Poll: Lab or Natural Gems for Engagement Rings

[Mr Jones]

Can a mod create a poll for me?

Which precious gem type would you go for an engagement ring?
1) Natural (Earth's own creation over time)
2) Lab Created (Man's tech and knowledge in a tiny package)
3) Coal (Pressures of marriage will turn that into a gem eventually)

Basically it's time for me to get down on one knee soon and I'm stumped by gems and rings. I know of the existence of man-made precious gems but to now be on the purchasing end of it, I am rather confused.

On the one hand, natural precious gem makes it flawed (nothing is perfect), but it took years, century, even millennia for these gems to form. The money spend on it represents the time it took to form naturally, to be dug, shaped and polished into the end product. The title of 'natural' gem as opposed to the general myth of "fake". Possibility of conflict gems, which is hard to proof unless buying certified ones.

On another hand, there's lab created gems that is almost always perfect and as a product, encompass the knowledge of Man's understanding of nature and building the technology to create one at will. The price is certainly cheaper but it also allows for bigger gem. No chance of conflict gems.

So which route did you go down, natural, lab created or you just bought it because it's shiny / what you could afford / WTF is a gem?

 

[Mr Jones]

Has your prospective partner expressed any views on the matter?

Nope.
She does not wear any ring jewellery, minimal on the ear rings and and necklace, both of which I've gotten her before and they were novelty style or without gems.

Never complaint or made a specific comment.

 

[Mr Jones]

...so I got a £12 ring from Argos & then she could choose her own afterwards.

Now that's an idea.
However, it feels like I've not given much thought about it.

That said, I have access to create a specific size/shape ring that's edible. Could be an option too.

 

[Mr Jones]

Also getting ring size can be tricky. There is the her ring finger up your bum technique but its not accurate

I've roped in a friend to help, subtle I hope.

also had a friend that proposed with a haribo ring...

I develop products for them, so I can make one more specific to my need. That should tick the thought into this proposal criteria? Though working here and knowing how many customers does this, it's almost a cliche tbh.

Cheapest that fulfills social criteria

We have a house deposit to save.

I am not going with the marketing nonsense of 2 or 3 months pay check.
I know she likes gems, she likes the colour and it's not too big a cost for something of sentiment.

 

[Mr Jones]

i thought you were already married ?

Been sinners for the last 8.5 years.

Call her my missus once and it just stuck, so the assumption that we're married is there, but never really need to correct it as we both know where we stand.

I might just be getting myself wound up about being a traditionalist, asking the dad (going to), getting a ring and propose etc. House is important but a simple marriage and "oven baking" with a couple of kids is on the cards, so I thought, why not get the ball rolling.

Otherwise, I know we may just keep coasting it whilst saving for a house deposit and by the time the mortgage is paid, we're old and childless.

FYI, I wasn't going for diamonds. Too boring.

 

[Mr Jones]

What's her birth stone? Does she wear gold or silver jewellery (if ever)?

Definitely silver or white gold. Birth stone is Emerald, which is also the colour she likes.

Given your profession, I still maintain that a haribo ring is the most affordable and appropriate solution.

It's a cliche, especially so when we're both in the same business!

------------------------------

I knew my social upbringing in Singapore will come to haunt me. Thinking too much about a ring and now even to the point of keeping up with the Jones' with proposal ideas!

At least I have not set a specific date to do the deed yet, otherwise I'll just pressure myself into a diamond.

 

[Mr Jones]

set real ring inside haribo? can't be anyone that can manage that trick!
(downside, she might choke)

Now that's different... and possible!

On another note:

Amazon Sells Rings!

WHAT?!

 

[Mr Jones]

I bought a diamond, proposed with that, and then let her choose her own ring design

You can get a good deal on lone diamond from the online traders, like bue-nile. You will pay much less than on the high street, and get a much nicer quality diamond too!

That is different - so you literally buy a lone diamond and then buy a ring design elsewhere, asking the seller to attach it?

Do you buy one with a specific cut?

 

[Mr Jones]

OP, do you have a ring of historical interest, like the ring with which your grandfather proposed to your grandmother?

Nothing quite as fancy unfortunately.
I should check with her nan but that will probably give the secret away, she cant keep secrets!

Go to an auction house and get something second hand. I used to work in an auction house so that was the way I done it. You're money will go a lot further!

Does auction house sell them verified our do they tend to go based on WYSIWYG?

 

[Mr Jones]

The most romantic material is obviously concrete. It's durable and it's a strong foundation for building on - perfect symbolism.

Although there's a slight possibility that I might be getting this romance thing a bit wrong

Might work as a good single unit knuckle duster!

Always wondered why it had to be ring, also i should remark that the ring on the man was nothing more than American Marketing, hilarious really.

We're both in the food industry, so no rings in factory.

Tattooing my finger as a symbol have crossed my mind but that's to be discussed later.

 

[Mr Jones]

Could cut the ring finger off, now that's commitment.

Too much commitment that.

How am I suppose to type the letter L / O and punctuate?
(Wait, do you wear the rings on left or right hand?)