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Astronaut's gear made from second rate diamonds, say (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spacesuit

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'astronaut's gear' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'second rate diamonds say' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'rate' becomes 'pace' (pace is a kind of rate).
'diamonds say' becomes 'suit' (diamonds is a playing card suit).
's'+'pace'+'suit'='SPACESUIT'

'made from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spacesuit that I've seen before include "out-of- this-world costume?" , "Bulky clothing" , "- "heavenly" outfit here?" , "Astronaut's clothing" , "Astronaut clothing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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