[RainRain]

As the title says....we just got engaged and are picking/designing a ring atm...I love simple elegant jewellery and love the look of diamonds, but not the price/conflict/environmental damage/child labour stuff about them...[no judgement to those with diamond, just how I feel personally]...so have looked into Moissanite, which seems to be pretty good in itself.

Would really like to hear of anyone who has one, and what they think of it, good, bad qualities etc.

[Eirinn]

I can't answer your question sorry, but if you Google "conflict free diamonds" you can find some ethical diamond sources.

[RainRain]

Thanks for that...but I think there are more issues surrounding diamonds than just the source of the stone...ie the env damage from mining. And as a jeweller told me recently that child labour is becoming common with the cutting of the diamond. I know I could go with finding an old diamond and recycle it, but that sounds time consuming and expensive.

[Apageintime]

I have Moissanite earrings, I get complemented on them all the time!

I've never had any problems with them (I've had them about 6 years now maybe), they're still just as pretty as when I received them. I had never heard of the stone before I got these earrings - so the only downside is that people might now know what it is if you're explaining it?

I understand your issues around diamonds, I have an Opal Engagement ring for the same reason.

Congratulations and good luck choosing a ring!

[PixieVee]

I considered Moissanite for an engagement ring too. In the end I chose a coloured stone, but from everything I hear they are lovely, good wearing stones

Congratulations on your engagement!

[RainRain]

Thanks, that's what I think....have seen 2 jewellers so far to get the setting designed and they both turned their noses up at the mention of moissanite...

Apage - I had considered opal. What "colour" opal did you go for?

[Apageintime]

I have a red one, I think they're called Mexican fire opals. It's very pretty!

[la di dah]

If you like antiques/vintage style, the resale price (even "good" jewelry, i.e. 18k gold and precious stones, or platinum) is not nearly as prohibitive as many jewellery stores would like you to believe. That diamonds don't really appreciate is a bit of a secret.

If you DON'T like old stuff I don't blame you and I have heard good stuff about Moissanite. Assuming you want that "clear" diamond look. I personally like coloured stones, lab-created emerald etc. but I actually ended up with a vintage ring. When I eventually get an anniversary band or similar, I will see if I can find a vintage piece I like, and if I can't, will probably go lab-created emerald.

Moissanite is probably easier to match to outfits though.

As far as vintage jewelry, I think it can be cheaper than buying stones and then getting them put into a new setting, actually. You just have to like what styles you can find.

[Corella]

I have a moissonite ring and love it. Much better story than usual about jewellery!

[RainRain]

Thanks for the replies. I was starting to doubt myself...and I hate that!! Lol. I think the jewellers were funny because it wasn't a natural stone...and prob because they won't make a commission on it??...