As you know, all our diamonds are of non conflict (or, conflict free) Canadian origin. While we still offer settings in traditional precious metals, some customers are uncomfortable with the possibility that those metals have been extracted through exploitative or abusive practices. To those, we offer the following alternative: diamond settings in Titanium (gray or black) and in black Zirconium Metal . Titanium and Zirconium are not extracted, nor produced or refined in under-developed or developing countries through the exploitation of the labour force. The leading titanium-producing countries include Australia, Canada, the US as well as Norway, and South Africa, Russia and the Ukraine. Most of the world's Zirconium-metal supply originates in Australia. Both Titanium and Zirconium-metal are light, extremely strong (your ring will maintain its original shape practically forever) and hypoallergenic. The extreme strength of these metals render them ideal for "Tension Settings" (see examples).

For those reasons, designer Maria da Costa quickly adopted these metals for her unique Diamond Tension Settings.

Accordingly, for your settings we offer presently in addition to classic (and classy) Tiffany style settings, to several Tension Setting styles and to accepting your own design, also the specially designed Igloo Solitaire ring by designer Maria da Costa. All rings are made to order and require a certain lead time.

The Igloo Solitaire by designer Maria da Costa

"In designing this ring my challenge was not only to provide a tasteful setting for this unique diamond, but, also, to reflect and combine the themes of «Igloo» and «Landmine clearing»" says Maria. "I proceeded to incorporate the crisscross pattern in the design reminiscent of, both, the architecture of the igloo and of the look of the marked, cleared plots of a minefield. The wearer of the Igloo Ring is then reminded of the set diamond's origin and brand name-sake, and of the cause supported by it at the same time."

Order request (6-8 mm wide band) Titanium (tension) 950 Platinum (bezel)    18K Gold (bezel) $ 1,095 $ 2,950 $ 1,195 © 2003 Maria da Costa (prices do not include diamond)

Order request (6-8 mm wide band) Black Zirconium metal   $ 1,295 New! scratch resistant (tension) Read   about   Black  Zirconium © 2003 Maria da Costa (price does not include diamond)

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All rings are made to order and require a certain lead time.

The Igloo Diamonds® Brand specializes in marketing its unique and ethical diamonds and in implementing the unique charitable activities financed by them.

All issues of settings and rings, if needed, are looked after, by special arrangement, by Absolute Design Studios, all--in a seamless process of safe shuttling of the diamonds to their Studios, accompanied by all certificates and then from them--safely to you, fully insured for the full value of the combined product. While their flagship products are made in Titanium and in Zirconium-metal, they produce also rings in all traditional precious metals.