My girlfriend is very opposed to diamonds and other precious stones because they are related to the blood stone trade that funds wars and dictators in Africa, etc. What can I buy as a proposal / engagement gift instead? I've heard of buying matching expensive gifts (like matching kayaks) buy I would like to get something more long lasting.
2007-01-07 05:21:32 · 20 answers · asked by bluejay 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
She absolutly does not want a diamond. The entire diamond trade (whether your particular diamond comes from a certified dealer or not) artificially holds up the price of diamonds on the world market so any diamond or precious stone bought would contribute to the value of the blood stones in Africa. It is the same as if you buy gasoline from a US producer, it helps Arab oil producers because the overall demand is higher...or if you buy pot from Canada, it raises the price of pot produced by Colombian Warlords.
I'd like it to be a surprise and she is one who once mentioned matching his and her kayaks as a cute alternative engagement idea.
2007-01-07 05:45:59 · update #1
Donate that money to an African relief organization in both of your names, and have a plaque made to commemorate that fact and give it to her.
2007-01-07 05:27:13 · answer #1 · answered by knujefp 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
LOL. Usually, the whole "blood diamond" thing goes out the window with an engagement ring. If you are SURE she doesn't want a diamond, buy her a non-precious or manmade stone. With the money you save, you can think about putting together a downpayment on a home. (Kayak? Uhhh...no...)
Additional note: Yes, I know all about the trendy anti-blood diamond movement that has grown up since the movie started filming. It's the new kaballah (which was the new anti-fur movement...which was the new dolphin safe tuna...which was the new anti-leather movement and so on and so on.). :D It's all good. It's brought the price of diamonds down enough so I could get a new tennis bracelet without too much financial guilt. To each his own.
2007-01-07 05:24:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do, it should be as lasting as you plan your marriage to be. The concept of a diamond is forever may be a marketing ploy but the idea is correct. Somehow a one person boat that goes thru rapids and gets banged around a lot seems less than a visual image of the married state I would want to be in. Not all gemstones come from Africa, unless she has a problem with Australia, a beautiful opal is wonderful, and there are many stones that come from the United States. Or, you can ask a jewelry designer to design two interlocking gold bands one for her engagement and one for her wedding band. Ask him to design it so the engagement ring can be worn alone, and then it would fit into the wedding band later. It could be engraved or sculpted, so it could be decorative and solid as your new marriage will be.
2007-01-07 06:06:50 · answer #3 · answered by justa 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not all diamonds are connected to the blood trade. Do a little research. There are independent dealers not connected to Africa. Think Canadian diamonds.... perfectly legit. Platinum is so classy. You might want a beautiful band with both of your initials engraved. Also, how about estate jewelry. It's beautiful, and there's an unlikely chance those antique diamonds were involved with today's trafficking. Try to think outside the box... you'll find a solution.
2007-01-07 05:40:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What about a ring with a synthetic stone? If you are interested in something along these lines I can tell you that Helzberg Diamonds sells ONLY stones that are NOT involved with Africa. My husband works there and has this situation at least once a month. A lot of couples are buying moisinite (not sure of spelling...sorry) instead of diamonds. Or a synthetic stone of the bride-to-be's birthstone or a combination of yours and hers. You can have them custom ordered.
If that's not a good idea....
What about a solid band made of whatever metal she likes? You could have in engraved or even design it yourself.
2007-01-07 07:34:50 · answer #5 · answered by Jacob's Mommy (Plus One) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she doesn't want a diamond, period, regardless of the fact that the diamond trade is much more regulated than it was in the nineties (even though some conflict diamonds still make it into the market, but you can insist on a certificate), then get her something nice made out of gold. Other than that, if she doesn't want any time of gemstone, your choices are limited, and very plain.
2007-01-07 09:16:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Matching watches, perhaps? Or a simple gold band that's not so simple - there are some gorgeous two-tone bands with patterns in them (my own has a white gold swirl surrounded by yellow gold bands) that can look just as eye-catching as a gemstone.
You could also consider buying her a gemstone with a certificate that guarantees its origin in a place far removed from the blood diamond trade - Canada, for example, produces a large number of diamonds in the Yukon.
2007-01-07 05:27:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
That is taking things a bit to the far-fetched area but hey, whatever, ( does she ride a bike or walk to work?) I was just guessing that she doesn't buy gas either.
You could just get her a Cubic Zirconia. ( faux diamonds) or
Rhine Stones .
If her convictions are that strong over " diamonds" you had better check before you buy anything.
Everything purchased is bound to HURT or AFFECT somebody or something somewhere., or somehow. according to your details in this question. There are several very good suggestions given to you here, so Happy Hunting for the perfect gift.
SINCERELY,
Congrats and GOOD LUCK
Christian from BEAUTIFUL PENNSYLVANIA
2007-01-07 06:27:07 · answer #8 · answered by Penny Mae 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whilst my husband became going to propose he had to make certain you get me a hoop i wanted. i did not elect a hoop yet he insisted. I stated no diamonds... nicely, no sparkling ones besides. i wanted some shade. i like purple yet needed something that jogged my memory of him. Sapphires are actually not as complicated as diamonds yet they are very complicated (won't destroy or chip definitely). He picked a blue sapphire... his birthstone and renowned shade. i like it and now positioned on it with my wedding ceremony band. some stones are softer and crack and chip much less annoying so which you do not elect something too mushy yet there are a number of recommendations. i think of colored gem stones are pleasing and lots fairly desire them over a diamond. Get what you have chose. in case you have chose a gemstone then don't be afraid to get one. some human beings will say that obtaining something different than a diamond skill your fiance would not love you sufficient to drop greater funds on you yet it incredibly is only shallow and lame. Others say that a diamond is the only stone which will consistently tournament your outfit because of the fact it is sparkling yet who cares?! Your engagement ring might desire to intend something to you and your fiance and it represents a promise you made to one yet another to get married.
2016-10-30 06:20:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diamonds from Canada are not Blood Diamonds. A very good friend of mine is a medic up there were they mine them. My engagment ring is a Canadian Diamond. Canadian diamonds also have more faucets so they have a better sparkle. Good Luck.
2007-01-07 08:31:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've worked in the jewelry industry (not retail).
Many stones cannot hold up to years worth of bumps and briuises.
Some CZ's get cloudy and change colors.
Do your homework. Speak to a number of jewelers. Find out the "hardness" of the stone.
If worst comes to worst, just get her a beautiful all metal band.
2007-01-07 08:46:49 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