Brian, like someone has said, diamonds and other stones are only valuable because people create a demand. If almost no one wanted diamonds, prices would race to the bottom immediately. It's monopolized, and thus there's a big authority from producers to set prices as they please - And there's a steady, even if small demand.
Also keep in mind that many times you pay for the quality and beauty. I wanted a better razor than a disposable one, so I paid 40€ and got myself a beautifully chromed piece that will last a long time. I also wanted a better watch than my smartphone's, so I paid 100€ and got a really nice watch from a French brand. You pay for the quality, as a general rule.
Also keep in mind that many times you pay for the quality and beauty. I wanted a better razor than a disposable one, so I paid 40€ and got myself a beautifully chromed piece that will last a long time. I also wanted a better watch than my smartphone's, so I paid 100€ and got a really nice watch from a French brand. You pay for the quality, as a general rule.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you
