Is an ethical engagement ring the same as a normal engagement ring?

I have a constant debate with certain people in my personal sphere about what is 'normal'. E.g.  'Do you want normal sugar in your tea Zoe or brown sugar?'  (?!)  or   'Sorry we don't have any organic milk, just normal milk'.  (??!!!)  or   Me: "Do you have any free range chicken?"  Shop Assistant:  "What?  Me: "You know, when the chickens can run around free before they get the chop."  Shop Assistant "No, just normal chicken". (ha ha ha)

(I seem to be painting myself as some kind of wierd organic milk drinking, chicken hugging freak...)

So, is ethical or recycled gold the same as normal gold?  Well, yes and no. 

Yes:     It is gold.

No:      It hasn't been mined by children.

Yes:     It is gold.

No:      Mercury and cyanide are not used.

Yes:     Er, it's gold.

No:      Profits are put back into local social and environmental projects.

Yes:     Ok, you get the idea...

There does still seem to be a prevailing image of all things 'green', 'eco', 'recycled', 'ethical' as being a little bit beardy weirdy and smelling of patchouli.   Let me just state for the record I promise that none of my jewellery will come with a 3 day stubble or a fragrance.

The truth is that ethical jewellery is the same quality, substance and price of normal jewellery.  It's just better!