Why Aren't Millennials Buying Diamonds

Millennials are disrupting the diamond industry in a big way. Check out their changing attitudes and trends for engagement ring shopping.

Food photos on Instagram. Organic-only groceries. Marie Kondo and houseplants.

The millennial aesthetic is built on minimalism and experiential living. So where does an age-old tradition like diamond engagement rings fall on this spectrum?

Let's explore this generation's consumer habits.

Do Millennials Even Like Diamonds?

To be clear, millennials aren't anti-diamond. But unlike their parents, they're much more conscious of exploitative labor practices and environmental impact.

Gone are the days when consumers only cared about the four C's (cut, color, clarity, and carat). Now, younger generations want to know how and where their diamond was mined, cut, and polished.

And companies have noticed. The 183-year-old jeweler, Tiffany, has promised more transparency for diamonds amid greater concern over social responsibility.

Most retailers adopted the Kimberley Process Certification, aimed at stopping the worldwide trade of conflict diamonds.

Another reason why some millennials aren't buying diamonds? The price tag.

It's much cheaper to buy gemstones, such as opals and amethysts, than diamonds. Plus, your ring will stand out as unique amongst a sea of traditional, colorless diamond engagement rings.

The Cons of Buying Diamonds

Here are the biggest reasons why you shouldn't buy diamonds:

• Cost - The average cost of a one-carat diamond ring can run from $1,800 to $12,000

• Environmental impact - Diamond mining can cause erosion, deforestation, and ecosystem destruction

• Human rights violations - Some workers are subject to horrific and dangerous mining conditions

• Debt - Many young adults are saddled with debt and overall, millennials earn 20% less than baby boomers did at the same stage of life

• Invest in memories, not possessions - You could spend the money on traveling, music festivals, or sky-diving instead

As a whole, diamond engagement rings aren't a universal status symbol anymore. But it still represents love for many folks.

Millennial shoppers are less concerned with the charm of old luxury brands. They care about getting more bang for your buck. See what's driving diamond purchases below.

The Pros of Buying Diamonds

Here are the biggest reasons why you should buy diamonds:

• Tradition - When it comes to marriage proposals, diamond engagement rings are expected

• Emotional value - Think of the feelings that swell up when you look at your grandmother's engagement ring

• Popularity of lab-grown diamonds - 70% of millennials are open to synthetic stones so you can get the sparkle without the cost or guilt

Are Millennials Buying Other Jewelry?

Millennials' tastes have evolved to niche indie jewelry designers and money-saving online retailers like James Allen and Blue Nile.

In addition, there's a trend toward choosing engagement rings with colored or semi-precious stones instead of diamonds.

These alternative gemstones, like opal and amethyst, let you save your money for other financial goals and milestones.

Priorities have shifted. Young adults are waiting longer than previous generations to get married and buy a house.

One bright spot for the diamond market? More and more women are buying diamonds for themselves.

Millennial Engagement Ring Trends

Millennials haven't stopped buying engagement rings entirely. Take a look at what's sought after today.

1. Lab-grown diamonds - This technology replicates the chemical and physical makeup of a natural diamond.

2. Environmentally sustainable - Consumers care more than ever about eco-friendly and ethically sourced products.

3. Gemstones - More affordable and unique than your average diamond engagement ring.

Bottom line: Do millennials want diamonds?

Many millennials still value a classic diamond engagement ring. They're saving up for that perfect symbol of love.

At the same time, young adults aren't afraid to try something new and aren't confining themselves to old-school norms. This generation just wants to be on solid financial footing before making that big move in their lives.