Quote Originally Posted by Soleggiato View Post
For sure lol. Shiny things and women go hand in hand... I always get left behind staring at all the pretty shiny things at a store counter etc cause of the displays.

Good information Posh. The symbolism and status behind those stones can create too much of a want for the real deal. There are stones out there that are much prettier sometimes with the same symbolism too like garnets which I love because they can be a beautiful crimson. Palladium sounds like a great replacement for my favorite platinum. I wouldn't mind a ring made out of that.

I wonder how many people consider or believe in the stones other "properties" like symbolism, healing attributes etc when they think about or purchase them though...

On the diamond ring note, I just bought a white topaz ring. Its so beautiful and looks like a diamond, just as brilliant but definitely more cost effective. Perfect substitute. Gorgeous arrangement, just what I'd want my real ring to look like whenever that comes my way but with a better quality band haha. I guess its still kinda bad because we want to stop mining and replace all these stones with lab created ones though
Thanks, Sole. And me too! I don't need any prompting whatsoever to go drooling through Cartier or Tiffany. As a matter of fact, if I get anywhere near Chevy Chase and it's daylight, I'll head that way. I LUV the Cartier store! Not regular love, real LUV! LOL

I've seen a number of white topaz pieces around on the 'Net and wondered what they looked like in person and properly cut and faceted. Do they really give off a diamond-like presence? And palladium is a no-brainer as it has all the platinum properties and none of the downsides, like the crazy cost. There always seems to be a lower cost alternative in the luxury goods arena. You get quality and you can even get value. I tell people all the time that it is out there.

I have no idea what goes through people's minds when they buy these things. It's all so very arbitrary when we go looking for things that convey what we should just be able to express through actions and words. I hate that there's suffering involved with mining certain gems and for me that would tarnish my enjoyment of the stone or anything else. It's just like the most delicious foods are the most cruel to make, e.g. foie gras and veal! Diamonds are so beautiful but wouldn't you know it! there's amazing cruelty and pain surrounding them.

A moissy, Asha or cultured diamond (or lab created stone like emeralds, etc.) can provide the same pleasure and there's no real insanity surrounding their creation. I believe getting one of these stones has greater symbolism because it shows that your guy (or gal) cares not just about you but is kind enough to be considerate of other people out in the world he has never seen or met. Someone that conscientious is keeper!