Moissanite engagement rings?

So I don't want to buy my girlfriend a diamond ring because I am anti-diamond because I'm sick of the ridiculous bs and myths that the diamond companies have been spiting out for the last 60 years on top of the whole conflict diamond issue, but she still is somewhat into "tradition" so I'm thinking about getting her a moissanite engagement ring but really have no idea where to shop for them.

Does anyone know of anywhere that sells them actually in stores, or of any other more ethical alternatives to a diamond engagement ring?

I have been looking at lab-made diamonds. Chemical is the same as a natural diamond but created in a lab. So, there are no diamond cartel issues. I have been looking on ebay and amazon. Just make sure you are not getting a cubic zirconia. There is a difference. The lab made real diamonds are not for bigger than 1/2 carat. Bigger than that, natural diamonds are cheaper. Moissanite is a nice stone but the patent is going off in 2015? and the price may plummet after that. So, if you wait a year or two, it may not cost what it would cost now.

Another option would be to go with a vintage ring. A lot of people these days are choosing that option. Around here there are several jewelry stores that only sell vintage rings. I like the thought of having something that has some history to it, but it's not for everyone.

I've never cared for diamonds, so when it came time to pick a ring for me, we went with an emerald solitaire. I get lots of compliments on it.

Quote from Zoe Moon : Another option would be to go with a vintage ring. A lot of people these days are choosing that option. Around here there are several jewelry stores that only sell vintage rings. I like the thought of having something that has some history to it, but it's not for everyone. I've never cared for diamonds, so when it came time to pick a ring for me, we went with an emerald solitaire. I get lots of compliments on it.

How did you find these jewelry stores that sold vintage rings?

Quote from deborahc : I have been looking at lab-made diamonds. Chemical is the same as a natural diamond but created in a lab. So, there are no diamond cartel issues. I have been looking on ebay and amazon. Just make sure you are not getting a cubic zirconia. There is a difference. The lab made real diamonds are not for bigger than 1/2 carat. Bigger than that, natural diamonds are cheaper. Moissanite is a nice stone but the patent is going off in 2015? and the price may plummet after that. So, if you wait a year or two, it may not cost what it would cost now.

I had no idea about the patent, that explains a lot. I don't think I could wait 2 more years though seeing as we have been together for nearly 5 now and I've been saying for a few years now that if we got married it would be after I graduated college...which happens in May.