Maybe diamonds AREN'T forever?

You may want to consider a lab-created diamond. A friend of mine who works with socially responsible businesses suggests Adia diamonds. http://www.adiadiamonds.com/

Check out www.ethicalmetalsmiths.org/

Amnesty international and Global Witness have a buyer's gude where you can find jewelers who are committed to conflict-free diamonds. http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/conflictdiamonds/buyer.html

I've also heard you might want to look for Arctic Diamonds or Canadian Diamonds

or check out this article, "Diamonds are for Never" from the New York Times.

From what I've read, other stones aren't that much better, so getting a ruby instead of a diamond is still riddled with social injustice...the most impt thing is to try and make sure the stone of any kind is conflict-free

There was also a story about this recently on Talk of the Nation. I remember they said even when it says it's conflict-free, its no guarantee and people easily falsify papers. Depressing, i know.

The other thing to consider is how diamond prices are held artificially high because it is believed people will spend more on them. It's not really a social justice perspective, just another comment on how the diamond industry is screwed up.

how 'bout buying an antique ring?

Be it diamonds or other gems, socially unjust practices do prevail with all precious stone mining, though to a very small extent and about 4% in case of diamonds. Buying other gems would be no different from buying diamonds.
The solution to this is to check that the diamond you purchase is a conflict free, certified diamond bought from a reliable, established trader.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/