31 replies to this topic

[stroke1970]

Ok, let's pretend you met the man you want to marry. Would you accept an engagement ring without a diamond or any gem at all? Marketing has us convinced that the true sign of a man's affection is a diamond. My issue is that many diamonds still come from African conflict regions and there really is no way to tell where they are from even if they are "certified" as non conflict diamonds. I don't want to start fights, I just try to be more socially aware with my purchases.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Personally, I hate colorless stones, which is what the traditional engagement stone is. Diamonds are one of the most plentiful gemstones on earth, but they're price is falsely inflated by companies like DeBeers, who hoard diamonds and trickle them onto the market so they can keep the price up. The violence of the mining situation in Africa is the capper for me. The only reason I own any diamonds at all is because they're used as small accents to the sapphires I buy myself.

The true sign of a man's affection is the attention he pays me, not what he can buy me.

Just my 2psi.

[dustbowl diver]

Thanks Platy-couldn't have said it better myself!

[WreckWench]

Hey Stroke1970...first off you'll learn one thing around here...you can't limit a question to just one group say 'single women' cuz you WILL get replies from just about everyone! LOL! You can choose to discredit replies from those who are not the target you intended but variety IS the spice of life.

Although recently married I think I can still provide a valid reply to this question.

1. All women are different therefore there will not be a generalized reply to this question.
2. Some women will be open to something other than 'traditional' when it comes to a wedding/engagement ring just as they are open to non-traditional in other aspects of their lives.
3. Women have grown up with diamonds = wedding rings for their whole life so this tradition may be difficult to overcome even if they are non-traditional otherwise.
4. There are ways to get non-conflict diamonds...find an old ring or antique diamond, use other gemstones, find a nautical theme if she is a diver or loves the ocean.
5. If you are the athletic type and you find a gal that is as well, often they don't gravitate to the traditional wedding rings as they get in the way of working out.
6. If she traditionally loves jewelry or diamonds then stay clear UNLESS she shares the same political beliefs. (And I'm sure a smart guy like you can engage that kind of conversation quite early without too much issue so you can get the answer you need.)


Hopefully you don't mind replies from others who wish to participate...its all good and its all fun! -ww

[drbill]

The true sign of a man's affection is the attention he pays me, not what he can buy me.

Just my 2psi.

Good answer!

[WreckWench]

The true sign of a man's affection is the attention he pays me, not what he can buy me.

Just my 2psi.

Good answer!

I totally agree! I certainly did not marry for money but I did marry a man who made me feel like a queen!

[uwfan]

I would value the ring, whatever it was, by the kindness and love it represents. A friend of mine wears only a solid band with no stone. I think it is a beautiful reminder of the one who loves her and as others have said, a stone doesn't get in the way.

[Hipshot]

Back when I was engaged, my ex-fiance broke things off and kept the ring. About a month later, once I figured things in retrospect, I came to view it as the price of a clean break and a bargain.

Rick

[ScubaSis]

I don't wear much jewelry on a daily basis. Diamonds can be pretty but I also think they cost too much.

What I would want from a man is something he picked out from his heart. I would never question it's worth by putting a dollar figure on it.

It's worth would be priceless to me if it was given from the heart no matter what it was.

[ScubaPunk]

I would accept any ring the man of my dreams decided to give me, but the ring of my dreams is a diamond. Sorry, just being honest. I would also hope that the man of my dreams would be honest with me about what kind of a ring he would like, because I would definitely want to buy him exactly what he wants, and something that he will wear. The best idea is to go shopping for rings together, to make sure both of you are happy with the choice, hopefully you will be wearing it for a long time.

[secretsea18]

The only option: 5 CT Pink Diamond ring in white 18kt gold. Diamond has to be from Australia, where they have not had conflicts where diamonds are used to launder money.

[stroke1970]

Only 5 C? Is that all?

[ScubaPunk]

The only option: 5 CT Pink Diamond ring in white 18kt gold. Diamond has to be from Australia, where they have not had conflicts where diamonds are used to launder money.

There ya go, problem solved, question answered, everyones happy.,

[drbill]

The only option: 5 CT Pink Diamond ring in white 18kt gold. Diamond has to be from Australia, where they have not had conflicts where diamonds are used to launder money.

Yes, but based on the cocaine and pollutant levels found on American currency these days, I'd prefer it DOES get laundered!

I'll have to pose this question to the mermaid of my dreams and see what she says. She is half Aussie by the way.