I think like a lot of people, we appreciate a lot of the traditions we were raised with, while we flatly reject others. So when it comes to planning our wedding, we find ourselves drawing from both the traditional and non-traditional aspects of our lives.
We’re having a pretty traditional wedding, though we’re trying to plan it to have as little negative impact on the world as possible. And part of that plan includes a moissanite ring.
After much research into “conflict-free”, “conflict-neutral”, canandian diamonds, antique jewelry, etc., I realized that every diamond, new or used, “blood” or Canadian, takes a significant toll on the earth because it has to be mined. Estate jewelry only succeeds in removing a diamond from the market that will ultimately have to be replaced.
I finally asked myself why I wanted a diamond ring to begin with (and I really, really had my heart set on one), and the answer is – I don’t, I just want something SPARKLY! :) And moissanite is my choice. It’s not a fake diamond – it’s its own gem. The mineral was originally discovered in meteorites, and is now made in a lab, so no mining, civil wars or human rights abuses involved. I will proudly tell people that it’s a moisannite ring should they mistake it for a diamond ring!
My fiance and I both feel good about this decision, and I’m going to look at rings today! :) :) :)