Anyone else the only blingoholic in their social circle?

[Echidna]

I feel like everyone has their own hobbies, mines just expensive.

Too true! My FI is into aircraft though, so I eventually found someone with a more expensive habit

Not many people get my shiny rock obsession; I think a lot of them equate a love of diamonds with frivolity and excess. I have however become the go-to girl at work if people are shopping for stones- I've helped with two engagement rings, one eternity band, and there's another engagement ring in progress. I become a VERY useful friend on those occasions, especially given the ludicrous prices in Oz

 

[Yimmers]

Probably yes. Most my friends probably could care less, willing to buy from maul stores, etc. Although, I did help my friend out in scoring a diamond previously sold by James Allen - price scope listed a cheaper price than what the dealer was telling him; my guess is that the dealer scooped it up, selling it at a mark up and offering it with a "discount" on the setting. Someone I know bragged about how he got his fiance's engagement ring on sale. A lot of people seem to believe that "so and so," a "trusted" buddy will get them a great deal. Probably a better diamond than the mauls, but still, not necessarily the cream of the crop. But, people are happy enough with it, so to each their own.

My mother is too frugal to fathom why you would need multiple bling; although...she did say if she were to get a diamond ring, my 1.3 carat, although "ok" is not big enough for her. She is of the school that when you get older, your jewelry gets bigger (and sometimes, gaudier). She is also thinking Costco is the best deal (until I told her that their "high" grading means less b/c they aren't necessarily GIA graded diamonds) to get diamonds.

On the other hand, DH has approved my idea to get a "travel" wedding set once he found out my budget was only around a grand or so. This means he gets to buy more Magic cards for his collection.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Definitely. My bff has a thing for earrings and I have christened her the "earring maven" because she can find the most beautiful earrings in ANY store, kiosk, booth or anywhere, but she doesn't have the passion or lust for jewelry overall that I seem to have...
Saturday nite we were out with a group of people and I complimented someone on her necklace which seemed to be a Victorian garnet sunburst necklace and drop earrings. She told me that she feels like he has to up her game when she knows she is going to see me! I like to discuss jewelry with people to get a feel of their interest, and it's usually not too much. They are polite, they way I am polite about their new car, or new landscaping or whatever. Unfortunately, I really haven't found a person with the same degree of lust that I have.