Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World
by Aja Raden
In "Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World," Aja Raden explores the constructed nature of value, particularly in relation to gemstones like diamonds. The book reveals that the diamond engagement ring, a symbol of love and commitment, is a relatively modern invention, only established as a necessary luxury in the last eighty years. Raden argues that gemstones are essentially colorful gravel, imbued with value largely through societal perception and marketing,90 percent imaginary. Central to her thesis is the idea that reality and value are shaped by collective belief, with scarcity driving desirability. Raden highlights historical anecdotes, such as the Roman origins of wedding rings, to illustrate how cultural meanings evolve. She critiques the practices of figures like Nicky Oppenheimer of De Beers, who manipulated public perception to maintain diamond prices despite their intrinsic worthlessness. The book delves into the duality of wealth and scarcity, suggesting they can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on context. Ultimately, Raden challenges readers to reconsider the foundations of desire and value, urging an awareness of how societal constructs shape our understanding of what is considered precious. Through wit and historical insight, "Stoned" invites a critical examination of our obsessions with jewelry and the deeper implications of desire in shaping our world.
4 popular highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most popular and impactful highlights and quotes from Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World:
Diamonds aren’t forever. Diamond engagement rings have only been a “necessary luxury” for about eighty years. We take the tradition of a diamond engagement ring for granted, as if it were as old as marriage itself. It’s not. In fact, it’s only about as old as the microwave oven.
Gemstones are, in fact, just colorful gravel. They’re just rocks that we’ve given special names. True jewels are things that are beautiful and scarce. We want them because few others can possess them. We want them even more if they are from some very faraway, exotic place. Their value is, and always has been, 90 percent imaginary.
Real, it turns out, is just as flexible a concept as value.
when Mary died a few years after their wedding, Philip wasn’t exactly broken up about it. He was so unfazed, in fact, that he immediately proposed to her much younger sister. (In terms of taste, that’s nearly on par with beheading your wife, then marrying her illiterate, nymphomaniacal teenage cousin. Keeping it classy, Tudors.)
