Generally speaking a wedding is one of the most expensive things that a young couple will buy, and an engagement ring is part of that expense. Buying an environmentally friendly engagement ring doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of options when looking into buying an eco-friendly ring.
Diamond Engagement Ring
According to Global Witness, conflict diamonds are diamonds that are used by rebel groups to increase conflict and civil wars which lead to millions of lives being lost. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda also use diamonds to finance their activities. It’s hard to estimate how many diamonds are “blood diamonds.”
Many women want a diamond engagement ring, so here are some green alternatives that decrease the potential of buying a conflict diamond:
- Heirloom Diamond: Give a diamond engagement ring that is being passed down through the family. If the ring being passed down isn’t the right style, the couple can find a jeweler who will melt down the metal and use the diamond to create a “new” ring.
- Antique Diamond Ring: Purchase an antique ring that recycles a ring that has already been made and purchased. Usually one can find antique rings that cost much less than the average $7,000 dollars that is spent on an engagement ring.
- Canadian Diamond Ring: In the Northwest Territories of Canada, there are strict environmental and working-condition regulations regarding diamond mining.
- Synthetic and Cultured Diamond Rings: Buy one of these rings that cost less and guarantee that they didn’t come at the expense of the environment and human lives.
Diamond Alternatives
- Ring Tattoo: Instead of buying a ring, a couple can get matching ring tattoos. This can work for wedding rings as well.
- Forgo the Ring: Who says that an engagement has to include a ring? A couple can decide that a ring isn’t a necessary part of their engagement process. A man could give his significant other something other than a ring that means something important in their relationship.
- Wood Rings: A couple could use wood rings instead of engagement and wedding rings. Check out Touch Wood Rings, Wood Rings, or Simply Wood Rings if interested in this option.
If the thought of buying a faux diamond or wood ring makes one nauseous, consider using the engagement ring as the wedding ring as well. Double duty is an environmentally friendly concept. If a couple already bought a diamond engagement ring but wants to make their wedding eco-friendly, using the engagement ring as a wedding ring is a good alternative.
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