Whats the point of jewelry?

[El Dwarfio]

The point of jewelry is that people like shiny things. Frequently, people wish to purchase shiny things because they are shiny. Some people might think someone with a lot of shiny things has a lot of money, and therefor they buy many shiny things, to show they have lots of money. Other people think it just looks pretty.

As for what I think about jewelry? I am indifferent.

And that people like to look good.

What's the point of make up? Nice clothes? Or any variety for that matter?

Would you be happier (OP) if we all wore grey overalls and didn't waste our time with any nice things or individuality?

EDIT: For the record I have a very nice, diamond studded signet ring I'd like to get a ring embossed with my family crest, but I can't help but think having two rings on one hand will leave me looking like a chav. Just this one is classy yet still understated.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

It helps make an outfit more complete. Or draw attention to a certain part of the outfit/wearer. It's an accent for your attire, making the whole thing better through addition.

This. I couldn't have put it better if I tried.

There are scientific studies that prove that humans are attracted to shiny objects. When you put something shiny somewhere you want to be noticed (like your earrings, so that people focus on one's eyes (which are between one's ears)). There are other examples, but I don't think I need to point those out.

When I got married we didn't bother with rings. We both agreed that they serve no practical function and are a colossal waste of our hard-earned money. If we're going to throw money away, it might as well be on something that has entertainment value we can both appreciate like movies or games.

^^ That's why my spouse and I got our wedding rings in the costume jewelry section at Target. The combined cost of our rings was $15. We've had to replace them a couple of times due to damage or loss, but when we only paid so little for them, it was no big deal.

My engagement ring, on the other hand, cost thousands. I only wear that on special occasions, and I have it insured in case of accident, loss, or damage.

Normally, I tend towards costume or semi-precious jewelry. I love "Mystic Topaz" (those purple and green stones) jewelry, and that stuff usually costs around $30-$60. Although I do have a beautiful coral pendant that I love. That one was a little (well, a lot) pricier - but then, it was a gift so it wasn't my problem.

 

[floppylobster]

Social status. Sexual attraction. Social statement. Medical reasons. Superstition.

I thought it was pretty obvious.

Social Status -
Wear an expensive watch, impress your boss. Gangster rappers wearing 'bling' to make a statement about their success.

Sexual attraction -
Earrings draw attention to the vulnerable neck, a necklace to her cleavage. Rings highlight the movement of the fingers.

Social statement -
Facial piercings say 'fuck you' to establishment by indicating you don't care about appearance. Heavy locked chain around neck worn by band member to signify connection to punk or rock culture of the past.

Medical -
Medic alert. Homeopathic remedies like bronze bracelets.

Superstition -
People have believed some objects give them power for thousands of years. A lucky charm, something you wore when you first met someone.

I didn't see the episode of South Park but it's not that hard. Jewelry has been in and out of fashion, like all accessorizing, since the dawn of man.

 

[The Night Angel]

I would never buy any myself, but I was given a bracelet like thing by a girlfriend once, and I still wear it. Without the sentimental value, to me jewellery is just shiny overpriced minimalistic clothing

 

[Rawne1980]

2 piercings in my left ear, 1 in my left nipple and my wedding ring is all I wear.

My wife has quite a few piercings and wears a wedding ring and a chain with a pic of the kids in it.

That is the total sum of the jewelry in our house.

What does it mean?

Sod all, apart from our wedding rings and the picture in the locket of my wifes they have no meaning.

 

[HardRockSamurai]

You seriously don't know?

The point is the unique enchantments. All jewelry grants it's users unique effects, such as +10 HEALTH, INVISIBILITY, or FROST DAMAGE.

durr

 

[PH3NOmenon]

Was thinking of making this myself.

We both know the answer, vanity. To look good, there is no other reason.

I get why people do it but I think people who spend excessive amounts are a bit silly, you could use that cash for better things.

You say that, what would you spend the money on? it is likely that they are meeting there basic needs food etc... so its whatever the feel there luxury should be, for me i have jewelery but i have not bought any of it, but i still wear it like even when i sleep etc...

What would I spend it on?

Anything else, nearly all other options would be more useful.

