Project Reuse Ex. 4: E-Ring, Part II

First off I should apologize for being a Debbie Downer with my post yesterday about the high environmental and social cost of gold. This blog is intended to be inspirational and fun and not scolding people and showcasing my own guilt for desiring gold and diamonds. Hopefully these few posts can be inspirational for others to choose more ethical jewelry options.

Anyway as promised here is a photo of my e-ring. I absolutely love it! It is an antique from the 1920s in the Art Deco style. I really wanted an antique ring because I am an archaeologist and love old things and also because I have romantic dreams of having a vintage ring passed down in our family some day. Although it will have to be after I am gone because I am not taking this one off.
I also really wanted an antique ring because it is the ultimate in reuse and recycling. Matt purchased the ring himself after I showed him a few pics of what I liked. I am a simple girl so I wanted a simple ring - but something with a little pizazz (i.e. the filigree visible in the ring profile) but not too much. I wanted something that looked like an e-ring but didn't have a huge honkin' solitaire. He wanted to replace the diamond and purchased an Arkansas diamond because in addition to recycling the gold we wanted a conflict free stone.

With every choice there are tradeoffs, pros and cons. So hopefully our ring choice is a more sustainable option than a new purchase and we have done a little more to make our wedding a little greener.

This is also my 100th post. I think it is very fitting that it is about my engagemnet ring, it is what started our wedding process and hence this blog. Today also happens to be the anniversary of our 1st date. Aah, how momentous.