As we have talked about although there are heaps of cheaper stones that are still beautiful, diamonds are the classic stone to use for an engagement ring. However with the benefits of modern technology, there is an increasingly popular and cheap option which is to use man made diamonds in your ring. These diamonds are chemically almost identical to real ones, just as hard and beautiful, and of course quite a bit cheaper.

The most significant benefit, though, is that man made diamonds do not fund conflicts or contribute to the violation of human rights the way the real diamond trade does in many parts of the world. From Sierra Leone to the Democratic Republic of Congo, so-called ‘blood’ diamonds have been used to finance wars that have killed tens of thousands and made millions homeless. The pursuit of profit in the diamond trade has caused human rights violations on a massive scale in countries like Zimbabwe. In 2000, the diamond producing countries met in Pretoria, South Africa, and agreed to a scheme to halt the trade in blood diamonds. The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was supported by UN Resolution 55/66 in 2003, and called upon all nations involved in the diamond trade to ensure the provenance of diamonds to prevent the use of profits from the trade in conflicts. While the KPCS has reduced the trade in blood diamonds, it has not halted the trade entirely, because compliance with the Kimberly Process is voluntary and there is no effective enforcement mechanism. Trade in illicit diamonds still finances arms purchases and causes human rights abuses in too many countries in the world.

Diamonds can still be your best friend, and they can be forever. When they are manmade, you can also wear them with a clear conscience and be proud of what the symbol of your engagement means!.