# De Beers, Monopoly, and Diamond Prices **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 27, 2023, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777 "2023-09-27T13:29:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2023, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/141 "2023-12-22T18:23:30Z")
Upright Pianos are easier to move and find a new home for. Ours went pretty fast. Slate Pool tables, those are hard to sell. ---
**Author:** ![md-2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@md-2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md-2000)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2023, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/142 "2023-12-22T19:02:04Z")
We live in a disposable world of plenty. Considering how much of my parents’ house was basically junk (and looking around, mine too) I suppose the fact that a diamond ring will have _some_ resale value is a plus. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/143 "2023-12-24T17:38:12Z")
I got my wife a birthstone engagement ring, aquamarine. No diamonds. That was a dozen years ago. Frankly, I think she would’ve whacked me over the head if I bought some expensive diamond ring (as it was, I still spent a couple grand, I think.) Neither of us is particularly fond of diamonds. I, frankly, hate them for multiple reasons and think colored gemstones are far prettier. Diamonds are boring. Whatever gene is require to enjoy the sparkle of diamonds I apparently do not have. It’s just shiny glass as far as my appreciation of its aesthetic. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2023, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/144 "2023-12-24T21:53:26Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > What is the sick and stupid suggestion from the cartel? 2 months salary? What a sad and borderline evil idea. That kind of money should be saved for things like a future home or in case of job loss, not wasted on a carbon crystal. Truer words were never spoken. Great mini-rant. Reminds of of the Father of the Bride- she wanted a super wedding. Special day. He added it all up, it came to about $50K. He sat them down and said he’d give them the downpayment on a house… or that wedding. The bride to be agreed, and they were very happy with the decision. > [@pulykamell](#): > > I got my wife a birthstone engagement ring, aquamarine. No diamonds. That was a dozen years ago. Frankly, I think she would’ve whacked me over the head if I bought some expensive diamond ring (as it was, I still spent a couple grand, I think.) You sir, have a gem of a wife. My wife also does not like Diamonds. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2023, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/145 "2023-12-26T14:05:33Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My wife was pissed off, I didn’t get her point You mean _ **EX-** _ wife, right? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2023, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/146 "2023-12-26T17:10:36Z")
Yes, though not till years later! ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2024, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/147 "2024-01-02T20:23:47Z")
so, she held a grudge, right? /s ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2024, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777/148 "2024-01-02T23:12:31Z")
Heh, just one of many. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-beers-monopoly-and-diamond-prices/990777.md?page=7)