Examples

Movies: Enjoyable, make you happy, better mental state, better quality of life
Books and magazines: Expand your knowledge
Pc components: increase your efficiency
faster internet: do things faster, less wasted time
gym membership: improve your health
better food: buying less cheap food can improve your health

there are a few examples, here is what I see the benefits of jewelery

"Oh, that looks nice, I hope people think it looks good on me".

or

"I really need a drill head STAT, wait ill use this diamond!"

(The latter was obviously a joke)

While I mostly agree, I'd like to point out one thing.

You suggest, as an example for an alternate goal for the money spent on jewellery "Movies: Enjoyable, make you happy, better mental state, better quality of life". Surely, wearing jewelry can be enjoyable for a person. Make them happy and put them in a better mental state and lead to a better quality of life?

 

[Panorama]

Was thinking of making this myself.

We both know the answer, vanity. To look good, there is no other reason.

I get why people do it but I think people who spend excessive amounts are a bit silly, you could use that cash for better things.

You say that, what would you spend the money on? it is likely that they are meeting there basic needs food etc... so its whatever the feel there luxury should be, for me i have jewelery but i have not bought any of it, but i still wear it like even when i sleep etc...

What would I spend it on?

Anything else, nearly all other options would be more useful.

Examples

Movies: Enjoyable, make you happy, better mental state, better quality of life
Books and magazines: Expand your knowledge
Pc components: increase your efficiency
faster internet: do things faster, less wasted time
gym membership: improve your health
better food: buying less cheap food can improve your health

there are a few examples, here is what I see the benefits of jewelery

"Oh, that looks nice, I hope people think it looks good on me".

or

"I really need a drill head STAT, wait ill use this diamond!"

(The latter was obviously a joke)

While I mostly agree, I'd like to point out one thing.

You suggest, as an example for an alternate goal for the money spent on jewellery "Movies: Enjoyable, make you happy, better mental state, better quality of life". Surely, wearing jewelry can be enjoyable for a person. Make them happy and put them in a better mental state and lead to a better quality of life?

Thank you saves me a job, but like self confidence. even if they are buying to try and impress people its no different to having an suite etc...

 

[FamoFunk]

I wear a Necklace, Bracelet and a Ring. The Necklace and Bracelet are from my Daughter so I'll obviously wear them, the ring is just random and I like it. I honestly feel a bit naked if I forget to wear my bracelet or watch (take them both off to shower through habit)

I wear a watch too, some people just see them as an accessory and not something to read the time with.

 

[TheTim]

They tend to make outfits look better (for women) same with accessories, and people like shiny things

 

[Psykoma]

As I said, most of my jewelry is pretty low key and pretty inexpensive.

But that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to wear this:

Spoiler: A £49 million ring entirely made from a 150 carat solid diamond.

At least for a few weeks/months till I sell it and live like a fat cat for the rest of my life.

 

[imnot]

For the +2 to Dexterity.

Oh ... you mean for reals? It's an aesthetic choice.

That explains why that ring the dodgy guy in the trenchcoat sold me didn't make me faster!
I WILL HUNT HIM DOWN AND KILL HIM

 

[Yopaz]

Because this necklace has a blue name and gives me +10 on my intelligence and willpower.

Best response possible.

OT: Some people simply likes wearing it and some people thinks it looks good. I wear necklaces at times, but there's no practical purpose to it. Just like there's no practical purpose to shaving or cutting my hair.

 

[DementedSheep]

Why would you buy a t-shirt with a pattern on it? The pattern has no purpose.

Most of time it?s not meant to mean anything, there is no practical purpose. You wear it because it looks good.

Alternatively some jewellery may have sentimental value or be used as status symbol.

 

[Sion_Barzahd]

aesthetic choice, and some things have meaning to those who wear it, not just including martial or religious status.
Some, more superstitous people wear things for luck.

But usually its for aesthetic augmentation.

 

[Zhadramekel]

Some times there's a kind of sentimental reason behind wearing it. For example, my mum bought me a necklace with silver wings on it for my 18th birthday and, 18 is kind of an age milestone anyway and traditionally the age at which children 'fly the nest' so to speak. Ergo, I've worn it almost every day since I turned 18 (and I'm now 21)