We see only what we see and what we are made to see. For the longest time, diamond was synonymous with feminine beauty, glamor and elegance. Massive marketing efforts are driven towards making her pick one and coax him to buy. Yes, the brilliant sparkle of this pricey crystal is like a hundred ballerinas dancing gracefully under a dazzling light show. Yes, the gem that is cut and polished to precision by devoted artisans radiates with delicate finesse and sensitive flair. But there is more than what meets the eyes.



Beyond the blinding luster is an element of nature that is proclaimed as the hardest stone on earth. The crystal did not come about with care and attention but with the force and pressure of the earth from all directions. Like the phoenix, the most coveted jewel exists today because it had survived the worst of the earth.

Diamonds actually have more things in common with men than with women. It would in fact make a compelling symbol of masculine charm. The stone that sits on top of the scratch-and-cut chain exudes with natural confidence, sincerity, dependability and stability - the very attributes that make a man. Just like the equally prized metals that hold the gemstone in place, a man is the rock that supports a house and the people that calls it a home. Indeed, a true man is a priceless treasure in everyone's heart.

Time is high for human perceptions to change. Diamond jewelry is no longer equated with femininity, neither is it within the exclusive province of female fashion. Men are no longer confined to the role of the generous and thoughtful giver where aside from being the miners, cutters, polishers, setters, jewelers and shotgun bearing blue guards, men's participation in this lucrative industry is the non-speaking role of a loving father, fiance or husband who hands over his credit card with a smile.

Before, when men ask about a sparkling ring or earrings at an upscale jewelry store, sales attendants are quick to ask if it's for the girlfriend or the wife. Why do they always have to presume that it is for somebody else? Worse, why do they always have to presume it is for a lady? Worst still, why do they always say that the diamond is a girl's best friend and that a man's best friend is the dog?

Men, too, do love the shining shimmering splendid thing. Though we still have to see a gentleman wearing a solitary three-carat pendant on his neck, it is not uncommon to see men in suits sporting rings, hoop or stud earrings and designer cufflinks encrusted with the lustrous crystal that also finds itself in men's neckwear in the form of studs in dog tags and adornments in pendants such as the ubiquitous cross and crescent symbols.

So next time you are out of novel ideas for a Father's Day gift, drop by your favorite jeweler's shop. Buy him a diamond and show him your everlasting love.