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Ethical Sources

Why Not To Buy A Diamond

Though diamonds are the most popular choice today, historically colored gems, such as sapphire, were preferred for engagement rings.

For hundreds of years, diamonds were not considered a first choice for engagement rings center gemstones. They were extremely rare. Most people considered the beauty of colored gemstones more appealing than the white sparkle of diamonds. But then, between 1850 and 1940, major discoveries of diamonds were found in South Africa and other countries. Also, De Beers launched one of the most successful advertising campaigns ever—making diamonds the de facto choice for all engagement rings and launching one most successful branding slogans of the 20th century: “Diamonds are forever” .

Diamonds still remain far and away the first choice, yet some people just do not like them and may prefer a gem for an engagement ring that is less common. The near-indestructibility of diamonds, combined with their crystalline purity, light-reflecting dazzle, and complex social history makes diamonds an intriguing talisman for a loving partnership

Why Not To Buy A DIamond: While diamonds still remain far and away the first choice for most engagement rings, some people prefer other alternatives.

While diamonds still remain far and away the first choice for most engagement rings, some people just do not like them. They may prefer a gem for an engagement ring that is less common, or they are concerned about diamond sourcing. Given the conflict diamond issues and the wide variety of other gemstone choices which often offer more value for your money, whether to choose a diamond or not to choose a diamond is a real choice.

Another factor not commonly considered is symbolism of diamonds. Like diamonds, we are carbon based. Yet how we are created is very different. We emerge to life from a watery womb, nurtured by motherly milk and love. Diamonds come from intense volcanic pressures that change their carbon molecules into something very distant from our biological life. One Vedic myth about the origin of diamonds tells of the demon god, Vela, whose bones were ground up and spread out over the earth becoming diamonds. The near-indestructibility of diamonds, combined with their crystalline purity, light-reflecting dazzle, and complex social history makes diamonds an intriguing talisman for a loving partnership.

If you are going to buy a diamond, we have several options. However, if the diamond does not seem right, any number of ethically sourced gems can be exquisite options. Plus, you can get a larger, more dramatic gemstone for the same price as a smaller diamond.

However, if you decide to bust out of the diamond tradition, you better be damn sure that your guy or girl has not been dreaming of a diamond ring since kindergarten. Otherwise, when she/he opens the box for the ring and sees a sapphire as the center stone instead of a diamond, their heart will definitely sink.

Our advice—gather some intelligence. Find some way of checking with him/her to find out what is most desired. Another option, particularly if it is hard to find the money you need to buy a large diamond, is to inquire both sides of the family if there is a diamond that might be passed down. Heirloom diamonds carry special symbolism and tradition that is beyond any monetary value.