Giving engagement rings in some form of fashion have been a tradition since the dawn of time. The first band containing a Diamond first appeared in 1477, but did not catch on as desired until the 17-1800's. Since then women have sought after them as a symbol of love, until now. Modern couples mainly women are ditching the idea that "Diamonds are a girl's best friend". So it's time to ask, why aren't millennials buying diamonds?

In With the New

Younger couples are opting out of giving bands embedded with shiny clear rocks and starting new traditions. There are many reasons for this and at the top of the list is not wanting to buy massed produced products. Unique and personalized rings are what couples are looking for, something that speaks only to them. Birthstones are among the most requested followed by multicolored stones. Thus, making the commitment more personal and less pricey then the Diamonds.

Saving is the New Spending

The prices of the beautiful stones are chart toppers, but so is affording to eat. In most cases the prices of everyday living is skyrocketing, while the pay scale is remaining stagnant. This leads millennials to forego the large expense of a big rock in order to save for future purchases; cars, homes, children and retirement. In this case it makes sense because by popping the question and saying yes is planning for the next steps in life. However, what rule says you need two to achieve having the dream life?

I Can do it Alone

As time marches on more opportunities are opening up to all, especially the females in every way. In decades past a female’s choice was limited making them dependent on a male counterpart. However, technology paired with equal opportunities regulations are enabling sought after independence. These trends are giving the power of choice to take the plunge or stay single and enjoy everything out there. Does the finger band truly mean something anyway?

Ditch the Band, Go Naked

Some new aged couples are even going naked, choosing to ditch the band completely. Why would someone choose to go this route? A band is an outward sign of commitment serving to show the world you are taken, but true commitments are made between the two individuals. So, without the band what would let others know you are engaged or even married? An easy answer is by personally telling others and when asked to definitely say "well yeah". This is a great way to show we care about one another.

What are Blood Diamonds

Have you ever heard the term blood diamond and wonders are they red? No, they are mined by force,using humans against their will. This makes ridding bands of them important in order to save lives. 90's adults are more aware of this due to technology and are making informed decisions against it. This is an ethical reason for not choosing to purchase them.

What About Our Home

Earth is our home, we should care about what happens with it. However, mining for these minerals has a negative effect on her. One of the biggest being poisoning of waterways through toxic waste byproducts. This being said even though most diamonds are man made, you can never be sure. Thus, millenials are caring for the earth one ring at a time.

Throughout this article we have looked into several reasons the diamonds are being ditched. Some couples are opting for newer traditions of personalization for their rings. Others are choosing to save for major purchases that will come up after the wedding night. An even smaller percent is choosing to live life on their own while others are not creating bands at all. Ethical reasons such as people and earth are other reasons for going with a new thing. So, become a millennial and let the diamonds go.