Synthetic Diamonds
 

The real problem, of course, is PR. "Oh honey, it's so beautiful! Is it a real diamond?" "Well, it's not a natural one, darling. But it sure was cheap."

Try selling that one to the new in-laws.

QE
 

Forgive me oh pretty one. I should have made it clear I was talking about other Minnesota guys. Like Bilmore -- maybe they could make him look good enough to deserve the Baguette. Do they have super powers?

But not you. Your wardrobe, style and general panache would put any gay man to shame. Though there is that one outfit that might render the QE wardrobe guy quite speechless.

QE
 

I am wounded.

Synthetic Diamonds
 

"Of course it is. Why would I get you a fake one?"

Anyway, it sounds like these are real diamonds, just not mined diamonds.

So maybe the answer should be: "Of course it is, although it didn't require the labor of exploited africans to mine."

Synthetic Diamonds
 

Easy as hell. DeBeers is such a beautiful target that after explaining how you avoided continuing to the cycle of exploitation of labor and a monopoly that has artificially driven up prices for the last 100 years or so, you'll be seen as a hero for refusing to take part in the scam they've been running on Americans for the last 50 plus years. I'd be delighted to get a rock that didnt' have the DeBeers taint on it. I'd be equally delighted to have more cash for our wedding or the down payment on our home.

Synthetic Diamonds
 

That's true; synthetic diamonds bring to the surface what has been the nasty truth of diamonds since DeBeer's marketed them as valuable: they have little inherent value and aren't scarce.

They're desirable because they look nice, but they're expensive only because their supply has been controlled by a cartel engaging in some activity illegal in most countries of the world (price fixing, collusion, etc.) and some activity illegal in almost all countries of the world (murder, rape, terrorism, etc.).

I have always been perturbed by consumer demand for things without prices directly related to what I perceive to be valid utility. Clearly, many people get utility out of diamonds just because they are worth what they are worth. While I agree that diamonds have significant utility based on their appearance, and I have no problem with that, the fact that they have additional utility to many people based solely on marketing and price disgusts me.

I would think it was great if a woman told me that she wanted an engagement ring without diamonds, even if it cost the same as or more than a diamond ring. And if you could get an exquisitly beautiful ring with a nice-sized synthetic diamond for less than what the ring would cost with a price-inflated natural diamond, all the better.

I've always been disturbed by the ways that giving a diamond ring for engagement is tied up in concepts of spending a lot of money, to prove one's love, and doing what everyone else does, to prove one's love. Those two things, to me, seem to be materialism at its most naked.

I'm not trying to impugne diamond lovers, of course. To each his or her own. I'm just annoyed that the industry-created party line is, "You don't love her if you can afford a nice, expensive diamond and don't give her one." and that so many people buy into that.

Synthetic Diamonds
 

That's exactly right. In fact, I would prefer to have a synthetic diamond manufactured in Sarasota (how perfect is that, the only factory in Sarasota makes diamonds), than the "real" diamonds I already have and will continue to acquire.

Even(I love things that sparkle)Odds

Synthetic Diamonds
 

Favorite quote from the General:

"If you give a woman a choice between a 2-carat stone and a 1-carat stone and everything else is the same, including the price, what's she gonna choose?" he demands. "Does she care if it's synthetic or not? Is anybody at a party going to walk up to her and ask, 'Is that synthetic?' There's no way in hell. So I'll bite your ass if she chooses the smaller one."

Sounds like he may be bucking for the Fab 5.

Synthetic Diamonds
 

I consider myself a romantic sap to the Nth degree as well as a jewelry freak. Even so, I could see circumstances where I would think a CZ would be a good idea. A small diamond looks rEdiculous on my hand and makes my stubby fingers look more so. Therefore I need a good sized rock. But I would hate to have that much money invested in a ring if it meant having big unpaid student loans or not owning a house. And when it comes to money, I'd rather have a larger good quality CZ in a great setting than a tiny diamond on a little band. The couple never has to tell anyone it isn't real.

Fortunately for the future Mr. Fugee (wherever he may be -- paging Hank from Cupid, do you want to be a boytoy hubbie?) I already have the Manor and no school loans. So he can go for broke on the ring. And I have it all picked out.

http://www.veberodgemgallery.com/ima...ring_small.gif

Synthetic Diamonds
 

I despise DeBeers and their looting. But again, try explaining to your fiance that you want say, fake gold wedding bands because they're cheaper than and just as pretty as real ones. Why even bother? Either put the money towards something sensible, or get say inexpensive, pretty but genuine silver ones.

I love costume jewelry done well. But not so much I'd necessarily want to wear one piece of it in a classic design every day for the rest of my life--the fun is in its timeliness of design and expendability when you get bored.

Edited to add, I even love costume jewelry done badly. Even talentless cheap hacks get points for aspiring to beauty!

Synthetic Diamonds
 

From what I know of the internal structure of these things, I don't think it's right to call them "fakes". They are, in fact, true diamonds. So, why would anyone feel the need to tell a recipient that they were other than "real"?

Synthetic Diamonds
 

He can bite whatever person's ass -- I'd rather have the one carat. I think 2-carats (or pretty much anything over 1) look awfully big (in an unattractive way; kind of like faddy costume jewelry) unless the wearer is of amazonian proportions.

News Flash
 

Marlon Brando is the grandfather of Courtney Love.

[required link]

Synthetic Diamonds
 

I referred to them as "natural" in my first post and I agree "naturally occurring" vs. 'manufactured' are more accurate than 'real' or fake'. But if the giver doesn't think it will matter to his/her recipient, why feel the need to hide it?

Synthetic Diamonds
 

I'd get one, except that I'm not to keen on the yellow color.
Gemesis web site