Russian VIP-consumers of diamond jewelry told Rough&Polished they were not going to tuck them away into a box.
Elena Obraztsova, opera singer:
The crisis has in no way affected my attitude toward diamond jewelry. To tell the truth, I have never had some outstanding jewelry art items – mainly these are family things presented to me by my husband Algis (Juraitis). Certainly, my desire to wear diamonds and other jewelry has not changed as well as the desire to buy – if I’ll have such an opportunity.
Ilse Liepa, ballerina:
Of course, I am not going to give up diamond jewelry – those pieces which I have. I continue to wear them, although I do not intend to buy jewelry in the nearest future. As for changing over to less expensive jewelry – you know, I have always worn and I will wear those things which are suitable to my dress, and for me it is of no importance whether they are more expensive or cheaper.
Tatyana Yastrzhembskaya, business lady:
Sure, the crisis brings about new attitudes - living conditions govern your consciousness, so it doesn’t seems quite decent to dress and arrange your life the way you did in the time of well-being. However, life goes on and there are parties, receptions and charity balls where people wear diamond jewelry and this is right. Such events require a certain dress-code – status garments and jewelry. Although transitions in life do change your attitude to jewelry: if earlier you could often see people showing off their possibilities and straining for brands and status values, now it looks more like demonstrating one’s taste, craving for classic things, something eternal and not up-to-the-minute – towards real quality.
Tatyana Mikhalkova, President of the Russian Silhouette Fund:
Of course the crisis has influenced everyone, and people are now concerned with problems more important than diamonds. Especially, like in my case, if they have a number of grandchildren whom it is not at all a simple thing to educate nowadays. However, despite the crisis I have been engaged in charity activities for many years, and if there are events of a certain level – for instance, festivals – you can’t do without jewelry: if you have some jewelry pieces you should wear them. Although now many factories get closed, fashion houses and jewelry companies are still running their shows – and this is right since this is art, this is jewelry art and it must exist!
Alena Sviridova, singer
Actually, it seems to me that diamonds should be given as gifts by men – always new jewelry pieces with diamonds. So we shall see how the crisis will affect men. Honestly speaking, I am not gathering a collection of jewelry – for me someone’s attitude is more important. Generally speaking, I am rather quiet about such things. I like them, but I can well do without them – I am equally happy wearing very-very expensive earrings and 20-dollar earrings bought in Morocco. Upon my word. As for giving up diamonds, there is no one making me decide between wearing or not. And those diamonds which I have… Would it be right if I get rid of them or tuck them away into a box?
Galina Semyonova, Rough&Polished
