VintageGent’s Menswear Daily

Etiquette on Fake Diamonds and AlmostDiamonds.Com Review

I used to discuss etiquette a bit more on this site, and a reader’s note reminded me of how much I miss it. If you have any etiquette questions related to fashion, etiquette from back in the day or just general lady and gentlemanliness, feel free to leave me a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

The question the reader posed was as follows:

Q:  Is giving or receiving fake diamond rings, or more so Fake Diamond Engagement Rings, a faux pax?  Not everyone can afford a big rock, and it seems that a lot of people trade them in anyways for something they rather have.

A:  I’m glad that you asked.

There are several things to consider here. Firstly, let’s go with the scenario that both parties are on the same page and are comfortable with the idea.  If both parties were on the same page, then I see no fashion crime committed. While it may not be the view you would expect me to take, this is a case where love trumps money.

Some individuals rightfully believe that the marriage is more important than the ring. If a nervous groom and blushing bride don’t have the funds to throw an expensive fete, or even a mid range fete, and it is the difference between waiting to buy a $2,000-10,000 diamond ring or proposing now, then a stand in might be an option.  It can be upgraded to a real diamond for an anniversary in the future, or all involved might be happy with the original.

In fact, Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ringsare a great option when you are traveling and don’t want to risk losing a ring on a scuba diving trip. A new bride may want to show off her new husband and new ring to new friends, but wants the real one to stay in the safe deposit box. When flashing someone a ring, you can’t really tell that its not white gold and is sterling silver  (I recommend going with sterling silver for longevity rather than a composite metal…that is a definite) instead. Of course, a jeweler would, but in a normal social setting it would be unquestioned. Of course, if the stone is extremely large, then it might be.

I also know many people who are in the manufacturing business, in trades, or work on farms.  They might need to leave their engagement ring off most of the time for safety reasons.  They may feel it is a better investment to put money in the band, rather than in a bauble they won’t wear.  They may appreciate a fake diamond to wear in social settings.  Oh, and don’t forget theatrical productions and films where it would break the budget to buy real.

When a fashion crime may be committed is when you find the most outlandish ring you can for daily wear.  Just like wearing a ten carat diamond, it may come across as pretentious.  Just consider the person receiving it, and if you are the one wearing it, consider the overall style you usually prefer.

Next, let’s go with the scenario where the bride to be is in the dark.  If one party is being dishonest to the other and pointing out , and passing them off as real, then that is another issue entirely. Marriage should be built on honesty and trust, and starting out by being deliberately dishonest to someone is not the way to go.  I suggest instead of proposing, you examine if you have been honest to your spouse to be in other areas of your life.  If this is the only glaring omission if you follow through with it, I would come clean.  Test the waters to see if your idea will fly and if it doesn’t, go right to Plan B and get a diamond.  Have it come up in conversation.  You can talk about “a friend of yours” or talk about fake rings in general and that you think they are great for whatever reason.  Then let that open up the discussion. You really should know your spouse to be well enough by now to know if it is a good idea to even approach the topic or not.

Of course, this shouldn’t replace everyone’s giving and getting of a diamond, but it is not a complete fashion “no”.

AlmostDiamonds.com is where we got the photos from.  They have a wide selection of faux diamonds for any budget.