Discreet diamonds quite the norm

This morning over breakfast I was looking at the South China Morning Post (subscription required). What caught my eye (don't ask me why) was a special supplement today on jewellery. From which, on the front page:

Big jewellery or small? For many, it's a difficult choice. If jewellery trends typically follow cycles, one thing is certain - big jewellery is riding high on a wave of economic feel-good factors and increasing affluence.

The cocktail party is back with a vengeance, and with it are big cocktail rings sporting 10-carat centre stones. Long necklaces, sometimes in multiple layers, and dangling earrings are also making their presence felt.

From page 2:

The tug-of-war between yellow and white gold is becoming less a matter of outright style than individual whim. And why limit yourself to yellow and white gold when you can also have pink?

Well indeed, why? Page 4:

Diamonds have an allure that transcends all other stones. Their fire, brilliance and hardness make them the king of gems.

These days, diamond jewellery shoppers are looking for larger diamonds, chandelier or hanging pendant-style jewellery settings and solitaires (single stones). And diamonds are no longer considered strictly for special occasions; it is quite the norm [Steady on - Ed.] to wear discreet diamond jewellery to the office.

Sigh! Just one more subject I know nothing about. Another world, in fact - there are pages and pages of this.