When my (now) husband proposed, he did it the old fashioned way, complete with the little velvet box. Inside was a brilliant sapphire and gold ring he had chosen to avoid cursing our marriage with a blood diamond. While we were informed about the dark side of the diamond industry, we did some research and faced the sad truth that other valuable gems and metals, including sapphires and gold, were not much cleaner than diamonds. Truth be told-I wanted a little bling to broadcast our union, but not with such a high human and environmental price tag. Yet with a little patience and research we found that it is possible to find jewelry you can feel good about.

Gold looks tarnished once the environmental costs are considered. Fortunately for Christmas wish lists everywhere, several jewelry companies are staying away from "dirty gold."