I agree also, Electra! (wow, did I just say that?
Another alternative is Moissanite. It is man-made, and said to have better sparkle and fire than a C.Z. OR a diamond.
And yes, Riss, the whole diamond market is manufactured. They touch on that in the movie when they show a diamond storage facility, but the idea is indeed true. Diamond dealers - specifically De Beers - keep the diamonds under lock and key, only releasing enough so as to keep the desire there and add to their 'preciousness" and thus increase their cost. A cost that is rediculous, really, when you think that you are basically spending thousands of dollars for nothing. You aren't really buying anything but a contrived mental desire, a romantic ethereality created through traditions and advertising.