What would you prefer other than a diamond?

Question

Why does it seem that women who say they are not gold diggers or not only with a man for his money always expect a big diamond ring if they are gonna get a marriage proposal? I personally do not like diamonds because they are blood diamonds and are all mined through forced labor by men, women, and children.

Even though some people know this they still wear diamonds, especially women. After knowing the truth about diamonds and how they get here, I never wanted another diamond in my life. I would much rather prefer an emerald from North Carolina. Even though most people know about the forced labor that fuels the diamond trade why do they still spend so much on diamonds?

Answer 1

Not to be rude, but you've been watching way too many movies. The majority of diamonds sold in this country are from a mine in Canada. And the ones that are not are sold under strict Kimberly diamond regulations. While its true that in the past many diamonds sold in this country did come from terrible situations like in the Congo, once it came to light what was going on (about 10 years ago now) our government cracked down on the diamond trade the same way we did on the ivory trade.

Plus if you do a little more research you'll find that the De-Beers mines that are owned in Africa are very good working places for the people to make money at. They treat their employees fairly and pay them a good wage.

I did my home work because I love gem stones and diamonds in particular, I have a small custom jewlery making business.

Diamonds are not rare, but nothing shines like a good quality one!! Don't count them out because Hollywood tryed to tell you, you should.

Answer 2

Emeralds cost much more than diamonds and they're my favorite stone.  Another favorite are opals.  Good opals are positively breathtaking; its as though they possess supernatural powers.  Really good ones will knock your socks off.  Diamonds pale in comparison to emeralds and opals.

A good option is to buy diamonds mined in the Canadian arctic.  Look for the polar bear insignia.  They cost more, but I'm worth it :)

Answer 3

Yeah, and the clothes you're wearing were probably made in Central American sweatshops. Deal with it.

That's fantastic. Congratulations.

Answer 4

money

Answer 5

I agree with you on the diamonds, after seeing the movie "Blood diamond." I hated them.

I think my birth stone would be nice, but diamonds noooo.

Answer 6

Woman who say they don't want a diamond either:

a. can't get a man to buy them one

b. haven't ever tried on a REAL diamond ring

c. does not know the excitement of actually receiving one and owning it

d. uses the "blood diamond" excuse without doing their homework

Down payments, cars, vacations can come later. This is a chance for the guy to spoil you before you get settled in the monotony of bills, children and 9-5. I say take advantage of it. Not a gold digger, just an opportunist. Men who say woman who want diamonds are just gold diggers are just cheapos trying to find an excuse to be cheap.

Answer 7

Diamonds aren't rare and they're ugly. I prefer emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.

Answer 8

Real estate.

When I was in my 20's , about to get married, we examined our finances and chose to put a down payment on a house instead of buying a diamond engagement ring.  

Never did like diamonds...the only ones I own were inherited.

Answer 9

There's always lab created...honestly I don't see why people write those off. I say if it sparkles like the real thing then why should I care that it was made in a lab? Emeralds are nice...so are sapphires and those mystic fire topaz.

Answer 10

i like emeralds too because green is my fav color, hmm maybe ill ask for a peridot ring for engagement since its my birth stone. i personally dont hate diamonds i mean they look pretty but im not a gold digger and i can live without one. and i especially dont want one if they are blood diamonds...i dont really need a ring for proposal at all whats the point in it? i guess its a symbol of love but still

Answer 11

Luckily for whoever'd be proposing to me, I love opals. White opals, specifically, the cheapest kind.  I think they're absolutely beautiful, and they won't break the bank. They're also plentiful.

I'm also quite partial to the uncommon tsavorite, which is a an absolutely stunning green garnet.

Answer 12

I like diamonds, but only when they come from my home country (Canada) and not a country where the people who dig them up get their hands cut off. If only blood diamonds were available, I'd buy an opal. (I like them better, anyway.)

Answer 13

I would prefer a Ferrari that's just me

Answer 14

Not all diamonds are blood diamonds, but they are mostly a very big business, very well organised scam.

People pay hundreds of dollars for quarter of a carat, sometimnes for a quarter of a quarter, when the stone is inferior to begin with (or wouldn't have been cut so small), and you cannot see the fire or light in a diamond that small to begin with.

Diamonds have great marketting, and a lot of people fall for it.

Cheers :-)

Answer 15

Pearls are beautiful. Or a house on a hill.

Answer 16

people pay for dimonds because for one it is a traditional wedding proposal now and days also most people dont like to consider what is being done to get them now n days

Answer 17

I once designed an emerald ring for my then fiance'.

I also like rubies, tourmaline, peridot and jade!

Hope this helps!