Diamonds have been traditionally associated with engagements and engagement rings since the 1940s when diamond group De Beers launched their iconic marketing campaign with the words “A Diamond Is Forever”.
However, many modern couples are choosing to buck tradition and opting instead for alternative materials in their engagement rings—and it’s not just because of recent style trends, either.
Below are 3 compelling reasons to consider alternative engagement rings, and why they could be the best option for you:
It stands out
Sure, a diamond sparkler is bound to make heads turn and will surely be the object of envy and admiration. However, it’s not very unique, is it? Millions of women all over the world have diamond engagement rings. For a truly standout stunner of an engagement ring, an alternative engagement ring is the way to go. It’s the only choice for a one-of-a-kind woman with distinctive yet discerning taste.
Most people wouldn’t be able to distinguish a diamond from moissanite with the naked eye, so is there much of a point to paying a premium for the real thing? On the other hand, there’s no mistaking the beauty and vibrancy of a colored center gemstone. Go with a fiery opal or a gorgeous ruby for a unique engagement ring that’s sure to catch the eye as well as any diamond can. There are numerous online resources on how to customize your engagement ring or where to buy sapphire rings in Australia. With an alternative engagement ring, the only real limit is your imagination.
It’s the greener, more ethical choice
Most consumers nowadays are eco-conscious and socially-aware. They like to know the exact origin of the products that they buy and prefer to make sustainable, ethical, and environment-friendly purchases. This mindset goes beyond consumable goods and can include clothing, accessories, and jewelry.
It’s an unfortunate truth that the industry of mining diamonds and precious metals has a bloody history that is rife with stories of suffering. Blood or conflict diamonds are usually mined by laborers living in deplorable conditions and used to finance insurgencies and activities that perpetuate violence and unrest in active war zones. Furthermore, the process of mining diamonds can be ecologically destructive, causing deforestation, soil erosion, and other unnatural phenomena that can lead to the collapse of existing ecosystems.
Opting for an alternative engagement ring made with responsibly sourced materials is a conscientious choice a couple can make to minimize the damage being done to the planet. Going with a ring made out of recycled materials is also an option that is infinitely sustainable and kinder to the environment.
It’s cost-effective
Consider the facts: a single solitaire diamond ring set in platinum with a colorless, internally flawless 1.28-carat center stone from Tiffany & Co. will set you back a whopping US$ 47,500, according to their online store. Meanwhile, a similar-style ring with a 1.50-carat purple sapphire center stone and additional pave diamonds set in platinum from acclaimed New Zealand-based jewelers Nolan & Vada will run you up approximately US$3,410. Let that sink in for a minute.
The only reason why diamonds are as costly as they are is because of market manipulation. In truth, diamonds are not as valuable as you believe them to be. This is best illustrated when you re-sell a diamond – most people only receive 20 to 40% of the price they originally paid for the stone.
Knowing all of this, why would you want to buy into what is essentially artificial hype? The money you spend on a diamond engagement ring could instead be added to your wedding or honeymoon fund, or put towards your future as a couple, say as a down payment on a new home. Choosing to go alternative with your engagement ring gives you the best of both worlds: a physical representation of your love and devotion, and money left over towards more meaningful purchases.
At the end of the day, any engagement ring will be priceless to the lucky person it’s presented to. Whether you go with a diamond ring or choose an alternative engagement ring, your recipient will surely appreciate it.
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