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[Did you just call me Coltrane?]

Originally posted by NotFromHere
Young brides from Boulder to Boston are flashing rings twice the size of what their moms once wore. The Gemological Institute of America has seen a 41 percent jump since 2000 in the number of two-carat-plus diamonds that it processes. "For a long time, the one-carat stone was basically the standard," says Carley Roney, founder of TheKnot.com. "But for a growing set of people, it's just not good enough anymore."

Relentless marketing from the diamond industry, endless coverage of celebrity engagements, growing affluence at the top of the income ladder and the fact that couples are marrying later, when they can afford more. Also, Internet sites like BlueNile.com and discount chains like Wal-Mart have entered the market, creating plenty of lower-priced options. "Hip-hop had a lot to do with it," says Jacob & Co.'s Jacob Arabo, who supplies humongous diamonds to the likes of P. Diddy.

Of course, not everyone can afford to splurge. C. Brown, a law student from Dallas, says he didn't want to take out a loan or borrow money from his parents when he became engaged earlier this year. Yet, "girls almost expect two carats," he says. Instead, Brown bought his fiancée a bling-ring made from moissanite, a man-made crystal that supposedly looks more authentic than zirconium. It cost just one tenth what he would have paid for the real thing. Since then, they've fallen in love with their forgery and may decide that moissanite... is forever.

So if you buy Sequels the moissanite, be aware that she may not cut you as much slack because you're a bigtime lawyer and not a cheapass law student.

A. I'm already engaged.
B. I'm not a sucker.
C. Fuck DeBeers. Shit isn't even rare.
D. I bought something tasteful and classic, not gawdy.
E. I am a cheap-ass mid-time lawyer (on a good day).
F. CZ baby!