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