It was not a diamond ring. You are correct - I am deeply and aggressively against the diamond trade.
When did you pick up amateur gem skills? And now I really want to see a picture of your wedding ring. I've gathered you're an audio engineer, a lapidary, satellite and aviation enthusiast, screenwriter, conspiracy junkie, and writer/producer/director. Any secrets to your daily routine? Is it one hour of sleep a night? Automating as much of your tasks as possible? Or just following your taste wherever it leads you?
Took a gemology class across four weekends when I was in high school. There's fuckall to do in Los Alamos, NM, and one of the things that happens every year is the Lapidary Society has a gem and mineral show. Started collecting gemstones when I was in 9th grade. They're super cheep on the wholesale market. Secrets to my illustrious existence: 1) Never turn down knowledge. 2) Boredom is a sign you need to find something to do. 3) You will regret the things you don't do far more than the things you do. 4) Everyone has stories. Listen for them.
How large-of-scale should this thing to do be? If you personally are bored, do you get up and go for a walk? Or do you start making large plans? Do you consult an ongoing to-do list that never ends2) Boredom is a sign you need to find something to do.