Taking Things for Granted

We take a lot of things for granted.

Or should I say we used to take a lot of things for granted, like the freedom to leave our home, go to work, shop, spend time with friends and relatives, give a hug, take a flight, walk around without a mask....

We only appreciate these things when a microscopic virus suddenly robs us of the ability to enjoy these simple pleasures. It forces us to look at the world, its people and objects through a different lens.

We find ourselves redefining what has value, and what doesn't.  Millions of us have taken time during lockdown to de-clutter our homes, and ditch worthless junk.

Some have decisively ended an unhappy relationship that may otherwise have lingered on painfully for years.

Some have resolved to move house, extend, or refurbish.  In short, we have been taking a long, hard look at the important and valuable stuff in our life and deciding what matters.

So it's no surprise that there's also been a shift in our attitude to diamonds, a rare and expensive purchase for most of us.

Now, more than ever, we want them to be "meaningful", according to research by De Beers, one of the world's largest producers.

We want them to show that we're connected. Being fun, functional or practical somehow seems less important, especially in these trying times, than saying something of real value, like "I love you".

We're likely to make fewer purchases for many reasons, not least because fewer couples are getting engaged, stores have been closed and money may be tight.

But those we do make are going to be more thoughtful and mote considered.

Unless that is, we opt instead to go for the cheap and cheerful, as exemplified by the $25 zirconia copy of Meghan Markle's royal engagement ring, currently available online from Amazon.

It's a true sign of quality that ladies with larger fingers will need to fork out an extra $7 to cover the extra millimetres of gold-plated silver.

Have a fabulous weekend.