I know the same conversation happens with gemstones other than diamonds. It took millions of years for this gem to grow in the earth. The conditions had to be *just* right, chemical compounds, time, heat, pressure etc. Given the many wonders and complexities of the universe a gemstone is not more fascinating/impressive to me than a tree, an orchid, a supernova or a person!

What is impressive to me is that we have the ability to create diamonds and gemstones in a lab identical to the ones that took millions of years and *just* right conditions to grow in the earth. We can only guess with a % of certainty what the weather is going to be today but we can grow diamonds and gems!

My science geeky family is obviously rubbing off on me, lol.

I don't think it is! But unlike other natural wonders, you can adorn yourself with them!

But a stunning sequoia that has lived hundreds of years is more interesting *to me* than one that is cultivated someplace it shouldn't be because of someone's diligence. They're both incredible, the there's a difference. This is walking a find line, and I don't want to get into some of the areas this could touch but the fact is nature is FASCINATING. Man made replicas are fascinating, but in different ways. I can love them both, but they are two different things.

I hope you know I'm not trying to squabble e-taylor. I understand and appreciate what you mean just offering the other side.

I would counter that a lab grown diamond/gem isn't a replica like a knock off purse or print is a replica of the original. It is actually a diamond. I don't know of anyone who has created a tree, lol. A tree replica might be made of pasted/pressed together wood particles and be very convincing but it isn't really a tree any more than a knock of LV bag is an LV. But a lab grown diamond (not a moissy or asha or cz) IS a diamond. A lab grown ruby IS a ruby, etc.

There's no right or wrong here. In formation they are different even though the end result is the same. I appreciate them both!!

Does it sparkle? Can I put it in a ring? Those are my big questions!

that is all I'm saying! There are two sides and one isn't simply "ignorant" or "snobby."

And I dont' know anyone who has created a tree (a terrible analogy-though monsanto is probably close) but cultivated one? Sure! A better analogy might have been hydroponic veggies vs. earth grown perhaps. I'll happily eat both, but they are different!

Ha ha, +1!

Jcent, it is perfectly OK to like diamonds and kudos to you for getting what you love.... As long as you don't try to shove that they are far superior down our throats...

Seriously, that's great... Diamonds are beautiful! If I had tons of spare cash I would treat myself.

LOL... Same here.

Agreed on that as well.

I'll admit, I used to be a diamond snob in the sense that I loved them and wanted a beautiful diamond ring...but I'd never have knocked anyone for their choice. I was also very young and had never heard of any alternatives other than cheap CZ's (which you can tell from a diamond a mile away, usually, LOL). Now that I'm more informed and there are more people willing to share their photos...I can't imagine I'll ever go back unless I win the mega millions!

seriously....a ruby or an emerald of the same carat weight can cost far more than a diamond. but it's something to be pitied?