I've always thought the "2-3 months salary" cost benchmark for engagement ring cost was a bunch of rubbish; sly marketing @ its finest. It probably doesn't get more because the producers (DeBeers et al) realize that more attention might lead many people to the logical conclusion that regardless of whatever checking process, there's no guarantee where that stone's been. Thus, the only way to satisfy your conscience is to avoid diamonds altogether and look into other types of jewelry. They can't have that happening and dealers/Resellers probably agree.

As I wrote a while ago, I think another interesting thing is how the fact that there are now equally beautiful, [url=http://akuse.com/Blog/...

I've always thought the "2-3 months salary" cost benchmark for engagement ring cost was a bunch of rubbish; sly marketing @ its finest. It probably doesn't get more because the producers (DeBeers et al) realize that more attention might lead many people to the logical conclusion that regardless of whatever checking process, there's no guarantee where that stone's been. Thus, the only way to satisfy your conscience is to avoid diamonds altogether and look into other types of jewelry. They can't have that happening and dealers/Resellers probably agree.

As I wrote a while ago, I think another interesting thing is how the fact that there are now equally beautiful, synthetic diamonds doesn't get more attention. A couple of firms like have successfully cultured these stones including the rarer forms like yellow/pink ones, with equal/better clarity and sizing, therefore 100% conflict-free DeBeers response = spearheading massive effort to discredit them with "gem defensive" programs. Why? -Its not like those firms are trying to pass their stones off as natrural/mined; they're quite proud of their accomplishments & want their products recognized in the right context. Guess its the least DB can do on behalf of customers who have sunken zillions on mined stones.

Bottomline, "real" diamonds are on the way out, albeit verrry slowly. Isn't an orchid an orchid regardless of whether it comes from a hothouse or from the wilds? Worked with cultured pearls, why not with diamonds? Cartel, cartel, cartel.