There is not doubt about the value of a diamond jewelry. Over the centuries, man are trying to create the perfect synthetic diamond, something that will look like a diamond jewelry on the naked eye.

As early as 1893, there are already attempts in creating substitutes to diamonds. The first attempt to make a man made diamond was done by Frederic Henri Moissan which involved heating charcoal and adding pressure that caused changes from the graphite into a diamond.   But it was 1979 when mass production of diamond imitations became possible.  

De Beers was the first to coin the term, “ A Diamond is Forever” during the 1940s.   With this kind of advertising, diamond became the usual stone for engagement rings.  Before, during 1930s, engagement rings would usually have opals, rubies and sapphires for their stone.  The value of diamonds started to increase, so was the attempts to create a perfect synthetic diamond.

By 1955, General Electric produced small artificial diamonds which where of the same quality as industrial diamonds.  Synthetic diamonds were created by exposing carbon dioxide to heat over a metal surface.  The heat was created or generated by several lasers. Today, they are mass produced with production reaching as much as 100 tons every year.

Here are some lists of diamond imitating stones:  

• Rock crystals or rhinestones are crystallized quartz which can look like a diamond, however, they could get easily scratched.  

• Zircon is another kind of stone which could pose as a diamond.  By exposing the stone to heat, it could turn colorless making it look like quartz and diamond.  Just like rhinestones they could get easily scratched.  
• Cubic zirconia is called the grandfather of artificial diamonds.  As a diamond copy, it is synonymous with low-cot jewelry and not as a decent fashion accessory.  

• Russian diamonds are also cubic zirconia stones.  The difference is that they are of high quality and can cause about $280 per carat.  These stones are usually mounted in metal settings that are worth real stones.

• Moissanite is another kind of stone which is created or made inside the laboratory.  Just like a diamond, it is a hard kind of stone.  Although they are relatively more affordable than diamonds, they are still expensive.  Moissanite tends to give a greenish shade in natural light and may sparkle too much because its light reflection characteristics. These characteristics make it easier for some expert to differentiate a moissanite from a real diamond.

• Another best imitation of the diamond would be from the Diamond Nexus.  The Nexus and the real diamond’s characteristics are so close together.  The Diamond Nexus could cut glass due to its hardness and sparkle and can be just as brilliant as the real diamond.  Because they are just being introduced in the market, they considerably cost lower.

• Gemisis cultured diamond is another diamond copy.  The difference with the real diamond is that they cannot be made into a clear and white color.  

• Other synthetic diamonds would be strontium titanate, artificial rutile and spinel.  

There’s quite a number of synthetic or man made diamonds available.  Buying them is not illegal, but if the jeweller is trying to sell of man-made diamonds as real diamonds, then there will be a problem.  Which is why when buying diamond jewelry always ask for certification. If you would like to buy a nice present for a loved one but would like to stay within budget, then buying man-made diamond jewelry is not a bad idea.

Get more complete tips on choosing diamond jewelry, visit: www.diamondjewelry.getmytips.com

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In no way does an engagement ring need to be a diamond. An engagement does not even need a ring — a symbol of fidelity and eternal love — because the ring is a symbol ; it is not the commitment itself. However, if one is considering an engagement ring, the personality, style and preference of the recipient all play a role as well as any meaning or significance for the couple.

I certainly don’t think that it has to be a diamond. I know it’s tradition, but I think that the biggest thing about an engagement ring is that the person who will be wearing it has to like it (and not just because it’s an engagement ring). If that means it is something less traditional, that’s great. I think that having some originality on your style never hurts. And maybe there will be fewer blood diamonds in the mix.

“In the 1930s, De Beers set out to establish social status for large diamonds through giving a number of starlets hefty stones, arranging for glamorous photo shoots, and script-doctoring Hollywood movies to include scenes of jewelry shopping. The tradition began to be manipulated more closely in one particular aspect–the act of giving. Those starlets told tales of being surprised by their large stones. Movie scenes featured a hero giving his gal a big rock and watching her eyes grow wide with joy. The diamond began to be injected into relationships between men and women as a reproducible act–a script for life, not just film–and an inseparable part of courtship and marriage. In 1947, De Beers’ ad agency came up with the massively successful slogan “A diamond is forever,” which implied that diamonds don’t crack, break, or lose value. (They do.) The slogan became so entrenched that the only proper way to “dispose” of diamonds was to hand them down to a female descendant.”

This really depends on the person. Tradition says the engagement ring should cost the amount you earn in a month, and be diamond. It’s best to get an idea of what she wants by asking her somehow, without indicating that you’re going to buy her one.

I think most girls would like a diamond, but you can always add smaller stones either side, that perhaps have sentimental value (her birthstone for example), or that she likes. You should communicate with her and ask what is important to her. A surprise seems like a great idea but remember, she will be wearing it for years to come, possibly her whole life! Imagine if she picked out a hat that you had to wear everyday, from now on. You would want some input right? You could also consider asking her mother or sister if she has one of those still around.

To most people, the engagement ring stands for your commitment and love for each other. Whether diamond, gemstone, or a simple band, it’s your promise of eternal devotion that should be seen by your fiance’ every time she looks at the ring on her finger. My personal opinion is that people should move away from the “materialistic” tradition of ring giving and move toward the true meaning behind engagement and marriage. I think the whole thing is bogus. It seems unreasonable to expect men to pay 2 to 3 times your monthly salary on a ring! If you want to buy into that BS, go right ahead. With the divorce rate as high as it is, you can always find wedding rings and engagement rings at pawn shops much cheaper than at retail jewelers. Then take the rings to the jeweler for sizing and cleaning. She will never know unless you tell her.

Andy Moquin has spent 20 years in the jewelry industry with much of his experience in polished diamonds, rings , tacori and custom jewelry design. He is an accomplished business consultant and is available for advice on topics such as marketing, advertising, merchandising and business turnarounds.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/does-engagement-ring-needs-to-be-diamond-1590775.html