Diamond Alternatives? Good Question!
Anonymous writes:
Hello Sarah,
I came across your workshop online as I perused a location close to where we live where my fiancée and I could take part in the process of creating our wedding bands.
We are both outdoors, ethical, and sustainably-minded individuals, and thus having a difficult time in selecting a stone/material that would fit the path we have are trying to live in our lives (i.e.. making wise/green choices when the opportunity arises). I’m hoping that with this email and your experience in the jewellery business, you might provide your own insights to us. Perhaps you’ve been faced with similar questions in the past. I know that more individuals are aware of “blood diamonds” and the Canadian north diamonds are an alternative, but I’ve worked in the Arctic for many years, and unfortunately have seen the irreparable damage a diamond mine is. As is the majority of stone/gem mines.
With some guilt, I admit that I am an admirer of shiny stones/gems (shocking my fiancé) and I tend to wear silver for my day-to-day attire. Are there any particular stones/gems that you would recommend for an engagement ring that matches our philosophies? Do you have sources that you have used in the past?
Your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Desperately seeking alternatives
My response…
Hi Desperately seeking alternatives,
Have you ever heard of moissanite (they are natural but i think that you would be interested in the more common synthetic variety) or Lab-grown Diamonds? I have often had sentimental (practically no value) stones cut like diamonds and then set them into Engagement Rings like this stone (see here) found on the streets of Bolivia while my client was visiting with his fiancée to be.
But if it must be the “real thing” then I always advise my clients to buy an Antique Diamond, something that predates “conflict stones” and mass mining practices, these may be hard to find but the chase is half the fun ;)
Happy hunting!
Sarah
