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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsConsidering a ring for your spouse? How about a synthetic diamond? Opinions?
Even if you don't get a blood diamond, it's almost impossible to get a natural diamond that isn't acquired by gouging the Earth and damaging the environment. Wouldn't synthetic diamonds be a more eco-friendly option? Is it possible for liberals to make synthetic diamonds, made at environmentally friendly factories, the new "hot" thing in jewelry?
It would be even funnier if it meant a good swift kick in the rear to Debeers and their ilk.
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MadHound
(34,179 posts)Not only is it cheaper, and more eco friendly, but it is also Made in America, and not controlled by Debeers
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)
xmas74
(30,058 posts)I worked with someone who did just that. He and his girlfriend went there to have a bit of fun, maybe find something. He found a small diamond there and decided it was fate. He proposed to her right then and there with just the diamond and then took it back home to have it fashioned.
Ok, the diamond isn't perfect and as stunning as others but it has a better story and has more sentimental meaning.
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)many gift shops there and throughout Arkansas (Eureka Springs, for instance) have (or claim to have) Arkansas diamonds.
SheilaT
(23,156 posts)people have very strong opinions in this area. Personally, I want the real thing.
Synthetic diamonds, synthetic gemstones of any kind almost never match the beauty of the original. Some, such as synthetic opals I find remarkably easy to spot, even though I've had sellers of them claim they are exactly the same as the natural ones.
Perhaps instead of a diamond you can go for some other gemstone that isn't as likely to have a nasty history. Or, perhaps you could consider buying an estate piece, although there's not telling at all what the history of such a stone would be.
I will caution NOT to simply buy a synthetic without telling the recipient what it is.
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)Then there's no need for a "surprise". You go into it knowing how your views on the environment and conflict gems guide your purchasing decisions...
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)Arctic Diamonds.
http://www.canadadiamonds.com/
waddirum
(1,005 posts)Synthetic diamonds are 100% real carbon diamonds, only they are manufactured rather than mined. They are completely indistinguishable to the naked eye. Only a professional using a high-powered jewlers loop can tell they're manufactured, by noticing the ABSENCE of flaws (real diamonds will have some flaws in the lattice).
The true benefit of manufacturing diamonds is in its industrial value. Carbon diamonds are the best known thermal and electrical insulators. Imagine being able to manufacture a computer chip using diamonds instead of silicon. You'd be able to have scorching hot computer power, since the chips could handle the thermal load.
JustAnotherGen
(38,054 posts)Resourced in the 1930's. . . but if it was NOT a family ring I did NOT want a diamond.
Warpy
(114,615 posts)Have you explored with said spouse the possibility of getting a different stone? I'm not nuts about diamonds and on the few occasions I want bling, I wear different stones that might or might not be set with diamond.
Most manmade diamonds are used for industrial purposes in polishing wheels, saw blades, and the like. However, there are a few outfits producing gem quality stones. Here's one: http://www.diamondnexus.com/pure-carbon-man-made-diamonds.html?gclid=CMii_d-v1a0CFYUZQgod3xGInw
These guys do other gemstones: http://www.chatham.com/
FarCenter
(19,429 posts)There are only a couple of companies in the synthetic gemstone diamond business, and IIRC one of them only produces yellow stones to differentiate them from natural diamonds and attempt to avoid the ire of the diamond cartel.
On the other hand, there are a number of chemically different transparent crystals with high refraction indicies that are pretty much indistinguishable from diamonds to the non-expert.
DesertFlower
(11,649 posts)when i hold it next to my ring with real diamonds i can't tell the difference. my thought -- money for real diamonds could be put to better use.
mainer
(12,554 posts)very pretty, domestically produced, and no one got exploited for it.
http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Maine/gemstone_tourmaline.html
DesertFlower
(11,649 posts)to buy me a diamond engagement ring. being an unconventional person i told him i wanted an ankh ring. he bought one for me and i bought one for him.
LiberalLoner
(11,467 posts)It's still gouging the earth, true, but jobs are so hard to come by in Montana, we don't much mind someone digging a bit for the beautiful yogo sapphires. You can actually order the loose raw gravel and find your own yogo sapphires which the company can then polish and cut and put in a setting for you.
If you ask me, every bit as pretty as a diamond ring, maybe even prettier!
