Yared
That Guy
I'd get my woman's name tattooed around my finger.
On top of that though, I'd get a big badass ring.
On top of that though, I'd get a big badass ring.
Why would buy a lab-grown engagement ring?
- Thread starter Archbob
- Start date
Regardless of whether or not it's DeBeers singly, this was why I didn't buy a big diamond for my wife. It wasn't the "blood diamond" or "weird dowry-type thing" objections, though I recognize their validity; I hated the idea of being ripped off through some phony "tradition" invented just so some people can make money off my love for my lady friend. The idea that someone's getting something over on me is worse than children being mutilated and killed or buying my wife from her family, I guess.
Seriously, if I ever spent a lot of money on jewelry for her, she'd demand a gift receipt so we could spend it on a vacation or something.
Cleo
LucyDuke
staring at the clock
I was actually thinking something like this. If I'm to be asked to marry someone, I'd prefer to receive a very simple ring on a very nice vacation. It's a much better use of the money, and it makes the story that much better.
Given how little difference there is between synthetic and real diamonds, I'd be perfectly fine with a synthetic diamond. Actually, as the financially responsible one in my current relationship, I'd probably be happier (feel less guilty about $$ spent on me) with a synthetic diamond than a real diamond.
But an engagement ring wouldn't necessarily have to have a diamond on it. Other gemstones are an option. Or if the money isn't there (or is earmarked for a house or vacation or something else both of us can enjoy), then just a simple band would be preferable to an obviously fake stone.
Funny thing is, I could almost see myself saying that. "My ring looks just as awesome as yours but was only a quarter of the cost!" I have no problem with a good bargain. And if the money 'saved' by buying a less expensive ring goes toward a house or vacation or something along those lines, even better. I'd rather have/do something we can both enjoy than have expensive jewelry.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Cheers to the two ladies above!
My faith in womankind is increasing by the day.
My faith in womankind is increasing by the day.
Bear in mind that we are receiving a biased sample. These ladies are here because of the game Civilization, and are on a forum. Chances are that they are more likely to think critically and rationally (correlation, not causation necessarily).
Formaldehyde
Both Fair And Balanced
If you are willing to admit it and then have to explain for the next 10 minutes that you aren't talking about a cubic zirconium, more power to you. Not to mention, the price of high quality diamonds has gotten completely absurd. You have to fork out $12K for a 1 ct diamond, $24K for a 1.5 ct stone, and $60K for a 2 ct one. That is a lot of money to be carrying around on your finger.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
This is true. My sample also includes several ladies on reddit (ok, still biased), and one from reality (non-biased), though.
So far the numbers are looking good.. or decent at least.
MagisterCultuum
Great Sage
These girls just reminded me of when I overheard a conversation between my first love and one of her friends years ago, back when I was a freshman and they were juniors in high school. The friend was talking about a $300 prom dress she really wanted. My first love said that while the dress looked nice the price was outrageous, and that she wouldn't want to go over $100 for her wedding dress.
I just got to thinking that it might be a good idea to pick up the hobby of jewelry making. I took an elective on it 4 years ago, in my last semester of highschool; there wasn't much available in the one period where I didn't have an AP class, so first thing in the morning I went there and played with a blow torch. Apparently most of the cost of jewelry is labor, not materials or even capital. I was able to make a decent looking sterling silver ring for less than $2. (Actually it was free, as the teacher forgot to collect payment from those who weren't just using the free pewter until the last day, and seniors didn't go to the last 2 days of school.) If I got the equipment and had some time to practice before I was actually ready to propose to someone then I imagine that personally designing and crafting our rings would be both cheaper and much more meaningful. Of course, I'd probably have to move to somewhere with a good garage or workspace first. I don't think it would be safe to try either in my on campus apartment or my parent's carpeted and highly cluttered house.
