Comments on: Q&A: Are Cultured Diamonds Tacky?

By: Kuri

Kuri — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:40:33 +0000

Not all natural diamonds are unethical though, Arctic Diamonds are really booming in the north, and there’s a very high rate of First Nations participation in this industry, both in labour and in extraction profits.

That said, you’ll be paying a pretty steep price for a certified Canadian Arctic Diamond. If budget is an issue, cultured will be a lot easier on the pocketbook.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 06:30:30 +0000

Heidi, Meg, and Emily—thanks for all of the great tips! Excellent point about making sure your fiancee knows if the diamond is natural or cultured. And thanks, Heidi, for expanding the discussion to the ethics of the diamond industry.

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:32:52 +0000

My fiance got my engagement ring from Costco. It’s AMAZING and you definitely get more bling for your buck! So be sure to check the website out. Also, they have a program where you can call, say what you’re looking for, and they’ll send all the matching inventory to the store nearest you for you to check them out.

By: Meg

Meg — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:34:50 +0000

I think cultured diamonds are great, but not all women do. Some like the mystique of diamonds that are the products of nature because the history behind them is… well… pretty fascinating. I would never say that cultured diamonds are tacky, but if a guy gives one to a girl, he better know that she’s o.k. with them and not try to disguise the fact that they are cultured. Personally, I like a guy who’s money conscious without being a tight wad.

My own engagement ring, which I love, was bought on sale for less than $100. The center stone is a heart amethyst - my favorite stone. Since its also the February birthstone, my husband was able to pick it up on clearance in March.

By: Heidi De Vries

Heidi De Vries — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:18:27 +0000

I would actually argue that an ethical decision is the best gift of all. Do a little research to find out at what human price your “natural” diamond was procured.