Moissanite engagement ring?

Question

I want a moissanite engagement ring as opposed to a diamond for the simple reason that I find them prettier. I like the reflections of colors that a diamond doesn't have in it; they're fieryier. In addition, I do not want a diamond for politcal/ethical reasons. My boyfriend wants to surprise me as to when he is asking, but he confessed the other day that he went to the jewelry store and they didn't sell moissanite and when he told the sales lady what he was looking for, she said, "oh, that." and tried to discourage him from buying it because it wasn't "real." She said 'real' jewelers don't carry it, and it confused him. I know this, but I like it anyway and it's what I want. How do I give him some 'shopping tips' so that he knows where to buy something quality without seeming like I'm doing it for him? Men?

Answer 1

Are you ok with a diamond that you know is not a blood diamond? There are companies which sell only ethically sourced ones. If he can afford it, and is likely to be ok with spending the extra money (and you are ok with the fact that you will likely get a smaller stone) then "stumble across" it and show him the cool site you found. (I do understand that it is the diamond trade in general that is the problem, but some care about that, some don't).

Try other stores, specifically lower-end ones. Perhaps a department store?

Answer 2

Real jewelry stores don't carry it- lots of internet stores do...  ebay also has a ton of them.  I worked for a lower end costume jewelry place and they use to make them- they are cheap to buy wholesale.  Just look for one in a really good band- we use to make crappy ones silver dipped in gold- they always peel in a year.  You might be able to pick a stone off a ebay and have it set into a good band.  Also white sapphires are a lovely real stone.

If your really thinking about political reason- you better research how moissanite is made- they are made in h**l holes overseas in slave like conditions- no different then a diamond!  

Jc penny's is a big carry of Moissanite as well as QVC

Answer 3

Tell him to go to Penny's they carry Moissanites there.  You might want to go there first and pick out the one you want and tell the sales person that your fiance will be coming in.  Get his or her card and give it to your fiance.  I'm sure that will take some of the pressure off of him and he will be happy that he is getting you what you want.  If you don't have a Pennys where you are go online and type in Moissanite.  You can find a site that you like and pick out the stone that you have in mind.  And you are right they are beautiful and no one knows it isn't a diamond anyway.

Answer 4

I have a white sapphire and it's gorgeous but less expensive.  Some jewelers don't like selling things that have a lower profit margin, but ours had no problem with the request.  They too did try to discourage us from getting Moissanite price for the quality.  The fact that they tend to look gray or greenish in person is what turned me off, but if you've seen them and like them then it really is a preference though and if you like it go for it.  He should call jewelers before visiting them and ask if they could stock Moissanite.

Answer 5

Good for you!  I also think they are prettier.  Of course the sales lady told him that.  They don't make as much commission on moissanite as you would on a diamond.  Tell him to try smaller jewelry stores.  Or custom jewelry stores.  There are some places online as well.  Tell him to google it.

Congrats!

Answer 6

My fiancee also wanted a mossenite ring. She is also morally opposed to diamonds. I couldn't find one either, and I didn't want to buy an engagement ring I'd never seen online. I ended up going to JCPenney and getting her a "simulated" diamond ring. It is so sparkley- she loved it! Diamondart is the brand, everyone compliments her on it and no one can tell its not a diamond- even her friends mom who is a professional jeweler! Tell him to check out JCPenney

Answer 7

Of course the jewelry clerk said "Oh, that..."  What else does she have to stand on other than being an ignorant diamond snob?  I'm 100% with you, the diamond industry is absolutely terrible and corrupt any way you look at it.  I have no idea how people can sleep wearing those things.  I proudly wear a 3-stone Moissanite ring and matching band, and I get tons of compliments on it, even from guys.  (got the band on Amazon if you're interested...look under "curved moissanite band")  And yes, I do explain to them that it's a Moissanite and they think it's wonderful.  Did you know they were first discovered in the meteor craters in Northern Arizona and are now created from that chemical compound?  (that's where I live)

If he wants to buy it in person, JC Penney and Helzberg are your best bets.  Have him register with a salesperson at Penney's and they can call him when they have specials or their semi-annual Moissanite trunk shows.  And of course there are lots of online sources for them.  Demand is growing and so is the supply, so as they're able to produce more we'll see more retailers carry them.  Enjoy your ethical sparkler!

Answer 8

I'm just very curious as to what diamonds have to do with politics?

(Not trying to be insulting, I really am interested in knowing the answer.)

Answer 9

I wonder if you (or your boyfriend) could buy moissanite as a loose (unset) gemstone...try looking for it online. You can then take your stone to a jeweler who'd be happy to mount it in the setting YOU want.