But to each their own. If some feel overpriced shiny rocks are proof of love, whatever floats their boat. Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Diamonds are rare, and size does matter.......some are so small they can only be used for industrial applications.
They are also the hardest natural substance on earth, making them the most difficult to work, and shape.
Then there is flaws and clarity, I know some small time diamond buyers that will only invest in "D" clarity or better diamonds, with small inclusions that are more than a carat in size, as they know they've not gone through manipulation to hide the quality.
You are right, with all things in this world there are set values...with the exception of fine art.....that is manipulated by companies, or individuals with financial interests in that commodity.
Russia has vaults full of diamonds, that are released in small amounts by their Government. If they released only one vault in a single year and put that stock on the world market...it has been estimated that the world diamond price would plummet by 70 to 80 percent.
I suppose a hard shiny, and very expensive stone, set on a gold band has been marketed to death, to fleece money out of men, to prove their affection to another person....I know I've put a ring on a woman's finger once.....She was a strong 9 1/2 in looks.....and that ring had some big expensive stones in it, and you couldn't help but notice them.
I suppose I fell into that marketing scheme......but it sure took care of the young Cowboys wanting to hit on her, when I wasn't around.