One link to try if you are curious: http://macsgems.homestead.com/
Snake Alchemist
(3,318 posts)Also tried diamonoids and diamonelles, but no sale.
renate
(13,776 posts)Maybe I'm just not fancy enough, but I can't tell the difference between quality imitation diamonds and the real thing, and even if I could the difference probably wouldn't be worth the cost. It just seems like a waste of money to me. I'm not saying it's bad to splurge sometimes--I like pretty things, but I'd rather put the money into a cool setting.
mitchtv
(17,718 posts)I had an Alexandrite when I was young, it was exceptionally beautiful. I guess I'm a cheap date.
pipi_k
(21,020 posts)I like Amethyst...the deep purple ones.
And Turquoise.
And many people find it odd that I prefer copper or stainless steel to gold...
tkmorris
(11,138 posts)Though we did have to field a few questions from skeptical relatives over the obvious omission. I can understand those wanting to avoid this sort on controversy opting to purchase a synthetic stone and keeping their traps shut though.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)and I doubt political idealism has anything to do with whoever owns the companies that make them.
Do you know how synthetic diamonds are made? what I mean is have you researched to see if making synthetics damages teh environment? It probably does. Chemicals are no doubt used in the process.
There is almost nothing you can consume that doesn't harm the environment in some way. The best you can do is control the damage, and hopefully do enough to put back to compensate for the damage.
Do you have formica countertops? Damaging to environment. Not recyclable. Granite countertops - mega damaging to environment. But they are recyclable.
Get what you want, and enjoy it. As long as no animal dies for it, I'm okay with it. (No leather seats in cars!!!! Unless you're okay going into your backyard and slitting the throat of a cow or lamb so you can sit your butt on it...then leather seats are not okay.)
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)From what I've read, the manufacturing process is less damaging than diamond mining.
TlalocW
(15,675 posts)Whether it's to enhance beauty, show how successful/powerful you are, etc., but I could never get into it. Partly because to me it would serve no function (if the ring could be used as a tool - maybe untwist into a small phillips had screwdriver), but mostly because I just don't notice it on others. A little bit on a woman is fine - no need to overdo it like you're Tammy Faye Bakker. Don't even get me started on, "bling." And the marketing of diamonds has just been genius. There are so many more attractive stones (and more valuable ones) out there. Diamonds to me just look like polished glass. But when I got engaged to be engaged (and fortunately, the marriage was called off), I did do the research into the 4 C's (cut, color, clarity, and carats) just so as not to get ripped off. Fortunately, the lady I was in a relationship with didn't want anything fancy so while I did get my money back, I also didn't pay out that whole two months' salary bullshit that has somehow become a tradition.
I also have kind of an OCD thing going where I need to feel symmetrical in what I wear against my skin so I don't wear a watch anymore (especially since there's always one in my Smartphone), and if I had to wear a wedding ring, I'd probably have to have something on the other hand, and knowing me, I would pay for a really nice Green Lantern ring or something to balance out the boring gold band on my other hand.
If I ever do get married, it will be to someone unlike the previous relationship where she'll be more in tune with my sense of humor, and when we exchange rings at the altar, they're going to be those giant-ass candy rings that look like they're straight out of a Richie Rich comic.
TlalocW
DesertFlower
(11,649 posts)like turquoise, agates, tigers eye, etc.
been married for 40 years and i don't wear a wedding ring. did the first few years, but there are so many nice rings that i'd rather wear.
bedazzled
(1,885 posts)and native american pieces. so much heart in their making.
FarCenter
(19,429 posts)
Skidmore
(37,364 posts)several of her family members converted into synthetic diamonds and mounted on a necklace after they had died. Gives a whole new meaning to the notion of the family jewels.
Quantess
(27,630 posts)More cool than creepy, IMO.
B Calm
(28,762 posts)It's how I wake her up in the morning when I'm on the road.
On our anniversary she wanted to go to the Outback Steak House, so I put the grill out back in the back yard and grilled her a big Ribeye.
Neoma
(10,039 posts)I got an emerald. 
xmas74
(30,058 posts)There are different things that can be mined all over the US, often by the public for entertainment. Someone mentioned the diamonds in Arkansas, another poster mentioned the sapphires in Montana. There are plenty of other things like that throughout the US-you just have to look.
Orangepeel
(13,979 posts)I understand the desire for pretty sparkle and bling. But it is ridiculous to pay so much more for the "real" thing when it takes an expert with a jewelers loop to tell its the real thing. It doesn't make any sense.
