Ep. 61 - Why It Makes Sense To Give "Impractical" Jewelry She Won't Wear Everyday

There are some fantastic pieces of jewelry that are beautiful and impactful, and they tend to cost a lot of money, and it's also the kind of jewelry that she won't wear "all the time."

It begs the question, “Why would I spend a lot of money on something that she won’t wear that often? It's not 'practical.'"

That makes some sense I suppose, and it can seem like a valid reason not to buy that fancy bracelet or those diamond hoop earrings for an anniversary, a birthday, or certain holidays because they’re fancy and she won’t wear them all that often.

Women echo this argument because just like men, they’re a little confused as to why someone would buy or give something that costs so much money, that she won’t wear but a few times a year. (Special occasions.)

I happen to believe that logic is not the best way to make a decision when it comes to our most prized possessions in general, and jewelry specifically. I believe jewelry is a need, and if you'd like to know why, listen to Episode 10: “Diamonds and Jewelry: The Best Investment You’ll Ever Need.”

But why do I say logic is NOT the best way to justify fancy jewelry purchases? My answer is philosophical, I have to warn you, but it’s also something I believe. The reason I say this is because Life is short.

Normally, when we say, “Life is short,” we tend to gravitate towards and think about the moments that are really big ones for us, right? We don't think, “You're right, life IS short, I better get the grocery shopping done.” Or, “man, life is short, maybe it’s time I started using fabric softener.”

The life is short mantra tends to move our thoughts into milestone moments we hope to have, or achievements, or going for that elusive goal we’ve been talking about forever. We think of big memories, like getting married, the birth of our children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, the monumental anniversaries and dream vacations, and unfortunately, the loss of loved ones along the way. It's not a pleasant topic I know, but as my mom and dad used to say, “Death is also a part of life.”

The point is, we tend to talk about and remember the big moments in life, but there are little moments too, and they're most certainly tied to those earrings or that ring she won’t wear every day, if you let them. These little moments are the ones that we don’t remember at all. We know they happened because we’re another year older, and something happened between the bigger, more memorable moments. They’re small and habitual. They're forgotten bits of time that end up being how we spend the majority of our lives here on earth.

But the reality is that the forgotten times, combined with the remembered ones, are the history of our personal lives.

Then we mix up our lives with someone else’s personal history to create a whole new history that takes us in a direction we hoped for. Maybe it's committing ourselves to one person for this short life, and having children, a home, a garden out back, or opening a dance club. I don't know any of that because these are your dreams, so have at it. That’s a little deep and of course I simplified the ups and downs and circles of Life, so what does this have to do with jewelry anyway? (Much less those nicer pieces that can seem impractical?) I'd argue that those impractical pieces, as so many people put it, are worth the money you invest, even if they’re not going to be worn every day.

I'll tell you a little story that happened this past holiday season when my wife and I were attending a very small get together with a few friends. At one point during the evening I noticed our hostess was wearing a diamond bangle bracelet, which for most people is not an everyday piece. (It wasn't for our hostess either.) I'll tell you how I complimented her on the bracelet, and how that quick exchange gave birth to this episode, and my explanation as to why I know that "fancy" jewelry, even though it's worn just a few times a year, is worth your investment. (Actually it's worth MORE than the money you'll spend, and I'll argue that as well.)

It comes down to the way extra-special jewelry, the "not every day" jewelry, enhances the forgettable moments, and doesn't leave us with specific memories per se, but a general feeling of a life well lived. Take listen and by all means let me know your thoughts. Am I right? (Say yes...)

If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at [email protected]. I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home.

Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome.

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