More about stones...

I've been doing some important research this week with regards to where I buy my diamonds from. I always make sure that my stones are "conflict free", but the sheer fact that hundreds of tonnes of earth have to be moved just to find one tiny diamond is something that's always bothered me.

So, today, I'm delighted to be able to announce that I have a found an alternative... 

"MADE diamonds" claim to be the most advanced lab created diamond ever produced and are visually identical to mined diamonds, but with the big difference of being environmentally friendly and ethical. On top of all that, they are based only a few miles away from me in Birmingham's jewellery quarter!

MADE Diamonds are completely conflict free and just like the traditional mined version are intended to last a lifetime. They won't ever fade or lose their sparkle like other inferior stones often used as diamond alternatives. They have an almost identical surface hardness to a diamond, but without many of the impurities and flaws you often find in mined diamonds, making them equal if not better in quality.

I hope I'm selling these to you because personally, I've found that the vast majority of people looking for a diamond engagement ring will not worry too much about the impact that their gorgeous sparkly rock has on our beautiful earth. However, I don't think that's because they don't care (well I hope this is the case anyway), I think it's because weddings are all about tradition, which means a diamond, and they don't realise that a much more ethical alternative exists.

MADE Diamonds have chosen to only allow a very select number of companies/designer's to use their diamonds and I'm very proud to say that I am one of them!

More Information about MADE Diamonds: http://www.madediamonds.co.uk/the-stones.html

A very interesting article from Guardian.com about lab grown diamonds: http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/diamonds-conflict-mines-environment-jewelry