>Plus, it's sparkly. Indeed - a lot of diamond knockers haven't really looked at a nice diamond in the sunlight. They are true wonders of light refraction. I

>Plus, it's sparkly. Indeed - a lot of diamond knockers haven't really looked at a nice diamond in the sunlight. They are true wonders of light refraction. In your vacation example - it's impossible for the casual onlooker to know that the tan and relaxed demeanour came from a trip to Bora Bora, rather than a golfing trip to Arizona. The important point for the diamond wearer is the the long-term appearance of having found someone willing to waste money on a useless item. A large part of the use of the diamond is the social proof - any casual observance of the behaviour of females comparing engagement rings. Yes, it is totally irrational. Yes, it is manipulated by marketing. Yes, it is what it is. If you go mental at every irrational (as far as the purchase goes) act caused by marketing controlling social norms, well, you'll go insane. Human nature is obsessed with status symbols - always has and always will - these impulses are there for marketers to interpret and direct. Always have and always will.