Let's start with diamonds. The supply of diamonds is controlled out of Antwerp. DeBeers is a major player. It's a virtual monopoly.

The value and cost of a diamond is determined by color, clarity, cut and carat weight. A 1 carat flawless, D-color, zero flourescense, zero culet, perfectly brilliant cut, 58 facet diamond with optimum table size, crown angle, symmetry, girdle thickness and pavilion depth will cost any dealer the same amount.

Most of diamonds in stores like Kay, Zales, Jared, etc, are K-N color, VS2-I3 clarity, cut for yield instead of optimality of table size, crown angle, symmetry and pavilion depth. They probably have significant flourescence, large culet, and thick girdle.

Chances are your friend is dealing in lower quality diamonds than Tiffany or Cartier, but, hey, KR, it's OK because most diamond buyers don't know anything about quality factors associated with diamonds. They look for the largest size consistent with affordable price.

Before you judge the price of silver and gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. you have to consider precious metal purity, item weight, design. Lower echelon jewelry stores will use 10-12K gold, the links will be hollow and the design will be pedestrian. My 2 bracelets from Tiffany are 18KYG with solid links. They would sell on eBay for 3 times what I originally paid for them. Same is true for other TCo items I own.

I don't care for Rolex. Their lower-priced twin Tudor brand is the same quality. I much prefer my Breitling SuperOcean Professional and Cartier Santos Galbee in SS with 18K trim.

And, finally, a good brand name is usually worth somewhat more because of the reputation they have EARNED. That's why a Renoir painting is worth more than a velvet Elvis.

Moral: Know what you are judging, and what is the criteria, before you cast judgment.

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Now, about Chevys and Caddies. I priced comparably equipped Chevy Blazer and Cadillac XT5, both with 3.6L V6, moon roof, leather, same gadgets, clearcote paint. Chevy $50K, Caddy $55K. For me, the XT5 styling difference alone is worth the extra $5K. Pure and simple. My XT5 was built in Tennessee, and the quality has been impeccable. After 7 years and 4 months, and 50K miles, zero problems. Every other car I have ever owned, including BMWs, MBs, Peugeots, Buicks, Lincolns, Chevys, Pontiacs, has had issues ranging from leaks, faulty power windows and door locks, engine problems, etc. I would buy another XT5, but not righy now because this one looks and handles showroom new.

Moral: You stick with your Chevy and I will stick with my Caddy, and we both made reasonable choices consistent with our preferences. Either one of us could buy more expensive vehicles, but why? I don't need or want a Bentley or a Maybach. I'm hapoy with my "re-badged Chevy" with Cadillac styling.