Diamonds for Christmas? Only if on a Wristwatch!

Yes, diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but they are not her qualified financial advisor. The value of diamonds is maintained only by the crumbling control of the South African De Beers Group cartel. Were it not for that control, the prices of diamonds would be even substantially less than they are now. Their prices have declined over the years, and they will likely continue to do so.

That being said, diamonds ARE pretty to look at. But the wise gift-giver will look upon them as merely an attractive adornment to the actual gift itself. That gift can be a bracelet, earrings, a brooch, a necklace, etc., where the main value is in the design, workmanship, and in the gold, silver, or platinum comprising the piece to which the diamonds are an adornment, and which may be accompanied by even more actually valuable stones such as rubies, for example.

One more gift I did not mention above, as I saved the best for last, is the luxury wristwatch. Yes, you can get a Timex or some no-name drugstore watch, and it will serve you just fine. But for something you, or that someone to whom you give one as a gift, will find most admirable, as well as utilitarian, a fine wristwatch is a gift nonpareil.

There are so many choices amongst wristwatches, you do need to educate yourself somewhat. Websites such as Prestige Fine Watches offer links to various manufacturers and dealers, glossaries of horological terms, and articles. The modern wristwatch, regardless of price range, is a marvel of mechanical technology. With a higher priced wristwatch, you will receive a piece with more features (called "complications" in the industry), more accuracy, finer workmanship, and yes, frankly, more cachet.

Regardless of what you pay, even if you happen to overpay somewhat, a fine wristwatch is something that you or your loved one will love to own. You can't go wrong if you choose from the offerings of a quality manufacturer. After narrowing your choices, go to the various manufacturer's websites and look for how they ensure that you will receive what you pay for from a dealer. With that caveat, get yourself something you can admire for a lifetime. Or if it is for a loved one, by all means get one adorned tastefully with diamonds and/or other jewels. But remember, it is the wristwatch, not the diamonds, that is the real value.

For a superb selection of wristwatches, go to http://www.prestige-wristwatches.com/.