Just out of curiosity, what size was your rock?

No clue.  It was used - from his mom's second marriage.  He traded her an old computer and printer for it.  I liked it well enough, but I work on computers (hardware work) and it got in the way.  I haven't worn it in years.  He gave it to me in 1990 or so.

according to your mother and girlfriend, they were not disappointed.

I don't know what size it was but it was set in a way that made the diamond look larger than it actually was.  I didn't mind that, I chose it anyway and loved it for what it signified.  That was 1966. The size of a stone in a ring is not going to determine the happiness of the couple anyway. We are either loyal or we are not and mine, eventually, was not loyal.  I gave the ring back to him (and all the other items he'd ever given me) on the day that I left him to live alone.  I'm happy that way - without the ring and without him. Some things are not worth keeping.  He did not return anything at all that I had given to him.

I have two of them, and they used to be much larger than they are now in my old age.

1/4 very small.

3/4 carat, which was a good size back in my day (the 1950's)

There is a rule that men should be aware of when shopping for a ring: The bigger your cock, the smaller the rock.

This requirement of a diamond by many woman shows how little they value their husband's love. First you want a diamond engagement.  Then you want a bracelet, later a pendant, earrings, and a necklace.  And then you want a sperm donor, who you later nag and whine at.  No matter the occasion, if it isn't a diamond it doesn't count.  Then you want a house.....oh by the way what did you gift your man?  Socks?  Underwear, a lawn mower?  When are you going to admit you just don't treat the gift giving equally?

My diamond is on the smaller side, I don't know the carats (maybe .5? I think? .8?). I wasn't involved in picking it out, because I didn't want an engagement ring, let alone a diamond, in the first place. I got it in 2010.

Ohhh - I thought you were asking something else.  Never mind