I have only skimmed over this thread but I intend on going back and reading it in full as I think this is very interesting but even more-so, I think its relevant to a situation I find myself in currently.

My mrs, Jacqui and I have been together for quite a few years and were 26 now. Jacqui has worked in the diamond industry for a long time and is a qualified gemologist. She now works in travel however during her time working for what I believe is the largest importer of diamonds in Australia, she was showered with gifts and so on from her employers over a number of years which included bracelets, earrings etc in excess of $25-30k. They pretty much thought of her as a daughter.

Anyway when we were 22 I think it was we got engaged. I went to her boss and asked her what she could do for me. In the end I walked out after laying down $14k for over $30k retail worth of diamond. Well I actually had a 2ct F/VS2 solitaire set in a tiffany knife edge ring and I think 17 smaller 12pt G/SI stones for a tiffany shared setting band to suit which I had made up. I was ecstatic to say the least. Long story short we split up a short time later and I was given my rings back which I sold privately (and made a pretty penny on after asking her boss if it were fine for me to sell privately rather then back to her). Essentially I took the 15k I made (on top of my investment) and put it into managed funds. Eventually I bought a place with the money and Jacqui and I got back together about a year after ending the engagement. I think its been about 3 years since we got back together now.

The situation - well we've talked about getting engaged again but i'll be dammed if I spend that kinda coin on a diamond again. I'd much rather spend money on our mortgage/lifestyle/savings however I guess im unsure how buying something 'other than' a diamond will go down. I know my girl - and I know she will ultimately be happy with anything I give her however she walks about with 80pt diamonds in her ears ffs. Ideally i'd like to buy her another 2ct stone (perhaps cushion or oval this time) but I might just get her to read this thread with me and perhaps it may open her eyes a little into the perceived value put on diamonds though this might be a hard sell. She's pretty big on holidays (now being in that industry) and we get incredible rates on flights etc. Maybe she would rather spend the 'diamond' money on a fantastic trip and accept the value and quality of these alternate stones.

Anyway - thanks for the info and listening to my waffling on.