“A diamond is forever.”

With this famous and enormously effective tagline, DeBeers has engrained in our minds that the only way to show true love is through the gift of diamonds. After all, what better conveys the longevity of one’s love than nature’s hardest substance?  But is the message really worth the price?   While diamonds are gorgeous stones that with the right cut, clarity and color, can take the breath away — quality diamonds are only getting more expensive each year.  Bear in mind as well that we should also not be ignorant of the violence, corruption, and human rights abuses involved in the diamond industry. Because of the demand and love affair that we have for these precious gems, conflict diamonds have infiltrated a large part of the Western diamond market.  So before you declare your love (or before you demand that love to be declared), consider conflict-free diamonds or other earth-friendly, but equally fashionable, routes.

To take an alternative route from mined diamonds, one may consider diamond simulants and other stones that provide the bling both at a fraction of the price and without the blood.

MOISSANITE
Moissanite is usually man-made due to the rarity of the natural mineral.  It’s hardness is comparable to the hardness of a diamond, but the clarity is usually at a VS1 to VS2 level, having very slight inclusions.  The color is also darker than a colorless (IF) diamond, generally at the I-K color range and noted to have some green undertones and hues.  These are great to wear as earring studs as they have a lot of fire and brilliance despite some color variance.

WHITE SAPPHIRE
Sapphires come naturally in an array of colors, but the white sapphire can be an excellent diamond substitute.  It also is the next hardest natural mineral after the diamond.  Large colorless sapphires are rare, and they still cost a pretty penny.  There are also simulated sapphires in production for industrial and fine jewelry purposes, so it is a matter of taste and preference to what is purchased.

ASHA
The Asha simulated diamonds have an added diamond bonds to coat their stones, adding more light and brilliance.  Many wearers of Asha believe this to be the best comparison to a diamond, based on the color and clarity, as well as the hardness and longevity.  Asha can scratch, but it has to skid across a brick wall to really show the scratches.

CUBIC ZIRCONIA
A good quality cubic zirconia stone can look almost exactly like a real diamond.  It is not as strong as a diamond, however, so regular use will show wear and tear.  A lot of department stores carry cubic zirconia, so they are easy to find, try on and compare before purchasing.

For those who love real diamonds, be sure to confirm with the jeweler that the diamonds were ethically mined.  You also visit organic and conflict-free jewelry sites such as Brilliant Earth or Tiffany’s to purchase these gems.  With beauty comes cost, but hopefully it does not cost lives or support unethical practices.