As I searched the internet wondering if there was anything to celebrate for our 15th wedding anniversary, I came across the current ring trends among newlyweds, and it seems that 'No Diamond' is trending among couples in their 20s and 30s.

Is that really true? Proposing without a diamond?

However, as I read more, I began to be convinced. Some people say, "I chose a ruby ring instead of a diamond. It reflects who I am and my style."

In fact, diamonds are still a timeless classic. They sparkle, look luxurious, and have a strong image of symbolizing 'eternity.'

That's why many people are still crazy about diamonds. But at the same time, the trend of not choosing diamonds is also growing. Nowadays, colorful gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are gaining more attention because they can showcase individual personalities and the colors of love.

One reason people are obsessed with diamonds is tradition. However, if you think about it, this tradition is a relatively recent cultural phenomenon. The custom of engagement rings has existed since ancient Egypt, but diamonds became popular only after the Middle Ages.

It was in 1938 that the advertising company N.W. Ayer and the diamond company De Beers created the formula of 'engagement = diamond.' The phrase that diamonds are eternal was born at this time, and this campaign was so successful that the percentage of diamond rings rose from 15% in 1939 to a staggering 80% by 1990. In other words, diamonds were not a tradition but an illusion created by advertising.

Therefore, the choice of 'non-diamond rings' by today's younger generation is not necessarily a frivolous trend. Rather, they focus more on their preferences, values, and the meaning of their relationship. Some couples say that sapphires resemble their calm relationship, while others claim that the intense color of rubies represents their passion. There are practical reasons as well. Colored stones are more reasonably priced and often have more unique designs than diamonds.

Moreover, even celebrities are declaring their departure from diamonds these days. Jessica Simpson received a ruby ring, and Elizabeth Hurley got a sapphire ring from Shane Warne. Such celebrity trends inevitably influence general consumers.

Ultimately, what matters is not the material of the ring but the meaning it holds. For some, a diamond may symbolize eternity, while for others, it may not evoke any emotion at all. What's important is how honestly the ring reflects the story between the two.

Now, the more interesting question has become 'Why did you choose this gemstone?' rather than 'Why didn't you buy a diamond?'

As I celebrate my 15th wedding anniversary, I find myself looking at my ring once again.

The world has changed, and the meaning of rings has changed along with it.

Whether it's a diamond or not, if the ring feels meaningful, isn't that enough?