I’ve really been concentrating on trying to leave less of a footprint with my lifestyle. With two big changes recently - buying a house and getting engaged - there are countless choices for making choices that are good for the environment and our health. Over the next five months, I’ll be sharing our experience as we try to have both a wedding we can afford, enjoy and one that is as environmentally conscientious as possible.

Our first major hurdle was that of an engagement ring. I had heard previously that the diamond trade was fairly brutal, but I don’t own any, so I didn’t think much about it. However, I had a hard time thinking of a different stone that I would want on a wedding ring. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t get anywhere asking the folks at the local mall jewelry store about this (remembering blank stares when I told a woman at Victoria Secret that I didn’t want to be on their mailing list because the used old-growth trees for their catalogs. She actually said, “Well, I don’t event know what old-growth is” - but I digress…)

Enter metalsmith Amy Tavern to save the day. Not only is Amy a fantastic local designer, but she can also put a conflict-free diamond in your wedding ring. This is really exciting, as we were able to work with someone local and feel good about where the diamond is coming from. Knowing that this ring is going to be with me for life, it really is uplifting to know that it is starting in a good place, rather than wondering who lost their life for my fancy ring.