Q&A: Are Cultured Diamonds Tacky?
October 11th, 2007
Q: Are cultured diamonds considered tacky? I have been researching engagement rings and stumbled onto a website that deals with such products. They seem more sophisticated then I thought. They would also allow me to get a nicer looking ring.
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A:
The technology to create cultured diamonds is pretty advanced–as such, these cultured diamonds are the same as natural diamonds in terms of atomic structure, and visually, you can’t tell the difference between a natural and a synthetic stone. Of course, these facts aren’t advertised by De Beers.
That said, how you choose to express your commitment to your fiancee should not be dictated by Madison Avenue–or by the whims of fashion. A ring can be very beautiful whether it contains natural or cultured stones. The decision should be guided by (1) your finances, and (2) what you and your significant other find beautiful.
Perhaps a less expensive ring that allows you to invest in a home sooner suits your needs (as a couple) better. Or maybe you want to trade natural for cultured in order to purchase a larger stone. Remember the old adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. An earnest heart is the best gift of all.
Photo Credit: Stephend9.
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5 Comments
1. Heidi De Vries | October 11th, 2007 at 10:18 am
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.
2. Meg | October 11th, 2007 at 10:34 am
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.
3. Emily | October 11th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
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.
4. Trisha | October 12th, 2007 at 2:30 am
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.
5. Kuri | October 12th, 2007 at 11:40 am
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.