I’ve heard of college class rings that cost more than this, and they weren’t as ornate as the rings.
People don’t mind money so much, they hate that a public official uses his official office, where he represents the people, in order to enrich himself, or get things that the rest of us can’t.
The ONLY reason Rudy has these rings is because the people of New York elected him as their representative. Nobody else is allowed to buy these things “at cost”, or under cost.
That’s what the “big deal” is. Getting personally rich off of your public service, or getting special treatment not available to others. Like having a piece donated for an auction given to you for no reason other than to curry your favor as “representative of the people”.
Well ,,, then let me put it this way.
BIG FRIGGING DEAL !!!
Who cares?
Really? $2,500 and up for a college class ring?
You can buy a Jostens "Regal" style college ring in gold with sapphire - top of the line from the biggest manufacturer/retailer of college rings - on eBay for a few hundred bucks.