Well don't let everyone know this, but Rubies are actually rarer than Diamonds. DeBeer's et al have the greatest scam running when it comes to Diamonds. Many other stones are far rarer (emeralds, rubies, etc)... but since a few small companies control supply, folks actually think Diamond's are rare.. when they are relatively speaking a rather common stone.
My wifes engagement ring is a Ruby ring.
It's hard to get a good quality ruby at an affordable price, too. So many of them at chain jewelry stores are either clouded or lab created. Emeralds, too.
I am not allowed to tell how little it cost. ;-)
At the time, I was a Senior Airman and the DeBeers "3 months salary" mandate most pitiful buggers follow would have cost me more than the wedding did, and that's if I only went on raw pay without considering my quarters and meal allowances.
My advice to anyone planning on getting married: The industry sees you coming, and they have leverage. Opt out. The point is to celebrate your union with each other and Almighty God. It should be fun, not months of strees followed by years of debt.
Yeah, we had an interesting discussion about this a few weeks ago. Our kids were highly amused and appalled at how the market can be SO manipulated!