3 ms·

Sure, countries since ancient times have been using it as their basis of currency solely because women like shiny jewelry. Or maybe it’s because men like gold

• Nasrudith 6y ago
  The causation is probably backwards really - relative preference bias towards women was because of the norms of ancient times. In elder strongly patriarchal cultures (including some still around today) courtship jewelery was one of the few valuables that belonged to the woman specifically as opposed to say land. It became a part of courtship and essentially an expression of commitment, ability to demonstrate ability to provide for his wife, as well as giving some insurance even if faith were broken. Relative value wise it could actually resale for sizable ammounts. If the worst were to happen - if he died or abandoned her, she would still have her jewels to fall back upon. Notable more modern cultural relics include things like a grandmother's or mother's wedding dress (industrialization helped make such one off goods viable while for masses not rich enough to wear one or more very expensive dresses once per social occasion), wedding ring, or other jewelery going to (grand)daughters specifically. Obviously the items would likely not fit the sons while also historically drawing ridicule if actually worn so that helped explain why it was allowed.