Why does an engagement ring HAVE TO have a diamond?????

Question

It came to my attention more recently about the horrible conditions and how people are seriously exploited because of the diamond industry. My feelings toward my boyfriend getting me a diamond engagement ring have always been, well he doesnt have to get me a diamond..actually i love sapphires. but I have had plenty of women tell me that is unacceptable...that like diamonds are required.... but here is my question. Does it really matter that much? And if its such a requirement doesnt that make your engagement ring less unique???

thanks for the answers. I have a close italian family and i brought this up once and it caused an uproar lol. Oh well...while I am at it maybe i should get a hot pink wedding dress...i think im going to stick with the idea of a sapphire ring :)

and on top of that i much rather put more money into the honeymoon

Answer 1

I think sapphires are a great way to go. However, if you are trying to make an ethical choice, understand that the sapphire industry is smaller, but not necessarily more ethical than the diamond industry. It just hasn't yet gotten the media attention that diamonds have. It is generally safe to assume that any corner of the gem industry is exploiting people if they are working in poor countries, unless you have specifically sought out proactive fairtrade jewelers. Trying to find a diamond, sapphire, ruby or whatever that was DEFINITELY obtained under safe mining conditions, with fair wages and no child labor (particularly important to me), is extremely difficult. Sucks. What is WRONG with people?!

Answer 2

Technically, an engagement ring is not even necessary. As for the stone, it can be anything. Princess Di's engagement ring was a big sapphire surrounded by little diamonds. The only people who tell you an engagement ring has to be a huge diamond are the jewelers and gullible people believe it. If you like diamonds, get one. If you prefer another stone, get another stone. The type of engagement ring you get has absolutely no bearing on how married you will be after you both say "I do."

Answer 3

I love Sapphires. Not much of a "diamond" girl. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful, but Sapphires are beyond beautiful. My birthstone and favorite shade of color. The band was also custum made to fit the ring. Made it very unique and not "orginal" as other engagment rings can be.

My fiance bought me my heart shaped sapphire from Isreal Jewlers in Isreal (where appraisal i over $3,000 for my ring, which he paid $1,000 for. US sells a little higher than apprasial. Bought directly from company cost less). All the jewlerey stores I been too complimented and wanted to know where I got it from. The place that resized my ring even contact them to discuss potential business deals as they found it was unique.

You don't have to go by the "traditional" diamond ring. No matter what others say.

My custom made wedding band will also be sapphires too.

Answer 4

It doesn't *have* to have a diamond. It can be anything you want. There doesn't even HAVE to be a ring at all - it is a personal preference, and is completely up to the couple. Traditionally, it is a diamond (I suspect, a "tradition" heavily promoted by the diamond industry) - but it is all up to you. I have a blue topaz engagement ring - I don't like diamonds that much, and sky-blue is my favorite color for both clothing and jewelry. Well, duh, why would I get a ring I don't like when I can have the one I like?

Yes, to be honest - I've been dubbed "eclectic" by many people; I'm not afraid to "break the mold" and "think outside the box" if it makes sense to me. If you are very concerned about what other people think, it's best to stick with the "traditional" approach. My personal feeling is that trying to cater to everyone else's ideas of what's "proper" is a recipe for disappointment and unhappiness. I prefer to blaze my own path...

Answer 5

I love untraditional rings and a sapphire ring sounds perfect. I got a diamond engagement ring because I thought I was supposed to and then realized that I didn't like everything that came with it - especially people making me feel like my rock wasn't big enough. In the end, I got a claddagh ring.

Get your sapphire ring. If you don't, you'll regret it and end up getting a different ring later like I did.

Answer 6

Sapphire or emerald rings are perfectly acceptable as an engagement ring. Communicate with your boyfriend and let him know that you prefer a sapphire ring. You will get a unique ring that you love and he will get to save money. What could be better than that?

Answer 7

diamonds r not a requirement!!! it's just one of those tradition things right along w/ the white dress. i think the idea of u receiving a sapphire engagement ring is very beautiful & unique. this is YOUR engagement & ultimately ur decision. i guarantee u ppl will want to know the love story behind the sapphire ring glowing on ur finger.

Answer 8

its not at all inappropiate to get a sapphire ring as an engagement ring. the ring is only a symbol of your commitment and love to each other..you get the kind of ring that you want. you will treasure it always and forever. alot of people are shying about from the diamond industry for the same reasons you are.

best of luck to you!!!!

Answer 9

No where does it say you have to have a diamond. It's a tradition but it's more to do with personal taste. I have a tanzanite. A friend of mine who recently married has a ruby with different accent stones. Some people skip the engagement ring altogether. There are no hard fast rules.

Answer 10

Honestly, it doesn't have to be diamonds in a ring. If you favor another stone over something else and your guy knows it, It's better he gets the stone you like. Why? Because it's more personal and unique in concideration to others out there. I got a diamond for my first engagement, it was splended, but it was very much like everyone else.