All That Glitters is GOLD and DIAMONDS!

YAY! I finally got my ring back from the jeweler's!!!

I wanted to start the first few posts by sounding as un-materialistic as possible because when it comes down to it, I really didn't put the ring very high as "wedding must-haves." I mean, I love the engagement ring as a symbol, one unbroken, never-ending piece of material that acts much like a good marriage should where even if there are "bumps" in the road, the path continues indefinitely.  However, I don't value diamonds so highly.

First of all, I don't like what I hear about the diamond trade - children and adults in 3rd world countries getting treated badly and paid very little for some corporate diamond mogul (DeBeers) to make bank on the rocks that they pull from the ground. I don't know the specifics anymore (there was a time when I really cared about that) but I do know that it's an evil, evil industry and should be supported as little as possible.

Second of all, I really hate the fact that diamonds cost so damn much. Why would I want my husband-to-be to spend the equivalent of our honeymoon, or worse our wedding, or even worse our FIRST NEW CAR, on a piece of jewelry that I wear every day and risk breaking, getting robbed or simply losing? (Note: I'm not a lose-y person, I take hella good care of my stuff but who knows what can happen with your hands since you use them all day? I could take a horrible fall and have my hand swell up to twice the size and then have to have my ring cut off. <--That happened to my grandma).  Anyway, I'd much rather spend the money on experiences or useful items or both.

So I had told Math, directly and indirectly, that I didn't want a diamond; that I'd be happy with a cubic zirconia or glass or a plastic bottle ring. OK, maybe not the last one b/c it would likely be too big, but you get my point right? I care about the ring for what it symbolizes not what it is materially. HOWEVER....Wonderful man that Math is...he did A TON of research and managed to find a sustainable, human diamond company called Ikuma by Ben Bridge that harvests (gathers?) their diamonds from Canada. They claim to have sustainable mining practices, innovative engineering and collaboration with indigenous communities. Now, obviously you can't be 100% certain without seeing it, but I'm confident that they are doing the best they can.

And I have to give Math kudos for doing all the research. He went to a lot of places and learned about and looked at a lot of diamonds. All things that show me what a sweet man he is...I mean, he's got to be dedicated to learn about jewelry. hehe!  And the diamond is especially sparkly! I'm convinced it's way more sparkly than Africa diamonds (probably b/c there's no blood in it to cloud it up. lol).

Also, I have to say that I am proud at him for his taste. He got me a magnificent .41 karat diamond in a gold band without breaking the bank. And since this blog is supposed to document my wedding planning journey, I will be completely candid about the price: about $1000.  Which is incredibly good taste on his part...Little Zoe will still get clothes and food and toys and we'll be able to keep our house and cars and save for the honeymoon! I guess the ring really does prove whether or not the guy's a keeper - And I'd definitely say HE IS!

Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for: The Ring!