Moissanite or Diamond

Definitely get what you want. I see lots of "non-traditional" engagement rings now, including mine. I have a few friends with colored stones. Mine is a topaz with a metallic coating on the bottom, which gives it a very unique silvery rainbow shimmer that I absolutely love. Like with men and wedding gowns, when you meet the right one, you'll know.

I loveeeeeeeeeeeee my mossy! I wouldn't trade it for anything! It's so sparkly and firey and I've gotten nothing but compliments on how pretty it is. I mean, it shoots rainbows in the sunlight, how is that not awesome?!

Diamonds are nice, but they are expensive. We're planning our wedding without the ring at present. It's just a formality. I've encouraged FH to look into aquamarine (my birthstone) or amber (my namesake) stones. It's all in what you make of it. I say embrace your decision!

The diamond industry inflates prices and exploits miners, and it's disgustingly political.

Diamonds have some great qualities, but moissanites' brillance is higher than diamonds and reflects more colors. Moissanites were originally found on a meteorite - how cool is that?!

Our jeweler even told us that he wishes more people got moissanites because they are more sparkly. You can check out moissanite.com to get some ideas on cuts and colors, and for me, the band was everything. We customized our band :-) Moissanites are less expensive but they are not "cheap" by any means.

Here's a pic of my E ring:

If you have no attachment to real diamonds, absolutely go with moissanite.

Yes, people who know a little jewelry can tell the difference (bigger the stone the more obvious it is). Only very expensive diamonds do not have flaws plus moissanite have a different "shine" and are and have a clear look. Moissanite are a great alternative though due to being so strong ( i think they are a 9.5 and diamonds are a 10). Honestly the only time I think poorly of someone who has a moissanite is when they try to pass it off as a diamond

If you are looking for a cheaper diamond ring look at pawn shops and ebay. We got both my rings on ebay for way less than a typical shop. Diamonds hold little value so you are paying for mostly the metal at these types of places. Also used diamonds are better for everyone ;].

I'm not necessarily looking for a cheaper ring. Pawn shops and eBay are out of the question because neither of us are okay with purchasing a diamond that is not conflict free. We already have a place picked out and know which bands we like, we just were considering different options for the main stone.