The phrase "a diamond is forever" is used in commercials to tout the value and everlasting luster of the precious gems, but diamonds can be obtained inexpensively at auction or from companies doing business on the Internet.
Diamonds are still expensive at high-grade jewelry stores or department stores, but small ones can be found on the Internet at about half the price, according to Diamond.com Corp.
Its Web site shows about 700 loose diamonds, a company official said.