value too." Is she being true to herself, and like you said, SOCIETY? Obviously not. I personally dont like keeping up with the jones' and if I cant afford anything that I want, then I would have to live with that thought and situation. I will only live within my means and wont succumb to pressures from anyone. I'ld rather not have anything blingy on my ears, neck or fingers unless I had the chance to get the real thing. In a nutshell, replicas are again.....pretentious.
Not everyone wants to keep up with the Joneses...most people imo want to just fit in and not feel like they are being left out. As far as I know thats how society works and Im not going to expain why, how or if its right.

Im glad you are happy to go without for your standards re. diamonds. In the sceme of things it isnt really that important, Im sure we can all agree with that. Sometimes my standards are high with certain things, other times my standards are low. I think we justify what we want when we want and its all a bit random. I also think that as you get older and you see that the choices of things you need to purchase both for yourself and your family are beyond belief....well you vary your idea of what is important.

I guess it all boils down to the opportunity cost. If diamonds dont cause you to loose out on other things you love then great.....but I wouldnt be holding out for a diamond if my car was breaking down. If you are rich, I dont think diamonds are an issue. But I see no shame in choosing cz in order to have the enjoyment that others are experiencing. I think that cz make things more equal.

Not that rich people dont wear cz either! I know that they do, but it is not usually known.
 
Not everyone wants to keep up with the Joneses...most people imo want to just fit in and not feel like they are being left out. As far as I know thats how society works and Im not going to expain why, how or if its right.

Im glad you are happy to go without for your standards re. diamonds. In the sceme of things it isnt really that important, Im sure we can all agree with that. Sometimes my standards are high with certain things, other times my standards are low. I think we justify what we want when we want and its all a bit random. I also think that as you get older and you see that the choices of things you need to purchase both for yourself and your family are beyond belief....well you vary your idea of what is important.

I guess it all boils down to the opportunity cost. If diamonds dont cause you to loose out on other things you love then great.....but I wouldnt be holding out for a diamond if my car was breaking down. If you are rich, I dont think diamonds are an issue. But I see no shame in choosing cz in order to have the enjoyment that others are experiencing. I think that cz make things more equal.

Not that rich people dont wear cz either! I know that they do, but it is not usually known.

I agree with you about holding out for a diamond if your car was breaking down. A car is a necessity and that will always be a priority. When dh and I got married, we made sure we set our priorities first like buying a home (paid off our mortgage...yipee), medical, home and car insurance, car mortgage (done with that too :graucho:) household expense, investments, running a small business etc... We are not rich but live an average lifestyle. Whatever extra money I have, I purchase something that I like. But again, just because I have and love diamonds doesnt mean that we're rich. When I have extra money saved, I get something nice for myself. All of us, IN GENERAL, want the finer things in life and that is justified, but to get a replica is unthinkable to me. I have a wishlist of diamond pieces and would love a 3 carat on my finger and 5 carat tennis bracelet but we cannot afford those. I can always get a huge CZ right? But NO is still the answer. I will never be able to attain my wishlist but I wont ever be caught dead with a cz and will continue to stay true to myself and others. And NO, CZS DONT MAKE THINGS EQUAL AT ALL. Diamonds are real, CZs are replicas...fake. No comparison.
 
I agree with LVgal. CZ's are called diamond simulants because they simulate or imitate diamonds. This is not a value judgement--this is how they are classified, along with other diamond simulants, such as moissanite. They were developed to replicate diamonds and provide a less expensive alternative. This is part of the history of their development.
By the way, thanks for the info. Now I can justify my ranting about czs vs diamonds:graucho:
 
Some on this thread have said no one's ever asked if their diamonds are real. Am I the only one who gets asked? I've gotten that question consistently. Also, diamonds do appreciate in value. A diamond purchased years ago costs more now for the same stone in comparable color, cut, clarity and carat weight. The reason they sell for so low if one tries to sell them is the same reason a used car dealer will offer you less for your car versus selling it on your own...maximization of profit!
 
Some on this thread have said no one's ever asked if their diamonds are real. Am I the only one who gets asked? I've gotten that question consistently. Also, diamonds do appreciate in value. A diamond purchased years ago costs more now for the same stone in comparable color, cut, clarity and carat weight. The reason they sell for so low if one tries to sell them is the same reason a used car dealer will offer you less for your car versus selling it on your own...maximization of profit!
ITA that value of diamonds appreciate. I wanted to upgrade my tiny stud earrings that were bought 4 years ago. Had them appraised by a reputable jeweller, sold em to a friend and made some profit :graucho: Thats why diamonds are also a good investment.
 
Some on this thread have said no one's ever asked if their diamonds are real. Am I the only one who gets asked? I've gotten that question consistently. Also, diamonds do appreciate in value. A diamond purchased years ago costs more now for the same stone in comparable color, cut, clarity and carat weight. The reason they sell for so low if one tries to sell them is the same reason a used car dealer will offer you less for your car versus selling it on your own...maximization of profit!
I dont really get asked if my diamonds are real but most of the time, they just make comments like "nice diamond" or "where can I get one of those diamonds" etc...
 
I get a lot of braggarts that come in going on and on about their "diamonds" and they turn out to be fake (I say fake because if it isn't what you say it is then it's fake). If it makes someone feel good to lie, I won't put them on blast in front of their friends. The pretentious ones are the ones that make me laugh. I mean come on! Keep it real with me and be honest, as I'll find out anyway! Even if I'm not sure by louping it, we also have a diamond tester (accurate on everything except Moissonite which is an expensive simulant). I have yet to see cz stones made with carbon deposits, inclusions, blemishes, feathers and the like, which are hallmarks of natural diamonds. Those who like cz for whatever reason...ok...cool...differences make the world go 'round...but please come off the high horse with the lies (ESPECIALLY when in a jewelry store)! LOL I think this is the point of many other people on this thread.
 
Maybe I get asked because I work in jewelry. But my friends have always asked too. Maybe because I have expensive handbags??? But having one area in which you spend money doesn't mean everything is expensive. I buy my clothes at NY&Co. I have no designer clothes.
 
Maybe I get asked because I work in jewelry. But my friends have always asked too. Maybe because I have expensive handbags??? But having one area in which you spend money doesn't mean everything is expensive. I buy my clothes at NY&Co. I have no designer clothes.
Gosh! Same here! Ive never owned a single piece of designer clothing! Not even shoes....oh, if you consider nine west designer LOL only had 2 pairs of those that I got 50% off too:graucho:. I love jewelry and bags the most! :tup:
 
honestly how can you say that...do you live your whole life by these standards??
The issue here is CZ vs diamonds. Not life's standards. Stick to the issue. And lets face it, and I shall repeat it, CZs are simulants, replicas. Diamonds are the real deal. So we should stick to the issue of czs vs. diamonds ok? I live my life the way I want it and not by standards based on the fakes and authentics of the world. I am not a fan of fakes but I dont lose sleep over it. Do you understand? This is a forum based on certain issues and it has a pretty materialistic theme just in case you forgot. AGAIN, nothing personal. Lets not get touchy. This is a jewelry forum and we talk about jewelry. We are allowed to voice our own opinions and not to question ones own standard of living!
 
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