If you clicked this list, you already know it in your heart: Diamond engagement rings (and diamonds in general) suck. You might not know why, and you might not be able to explain it to the person begging you to give them one, but you know it. Or maybe you’re on the other side of the spectrum and you think the tradition of giving diamond engagement rings is something hallowed, historical, and healthy. Well, it's not. To put it simply: Diamonds aren't worth it. The diamond engagement ring tradition is a modern development - and a dirty one. It was invented not by our venerable ancestors, but by a devilishly clever marketing firm and a maniacal, power-hungry diamond company. Giving a diamond ring to your beloved doesn't symbolize your everlasting love, but helps rich people make even more money on a worthless, abundant natural resource.



When it comes to the good and bad of buying diamonds, the cons far outweigh the pros. Don't let fake nostalgia be your guide; arm yourself with knowledge.The history of the diamond trade is a long and dirty one that you should know about before you spend your cash. And in case a crucial point gets lost in the shuffle, here are the two syllables you need to understand every item on this list: De Beers.

De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd., aka The De Beers Group of Companies, aka The Syndicate, aka Diamond Trading Company, aka Diamond Development Corporation, aka Mining Services, Inc... they're all the same thing. It’s the cabal that, until recently, controlled the entirety of the diamond market on Earth. All of it. They've jacked up prices, supported evil mining practices, and brainwashed you, the customer. And that's just an abbreviated list of all the negatives that come along with purchasing your beloved a ring. Reasons against caving to the diamond fallacy are as common as diamonds themselves.

Don't buy a diamond. Here's why: