Fake Diamond Jewelry

Q: Moissanite is a stone that has recently been discovered. 9 out of 10 jewelers cannot tell the difference between a moissanite and a diamond, AND it is almost as hard as a diamond. Since I am very low on cash, I am thinking of buying an engagement ring with one 3/4carat moissanite with 2 small .20 carat diamonds on the side. Of course, after I give her the ring, I will explain that since she wants a big wedding I had to cut corners on the ring, but I will replace it with a diamond when we can afford to... Has anyone done this? Is this too tacky? (I am only trying to keep us from having a huge debt, since the wedding is costing me - us - so much...) And she knows I am having to borrow the money for everything... Comments?

A:Actually, a smaller diamond is well in the price range of a large moissanite ring...this stuff (moissanite) isn't inexpensive...but IMO, you are paying a lot of money for a synthetic imitation - like I said...a glorified CZ. The hype over these things in incredible...and what it does is suck in the gullible consumer who wants the "look" of an expensive stone without the quality. Yuck! A fake is a fake, regardless of how "good" it looks. Why not spend the money you would have spent on a 1ct. moissanite, and get a nice 1/2 ct. diamond (or whatever the equivalent is...)? I don't know anyone who would want *any* fake gemstone...especially as an engagement ring...Why bother? You might as well wear costume jewelry. I personally would rather do without a gem at all (and opt for a plain gold ring) than to have a "fake". I agree with Katie in that the ONE thing you SHOULD do, is ask her what her feelings are on the subject....don't just spring a fake stone on her. If she likes the look and the shine of a big ole fat diamond - but doesn't care about the quality or value - a moissanite might be okay to her. On the other hand, she may be of the school that nothing but the real thing will do... Another thing I suggest you do is go to a well-established neighborhood jeweler with a good reputation. He should be able to tell you what the current market value of a diamond is, and should be able to show you nice rings (diamonds, mined gemstones, or whatever) in your price range. Buy the stone separately if you can, and get it set. Avoid large chains and "mall" jewelry stores...they are bad news.

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