“I’m not a very traditional person,” Shoemaker said, tilting her hand to show off tiny diamonds that flanked the gray centerpiece on her white-gold band. She had gotten the extra stones from her mother. “I just never saw myself with the round, brilliant-cut white diamond, even though they’re absolutely gorgeous. It’s just not me.”
Growing numbers of consumers seeking engagement rings are turning to coloured , lab - grown or semi - precious diamonds , as well as ethically sourced metals , for their jewellery . Online marketplaces such as Pinterest , diamond and Etsy have helped consumers move away from the traditional engagement ring , disrupting the gemstone industry as they go . As well as offering a wider choice , " alternative " jewellery costs less ; a one - carat grey diamond costs $ 1,000 , compared with up to $ 4,000 for its brilliant - cut diamonds .