Is it OK to buy an engagement ring with a synthetic diamond?

Engagement rings can break the bank.

The flashier versions can feature price tags of five or even six digits.

But rings with synthetic diamonds are identical to those dug out of the ground, and they are significantly cheaper.

As such, they’re a popular option among younger people when getting hitched.

And according to Katrina Marchioni of the Gemmological Association of Australia, only a trained jeweller can tell them apart.

However, she told Tom Elliott there are still many reasons to go with the real thing.

“I don’t think many girls would want to think their treasured engagement ring is just something synthetic that’s been quickly grown in a lab,” Ms Marchioni said.

Tom said if you’re going down the synthetic road, your partner should know the truth.

Otherwise – as caller Greg found out – it could end badly!

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