My outfit details:

Storets Blouse

thrifted skirt

Vince Camuto heels

Charles and Colvard Forever One Round Moissanite Heart Necklace

Charles and Colvard Forever One Round Moissanite Two Stone Fashion Ring

Charles and Colvard Forever One Oval Moissanite Split Shank Fashion Ring

Bobby and I teamed up with Charles and Colvard, the original creator of moissanite (a lab-created gemstone with more brilliance than diamond), to showcase their gorgeous, ethically and environmentally responsible fine jewelry and give some insight into our relationship. I have this weird thing about wearing jewelry on my right hand/arm, so all of my rings end up on my left hand. I just felt the need to make a disclaimer that I’m not wearing an engagement ring (someone always asks!) so please don’t think I’m trying to sneak anything past you! There’s a time for that in our future, but I don’t feel the need to put a time stamp on mile markers. If you’re planning on being with someone forever, what’s the rush?

Moissanite is made from pure silicon carbide, and its refractive properties exceed that of the diamond.

We’ve been together for about a decade, but Bobby and I met when we were 18. It was anything but love at first sight, but we became instant friends. That friendship went strong for several years before there were ever feelings beyond our platonic bond. I know a lot of people want to believe that there was always something there, that we just didn’t see it, but the truth is this: we were young, we were different, we were not interested in one another — yet. We were not yet evolved, not yet compatible, not yet ready for a lifelong commitment. We were buddies and had so much fun together, but the spark didn’t come until much later, past several years of seeing one another through other relationships and breakups. It may sound strange to say this, but I’m so grateful for that. If we would have dated at 18, we wouldn’t have been ready for one another. We would have fumbled through awkward first dates and getting to know each other under very different circumstances. The pressure of dating can lead to false [early] impressions, whereas our friendship gave us a solid foundation to build upon.

This moissanite heart necklace reminds me so much of my treasured heart charm that I had as a child. What makes this one unique: from gem to metal to construction and suppliers, all have to meet Charles and Colvard’s high ethical and environmental standards.

Of course, when you date your best friend, there is no real “dating” — it’s basically a full on relationship from day one. We already knew the good, the bad, and the really embarrassing, and had a pretty good idea of what our relationship would be like. We skipped the dating and went straight to a life together, and since we jumped a few steps, I’ve always wanted to take everything else slowly. To treat our relationship as an adventure with lots of great stops along the way, instead of jumping straight to the destination. And with my best friend by my side, what a fun adventure it is.

Thank you to Charles and Colvard for partnering with us on this post. See more of their socially and environmentally responsible, luxurious jewelry here.