In many cultures the purpose of jewelry is to give the woman wealth independent of the husband. When she is a housewife with much less earning potential she wil

In many cultures the purpose of jewelry is to give the woman wealth independent of the husband. When she is a housewife with much less earning potential she will be completely dependent, and so the gifts of gold mitigate that. Diamond though are a terrible way to store wealth. As soon as you walk out of the store they lose significant value, and they will only depreciate.