Diamond-Free Engagement Rings

Choosing an engagement ring is a personal and important decision. For a number of reasons, more and more couples are deciding to purchase engagement rings that showcase stones other than diamonds. Why this shift from the "classic" diamond solitaire? The most common factors include less expense, more individuality, and concern regarding blood diamonds versus clean diamonds.

Expense:

Diamonds are a girl's most expensive friend. Many people consider engagement rings to be an investment, believing that they will never lose their value. But with the recent appearance of synthetic diamonds on the market, and the declining interest in diamonds overall, it is possible that one day that diamond on your finger might no longer be worth what you paid for it. Diamonds will certainly never completely lose their value, but for the cost of a one carat diamond engagement ring, you could instead spend a month touring the world with your new husband on your honeymoon. An increasing number of couples are beginning to feel that the money spent on a diamond engagement ring could better be used elsewhere, such as on the down payment on a new home or invested to be used as money for retirement later in life.

Classic, but not unique:

Diamonds are traditional, and for some couples that is very much part of their allure. Many couples these days, however, are opting for ring choices that are more unique and expressive of their personalities. Sapphires are generally the most common choice, but any stone can be turned into a beautiful and unique engagement ring. Many couples have rings designed that include stones that symbolize a special occasion, such as the month in which they became engaged. Others are choosing rings that do not include any stones at all, and instead design matching bands together and use them as both an engagement and a wedding ring. The options truly are limitless when you are not confined to using a diamond solitaire.

Blood diamonds:

Blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, are those that are mined in war zones and then sold to finance the cost of the war. Often these stones are mined by force, with workers being threatened or even killed for not producing enough stones. It is rare that an unclean diamond makes it way into the market these days, but some consider even the smallest risk of that happening to be too much. Others believe that buying any diamond at all encourages the mining and selling of blood diamonds, and would prefer not to be reminded of such things every time they look at their ring finger.