Ethical engagement rings?

[ConfusedPixie]

Is there such thing as an ethical engagement ring that isn't going to cost the world? Or is there an alternative to diamonds?

I was chatting about it with DP and a house mate last night (DP is planning to do a presentation on the differing ethics between diamond mining and tanzanite mining) and I just wondered if there was a way of getting ethical engagement rings that didn't cost the earth!

Oh, glad that was useful then! When I was getting engaged I fell in love with this jeweller who made gorgeous rings with metal and wood and all sorts of slightly out-there precious stones. They cost a bomb, I was gutted. And sadly he's gone bust now (the market for expensive wooden rings not being terribly good, as you might imagine!), so I couldn't change my mind even if we could afford it now.

Hope you find something nice - I am sure you will.

*Unlike many consumers op is thinking about how to buy in a way that won't harm the developing world, then gets told she is raising a first world problem!

Conflict diamonds are very much an issue for people in the developing world.*

I am one of the people who thinks she's raising a first world problem because I seriously doubt that many people in developing countries fret too much about where they're going to get the diamond for their engagement ring. I suspect they are a little more preoccupied with finding food, keeping a roof about their heads and keeping their families alive.

Of course conflict diamonds have affected the developing world, but if people in the first world could get over themselves and realise that they don't need a diamond of any sort then the problem goes away.

Really yousank? I cannot do anything to help those in third world countries, I can try to do something that's ethical though whilst still thinnking about trying to keep in with traditions from my own country. There's no need to be rude.

I also agreed with you in that it was a first world problem. If I wanted an argument or debate about it I would've gone to AIBU. I was asking about something I'd not thought much about and tbh, didn't even think about alternatives to as it is the done thing to have a sodding engagement ring with a diamond even though I don't really like any style I've seen and I don't know anybody who has questioned it personally so wouldn't have thought much about it otherwise. So I apologise, next time I'll just 'get over myself' and not bother asking questions when I realise that actually, I don't agree with the 'done thing' this time round.

Oh confused pixie I could me you. I dragged poor OH all around the jewellery quarter last sat looking for an engagement ring that wasn't a feckin diamond solitaire. I need inspiration ladies.

Ethical inspiration that is. For the same reason we are looking for ethical options.

DP (a silversmith) says yes. You can get ethically sourced diamonds for a start - he says look at Ethical Metalsmiths for more info

one option I am looking at is a lab created diamond.

I haven't been rude, I was amused. Like it or not, it is funny to think of someone nags ting about the source of their diamond, when a really simple solution would be to not buy a diamond. It IS funny.

colditz: I am not bothered about the first world problem comment because it is a FWP, and is a prime example of one in fact. I agree with you and find that funny now that I realise that actually, I could go without a diamond engagement ring and I don't NEED to conform. Which is how I felt up until recently about the subject.

I just don't like being made out to be a dick who needs to get over themselves over something that is a tradition in this country which is how I felt when I read yousank's latest post. Maybe I'm reading too much into the comment, if so, sorry yousank, kneejerk reaction to a comment that annoyed me.

Like it or not, it is funny to think of someone nags ting about the source of their diamond, when a really simple solution would be to not buy a diamond. It IS funny.

No it isn't. Where do you think diamonds come from? Who do you think mines them?

Wouldn't you prefer a poor African to work in good conditions and take home enough money to feed and educate his/her family?

Lol

If everyone stopped buying diamonds, do you think exploitative diamond mine owners would still use child labourers to dig up diamonds?

Bought my ring today vintage daisy diamond cluster. Love it. From 1910.