the psychology of glitter : women and jewelry?

Question

i myself have always been attracted to glittering sparkling shimmering objects as well as surfaces like dewdrops, sunlight on water, chrome surfaces etc.
but what is the link between women and glitter? is it simply an attempt to steal the sparkle of something else in an attempt to enhance their own perceived beauty? if so i dont think it quite works.... beautiful women are enhanced by
jewelry because each reflects the beuaty of the other. unnatractive women have their unnatractiveness highlighted by the beauty of the jewelry. old women with much jewlry just look decrepit agaist the lustre of the jewels.
is the lure of glitter just vanity/desperation, or is there something more fundamental that im just missing totally?

Answer 1

It has to do with the nerve receptors at the back of the eye and the chemicals your brain makes in response to that.

Men like shiny things too, but lean towards more socially acceptable forms for men- like chrome bumpers or sparkly lake tops.

Raccoons and crows and magpies also have this.

Answer 2

I think you might have a point in that glitter does sometimes make a woman's "unsightly qualities" stick out.

But, you must remember that jewelry is a sign of wealth and status, just like a man's car, or suit. A man may buy his ugly wife expensive jewels to show he can afford it. She may buy them to show her status. Sometimes it is to say "look how rich my fiancee is!" (think: engagement ring)
Also, you should remember that most ugly people do not think that they are ugly, and so DELUSION figures strongly into the equasion. They may believe that the glitter is enhancing their own "glow".

Sometimes, the glitter will pull the eye away from a person's unsightly qualities... this, I find is the case with many men. Remember, recently glitter or "BLING" is big with men as well... and that is entirely a status symbol.

Overall, I think that jewelry is seen as an enhancement of some kind, be it of the physical image or of the percieved wealth of the individual.

Answer 3

Im female, but im not particularly attracted to glitter, I dont wear gold or silver, (apart from my wedding rings), other than that im a costume jewellery girl myself.

The only time I ever wanted something glittery was when I was pregnant. I absolutely had to have a pair of sparkly trainers I saw. i wore them while pregnant, and have never touched them since.

Answer 4

anything flashy, sparkly or glimmering is often associated with attraction, but not in the good sense. more of a self deprecating cry for attention. true most people are attracted by these sorts of things and may simply think they're cute or intriguing. but most times it is an attempt to "market" oneself to others that they are more interesting or intriguing than the next.

Answer 5

This is a good question. Most of the answers however have not been so good. None has taken into the equation the other thing that women find desirable about jewellery and that is its worth.

Answer 6

my x was so taken by a dewdrop that I had that he bought one just for his car to hang off his mirror. So glitter is not only a female thing.

Answer 7

What can I say I was a magpie in a former life...
Gotta lovey the shinies!
ttfn ;o)

Answer 8

Fantastic question but a little late for me.. analitica is my middle name... but i just cant be ar*ed tonight to even read the whole of your question. so im sending you apologies for that..

Answer 9

I hate glitter.

Answer 10

I cant be bothered with jewelry. not even my engagement ring. just wearing my wedding ring ( and clothes)