CrawlingChaos
(1,893 posts)It's a natural gem that's very tough and durable (more so than a diamond even, which won't scratch but is slightly vulnerable to chips/cracks) - you'll enjoy it all your life and pass it on to future generations in perfect condition. Speaking as a gem-loving girly-girl, sapphires are my favorite stone. They may not have the light dispersion of a diamond, but IMO the luster of a fine sapphire is exquisitely beautiful. You can even get a white sapphire, if you want the look of a diamond. I wish I could tell you there's no environmental consequences to mining, but it's not one of the worst, and at least they're not controlled by some evil cartel.
If you want the fire of a diamond in a natural gem, there's natural zircon (not to be confused with cubic zirconia). They sparkle like crazy but they're a bit fragile for daily wear in a ring, although if you're a careful person it could be a lovey option.
If you want the very best synthetic, there's always Moissanite, which is a high end diamond substitute that costs almost as much as a diamond!
SheilaT
(23,156 posts)set with a pair of square cut diamonds. I always got lots of compliments on it. Now that I'm divorced, I still have it but don't wear it very often. I hope that if either of my sons get engaged, their fiance will be happy with a family semi-heirloom.
Manifestor_of_Light
(21,046 posts)Diamonds from South Africa are controlled by the DeBeers cartel. They have been brainwashing people for decades to believe that diamonds are rare and valuable. They have restricted the supply to keep the price up.
I like nice diamonds but only next to a colored stone.
The advertising for diamond jewelry and the markup are ridiculous.
The stuff they sell at the mall -- it says SI1 or SI2, which mean slightly imperfect. Sounds good, right?
Those are low-grade diamonds with lots of flaws. They often have feathers (places where the crystal grid was moved, and it's a visible flaw) or black spots of carbon in them. They are really not worth buying. All the mall stores are a ripoff. The merchandise has been marked up 3 times from wholesale.
I took GIA classes in diamond grading and colored stone grading. We called the junk sold at the mall "fish gravel". It really should be in an aquarium or die and go to heaven and come back as a grinding wheel.
This guy has the most beautiful jewelry I've ever seen, set in platinum:
http://berjkouyoumjianjewelry.com/
I don't have a problem with cubic zirconia. No one is gonna walk around with a jeweler's loupe and examinize your jewelry for flaws.
Demonaut
(10,078 posts)
Puglover
(16,380 posts)The color change in different lights is so much more interesting then a dumb diamond.
www.multicolour.com
REP
(21,691 posts)Cheaper to get a good diamond than a real alexandrite. Lab-created ones are quite affordable, though.
Puglover
(16,380 posts)I love my alex. It's like a pet always different depending on the light. And a tough stone. About 8.5 on the MOHS scale. I've had the ring for about 10 years and I garden with the thing on. Not a scratch on it.
Personally I would rather have a smaller alex then a larger diamond. But of course that is personal taste.
I've never seen a lab created alex so I can't speak to them.
karynnj
(60,968 posts)I think I would prefer that to a synthetic diamond. The reason is that the ring is symbolic more than anything else. I would prefer that whatever it was, it was true and authentic. There are other stones that do not have the problems that diamonds have.
I have a necklace that has a cut "Cape May diamond" that has been mistaken for a diamond, though it is not as sparkly - and it was far, far cheaper - bought years ago during a Cape May vacation. Here's an article that google found - http://capemay.com/magazine/2011/02/cape-may-diamonds/ (That said, my engagement ring is a diamond.)
However, obviously it would come down to what the couple would be happier with and as long as there is complete honesty between the couple on what it is.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)Sorry, it's just not in me. I'm also a woman, and I would be offended at getting a fake.
Other women may have different opinions, I just know mine. That's not to say that you can't take a diamond out of a different setting and make a new engagement ring - that's fine, and rather romantic as long as the piece is something passed on along the family lines.
But a synthetic diamond? Um, no. Not from me.
LiberalEsto
(22,845 posts)Just another example of excess merchandising, luring consumers into debt.
Instead of wasting money on an engagement ring, we pooled our savings to put my husband through a highly rated computer school. Best investment I ever made. His computer expertise has been paying the bills since I lost my job 3 years ago.
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)We need more humans like you and your husband. 
DesertFlower
(11,649 posts)with. she had a 2 caret engagement ring. one day i mentioned something about her boyfriend's car. she said "what car -- this is his car" when pointing to her ring.
hunter
(40,690 posts)That would be one way of undermining their competition, don't you think? And people selling these diamonds would be assured of having customers with some incentive to overlook their origins.
