It's the same as trying to figure out why a tiny piece of abundant rock costs thousands of dollars when sold as an "engagement ring".
Thanks for this, exactly. It's the same thing with designer bags. After the rise of "superfake" luxury bags that cost literally a tenth of the real thing, I remember reading some blogs trying to argue why people should buy authentic, basing it on BS "handcrafted quality!" reasons (the reason they were called "superfakes" in the first place is because the quality was basically as good as the original). Sure, some of the reasons were actually true (it does cost a lot more to pay workers in France compared to China), but any rationale besides "I want other people to know I spent a lot of money on a bag" is just post hoc rationalization.
Even that, is not a problem that the consumer has to solve if the superfakes can attain the same quality using cheaper labour. In that case supporting local jobs could be a justification, not quality (again, assuming that the quality is the same).
e.g. Even Louis Vuitton for their most expensive bags doesn't use the absolute highest quality leather, so there's room for improvement.
Though that's mostly a rational for why the 'real' bag does costs more, not a rationale for why you should prefer it. 'Is' vs 'ought' distinction.
So yes, it is expensive because of tradition, but it is also a well made, practical item.
Then go and look at the prices of some luxury brands. These bags are cheap by comparison.
I’m not going to try and justify the manufacturing process, but this could be the price of manufacturing something locally and not in a sweat shop.