Drawn to Beauty: Nature or Nurture

Posted on February 27, 2010 by in Life
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I was recently asked, what I found to be, a very interesting question on the anonymous question asking site, Formspring, regarding my opinion on what really draws us to beauty as it pertains to “sparkly objects” (diamonds). Nature (instincts) or Nurture (externals)?

Here is the question asked and the answer I gave.

The Question:

Do you think we have an instinct to be drawn to sparkly objects or do you think we learn that sparkly things are associated with wealth and success. Love of Sparkly things, nature or nurture?

My Answer:

“That is a great question and something I have often that about during my 14+ years in the business. To answer the question, I think it’s different for each and everyone. I believe externals do play a huge role in shaping our tastes for anything to do with being drawn to items of this nature. Just as if somewhere were to like artwork. Is it an acquired taste or something we’re born with is very difficult to truly ever know for sure in my humble opinion. But, I do know that in my experience, when I really started full time in the business is when I fell in love with diamonds rather quickly. I have been somewhat exposed to jewelry in some way, shape or form my entire life, but when I really started working with them closely and understanding what I was seeing when I looked in the stone, what the 3 types of light were returning to my eyes, that’s when it really set in for me in that aspect. Watches were next and designer clothing has always, since early childhood, been something I’ve been into so therefore when branding of jewelry became such a mainstay I took to it immediately. TO sum it up I truly think it depends on a combination of variables….Our surroundings, what we’re exposed to, what experiences we have when those two things happen, and then some of it basic instinct, as well.”

So, that’s my take on what I think draws me to beauty. I find that what one might think is gorgeous, another person might find repulsive. I think it pertains to anything our eyes can see, take in, and process an emotion on the way it makes us feel. Whether it be diamonds, a painting or sculpture, presentation of the food we eat, packaging of a new hardcover book, style of a home or the body style of a sports car . I truly think it’s a combination of things that lead us to be drawn to one more so than another. I think it’s a fascinating subject and I would love to hear your thoughts on what does it for you. Thanks for taking the time to read.

Thanks, DG

Link: http://www.formspring.me/DanGordon/q/206503663

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  • Helen

    Well I think you said it all.. and very well I might add. I agree, it wasn't until you really took the time to look into the diamond that you really saw what makes it beautiful, unique and it becomes fascinating. True of anything including and especially people. Georgia O'Keefe once said 'No one really see's a flower because it takes time…”
    Granted I have always felt that anything which pertains to Grandeur is at it's most impressive when done with sublty and elegance. Add humility and you can turn grandeur into admiration. Just my thought. Thanks for sharing your post! H.

  • DanGordon

    Thanks, Helen. Yes, so true what you expand on. The emotions that feed the emotions to feel a certain way on the outside looking in. It really blows my mind and is just so powerful to see how many different tastes there are that make each and every single one of us unique “inside”, not just on the out. As a jewelry buyer, trying to guess at what a consumer would like, even with statistical data, I think, is like trying to play god. There's really not much science to it, only prior history which I do believe helps, but never even close to predictable no matter how hard I try. Thanks again, for reading and your comments. Really enjoyed what you added upon.

  • Helen

    That's just because your a man attempting to understand what a woman may be thinking… haha! You could be an expert in gems but will never figure that out, half the time we've changed our minds before you've even caught up! ..and on behalf of all women let me apologize :)
    I loved what you wrote….The emotions that feed the emotions to feel a certain way on the outside looking in. It really blows my mind and is just so powerful to see how many different tastes there are that make each and every single one of us unique “inside”, not just on the out.

  • DanGordon

    I agree, I will never figure that out. I gave up many years ago. :) If any man does, I want to talk to him immediately! :) & Thanks fo the kind words on my comment response…. in, my opinion It's basically a visual taste version of “What comes first, The Chicken or The Egg?”