NEA is another company that specializes in man made diamond gemstones. They have been known for their blue and yellow diamonds, however they recently have added a white or near-colorless gem to their inventory, although the price per carat isn't exactly a bargain at Skyward FBISD. Now, what gets a little confusing about shopping for actual jewelry at NEA, although they have some lovely creations, like white and blue and yellow diamond engagement rings, is the fact that the images you click offer a basic ring in say white gold. The price, over $890 does not seem to include a central diamond gem. That must be bought separately. So a one carat white diamond at $1,600 plus the white gold mounting makes a simple solitaire ring rather pricey - about $2,500. While that may be slightly cheaper than a mined diamond ring, it doesn't exactly make it affordable or competition for someone who only has $300 or $400 and can get a CZ engagement ring in white gold. However, in all fairness we must state that the jewelry offered by NEA using white, yellow and blue man made diamond gems is incredibly beautiful and tastefully crafted, and the gems are absolutely gorgeous. There are earrings and rings and lots of jewelry items that are not the least bit affordable but are definitely breathtaking, equally as enthralling and tantalizing as the mined gems that have been coveted and traded for centuries.
Tanzanite
While we're on the subject of rare stones and man made gems, and things that cost a fortune, it brings to mind tanzanite - yes, that very rare rich blue-purple zoisite stone. Almost as expensive as diamonds (sometimes more), the gold tanzanite rings, which are for sale online and on shopping networks and at fine jewelry stores, are fetching prices that astonish. The question is why?
Unlike diamonds, tanzanite is mined in only ONE part of the world - Tanzania, Africa. It is also rumored that supplies are dwindling. Naturally this makes the gem more desirable. Therefore prices soar.
While on the subject of man made and laboratory created gems, I've discovered that there are some excellent tanzanite ring replicas, in other words cubic zirconia stones that mimic the unique blue of this stone.