Alright, so I know this already sounds like it may be a strange article to read. Or maybe one that talks about fashion. But, it's not. Recently, I started working in an upscale jewelry store and I've come to wonder, what exactly is the fascination with jewelry? Why do people accessorize? It's not that I don't think its pretty and all, but how did it become such a big industry when it isn't really even a necessity?

The more you learn about jewelry, the more you learn just how much work goes into creating it and all the time and skill necessary to get the perfect piece. Or at least in fine jewelry, I can't vouch for fashion jewelry that you can buy at Target. The point is, each piece is a true process from how it's created to the particular conditions you can wear it in and aftercare so that it stays as nice as when you first bought it. Again, things I never knew. With that said, buying cheaper jewelry is probably easier in that at least you don't have to really worry about taking care of it because it's probably going to tarnish on its own no matter what. Regardless, why do we even bother with that? Aren't there enough necessities a person has to pay for without adding in the cost of accessories, that really don't provide much benefit? At least if you spend money on a vacation you get time to unwind and not stress out about anything for a while.

Here is the conclusion I think I've come to after talking to some people I work with. First of all, accessorizing in general, so fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, nail polish, anything that we use that isn't necessary but elevates the way we look, is done probably unconsciously in an effort to further distinguish ourselves from animals. It is to make us seem more sophisticated and advanced. Super random way of doing that, melting and reforming different metals into things we wear, but why else? Yes, to fit in with society, but why did that become popular in the first place? I think this is the only thing that fits. On the matter of why we buy fine jewelry over fashion jewelry, I think it's all about social status. No one wants a cubic zirconia engagement ring, they want a diamond engagement ring, even though they basically look the same to people who aren't trained. Sure it lasts longer too, but thousands of dollars is a pretty significant price difference for something if you aren't going to wear it every single day of your life. Maybe it's another things that we need as humans to raise our self confidence because of the way it elevates our look. Or maybe it raises our self confidence because it makes us feel wealthier? Does it go back to money the way everything so often seems to? Having expensive jewelry or even fashion jewelry looks nice and therefore wealthy to other people and that's why we do it? I have no idea, but it's just something interesting to think about if you haven't already.