I just got to thinking that it might be a good idea to pick up the hobby of jewelry making. I took an elective on it 4 years ago, in my last semester of highschool; there wasn't much available in the one period where I didn't have an AP class, so first thing in the morning I went there and played with a blow torch. Apparently most of the cost of jewelry is labor, not materials or even capital. I was able to make a decent looking sterling silver ring for less than $2. (Actually it was free, as the teacher forgot to collect payment from those who weren't just using the free pewter until the last day, and seniors didn't go to the last 2 days of school.) If I got the equipment and had some time to practice before I was actually ready to propose to someone then I imagine that personally designing and crafting our rings would be both cheaper and much more meaningful. Of course, I'd probably have to move to somewhere with a good garage or workspace first. I don't think it would be safe to try either in my on campus apartment or my parent's carpeted and highly cluttered house.
Formaldehyde
Both Fair And Balanced
Innovative jewelry designers are extremely rare. The industry has always been stifled by variations on the same old themes. If you think you have anything to contribute, I'd highly recommend you keep at it. You could make a small fortune if you can come up with anything that has any sort of mass appeal.
LucyDuke
staring at the clock
Over the last 12 months, I've doubled my income manufacturing and selling jewelry. More of it's fashion than fine (it's much more fun), but my work has been significant at more than one wedding. If it's something you can really get into, there is money to be made.
MagisterCultuum
Great Sage
That might be how that high school art teacher could afford that new Porsche convertible he was always driving, while on a teacher's income and also having the expenses of a severely autistic son and and having to buy all the class's supplies with his own funds. (Actually, I think I very vaguely recall hearing that the luxury car he'd driven to school the year before had been stolen, so he just bought a new one outright, not bothering with any loans, and didn't seem to mind leaving it in the school parking lot either.)
If I recall, he said that he condensed into that one semester just about everything he was taught during the first 3 years of art school at college. Apparently the Japanese masters who taught him hadn't let their students actually use the blowtorches until the end of the second year, instead of the beginning of the third week. I was better than most in that class, but of course have done nothing similar since. I recall a couple times when former students returned after graduation to work on some stuff, so maybe I could refresh my memory of the skills a little there after I graduate Tech, if and when I have a place with a decent work area.
If I recall, he said that he condensed into that one semester just about everything he was taught during the first 3 years of art school at college. Apparently the Japanese masters who taught him hadn't let their students actually use the blowtorches until the end of the second year, instead of the beginning of the third week. I was better than most in that class, but of course have done nothing similar since. I recall a couple times when former students returned after graduation to work on some stuff, so maybe I could refresh my memory of the skills a little there after I graduate Tech, if and when I have a place with a decent work area.
holy king
Deity
lol really?
LucyDuke
staring at the clock
FWIW, my income wasn't particularly impressive to begin with.
Yared
That Guy
Do you sell cubic zirconia jewelry?
LucyDuke
staring at the clock
I do not.
Yared
That Guy
Do you use Gold and Silver, Rubies and Sapphires?
Haha that's a good point. My boyfriend often complains I'm too logical/practical to be a woman.
I do know a few girls who would probably have to have the real thing. I also know a few who would be fine with a lab made diamond (even if only so they could spend more on the wedding dress
).I probably wouldn't go around advertising the fact, but I wouldn't have any problem telling anyone what it was if they asked. A lab made diamond is still a diamond; it's not a completely different stone.
And I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable walking around with tens of thousands of dollars on my hand. I'd constantly be worrying about losing it. Plus it would feel a little silly, given all the other things that much money could have gone toward. I suppose the same could be said of any ring, but a ring of some kind would still be nice to have; I just don't need one that costs a small fortune.
LucyDuke
staring at the clock
I use gold and silver, but not usually. Gold is particularly a pain in the ass. I don't use precious gems (diamonds, rubies/sapphires, emeralds), they're far outside my price range. I use a lot of different materials, since I get bored quickly. I've used several different semi-precious gems, sometimes collaborating with a lapidary when I can't find what I need, since I haven't got the skills or tools to cut stones myself.
Yared
That Guy
Ah, okay. Post some in the members' photos thread!