beigledog: DeBeers Thanks. They are going to sell artificial diamonds in the U.S. later this year. I believe they will be clearer than the real thing and cost half as much. So, would a future bride rather have as an engagement ring a 1 1/2 carat real diamond or a 3 carat artificial diamond that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
My guess is that girls and gals will go for a larger artificial stone.