Lab-Grown Diamonds Make the Cut

After much development, lab-grown diamonds (using a process similar to the culturing of silicon for semiconductors) meet the specifications of the GIA. Personally, as a single male, one of my strongest feelings is disgust toward the artificial cartel of DeBeers, limiting the availability of diamonds to constrict the demonstration of financial viability shown in an engagement ring.
I've already taken the position that when I do commit myself to laying out 2-3 months salary to an engagement ring, I'll buy the diamond from a firm artificially culturing them, or from a Canadian firm, so I'm not sending hard-earned cash to that group of firms.

Wired 15.02: START

Side note: does the cultural suggestion for the size of engagement ring refer to gross or net salary? There's at least a 30% difference for a single male. I don't have insight regarding this fine point of direction. Discuss amongst yourselves....