Mine ring is aquamarine and VERY pale. It can pass for a diamond. When I tell people that it's aquamarine, I've gotten very hesitant/rude responses.
"Oh, that's... nice." "You didn't want a diamond?" "Why did you get that?" "Couldn't he wait and save for a diamond?" "Why wouldn't you want a diamond?"
The truth is I've never wanted a diamond. I did gave a detailed report on the diamond industry in college and decided I didn't want one back then. And I inevitably get the question "How much did it cost?" and "Where did you get it?" The truth? We paid less than $100 due to a black friday sale and we got it at Sears. He was ready to spend at least $1,000 on a ring and we went to several jewelery stores. This is the one I wanted. I love my ring. What should I say? I feel like I have to defend my choice! Is this really looked down upon?