Blogging for Change

My diamond earrings aren't

by Kim McGrigg on
1/7/2010
in Budgeting and Building Savings

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask author Phil Villarreal to choose a favorite tip from his new book Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel. His choice was a tip where he advises people to purchase a cubic zirconium engagement ring and claim it is a family heirloom. While some might find that practice shady, it’s hard for me to throw stones. I’ve been pretending my diamond earrings are actual diamonds for the past five years.

I wasn’t planning to lie to my heirs about the fake rocks, but I certainly wasn’t volunteering their true nature when people commented on their size and clarity. You see, when my husband bought me diamond earrings for our 10th anniversary, I promptly returned and replaced with fakes. (Yes, he knows!) I just couldn’t justify the cost nor could I bear the responsibility of having something so valuable (I have a history of losing things).

I haven’t given the earring swap a second thought until now. Since I never want to be accused of being a shady character, I offer this public confession. So does it matter to you that my diamonds aren't actually diamonds?  Would it matter if they were yours?

Kim McGrigg is the former Manager of Community and Media Relations for MMI.

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