In a certain sense most natural diamonds are blood diamonds. Diamond mines are not nice places to work.
I don't know if the working conditions are worse at any synthetic diamond plants.
I gave my wife a family heirloom, thus I didn't do anything to support the existing diamond business. What's done is done, and everyone involved in the mining of my wife's diamond is long gone.
LeftyMom
(49,212 posts)Of course I don't really see the appeal, so the main purpose would be to show off to relatives for the socially obligatory period and then stick in a drawer for special occasions. I can't really see the point in spending much money on something that doesn't DO anything, and as purely aesthetic things go I'd much rather spend that sort of money on some really nice furniture or an impractical car or something like that.
quaker bill
(8,264 posts)but they can be made of almost any form of carbon containing matter, peanut butter as an example.
For my work, I prefer colored stone.
hunter
(40,690 posts)Probably not.
quaker bill
(8,264 posts)Have you seen the equipment, heat, and pressure required to make one stone? My guess is that they have found a way to do it somewhat cheaper than digging, because they pretty much always get a stone for the effort.
There are plenty of simulants that are every bit as attractive and vastly cheaper to make.
Edweird
(8,570 posts)
Odin2005
(53,521 posts)And no matter what they claim, they DO still sell blood diamonds.
Zorra
(27,670 posts)
MissB
(16,344 posts)Now dh and I chose gold bands with no stones/diamonds/whatever.
He could afford it; I abhor showy jewelry including diamonds.
Good thing, because I've lost one band and he has lost two. Good thing we aren't sentimental about these things!
pipi_k
(21,020 posts)Ten years ago Mr Pipi got me some "diamond" stud earrings for my birthday.
They are Moissanite and they are beautiful.
Can't tell them from real diamonds, and they are double refractive, whatever the hell that means. Maybe you get more rainbow colors or something.
So I've told him that I would prefer Moissanite for any future jewelry purchases (already have a diamond engagement ring and a 10 year Anniversary ring) but he thinks it's "cheapo" to buy fake diamonds.
mopinko
(73,726 posts)less flashy cuts, mostly, but also often such beautiful craftsmanship in the ring as a whole as to make up for that small drawback.
i wouldn't know, tho. DH has been trying to get me to let him buy me a diamond for many years and the answer is still- i am not that kind of a girl.
iwillalwayswonderwhy
(2,728 posts)I wear my grandmother's engagement ring. We searched high and low for a wedding band that would go with it and found it at an estate sale. Both rings are from the early 1900's. Very beautiful and always commented upon.
CanSocDem
(3,286 posts)
FreeJoe
(1,039 posts)I would almost certainly by a synthetic diamond. They are real diamonds. They are better than natural diamonds. They are cheaper than natural diamonds. Less harm is done to people and the environment creating new diamonds rather than digging up old ones. What's not to like?
For me, personally, I would buy a diamond. It seems like such a misallocation of resources. When I proposed to my wife, I did a full reveal of my finances (which weren't all that impressive). I showed her I would sell to buy her an engagement ring and how much we'd pay in additional taxes if I did that. I then offered her the choice of a ring or keeping the money. She's a smart lady. She opted to keep the money.
That was a long time ago. We're still married. We're much, much better off financially. We could easily buy her a nice ring. I've offered several times. She's not interested. She wants to keep the money so that we can spend it on travel when I retire soon.
LibertyLover
(4,788 posts)and that's what my then fiance got me as an engagement ring. I like diamonds ok, but also like having something different. Right now I'm not wearing the peridot very much as it was set in gold and my wedding band is silver. So I'm wearing a lab-created star ruby set in white gold. It was my mom's but now I've got it and enjoy wearing it very much as it is a nice size for my hands and fingers and not what you generally see used as an engagement ring.
FreeJoe
(1,039 posts)Would you rather build your house from trees grown on a tree farm or from cutting down more virgin forest? Both are wood. The latter is more natural. I'd prefer the former.
ceile
(8,692 posts)My current ring is an emerald, but I'm going to change it for my wedding ring. I'm going to combine the emerald with my previous engagement ring (didn't work out, but I love that ring) of 3 diamonds. Not sure how it'll be designed, but the emerald will be the center peice.
My friend has a lab made diamond ring and it is stunning. Can't tell the difference at all.