Bossnass

My avatar is my wedding band. I rather like it. I never wore a ring before and I haven't taken this one off in many months, mostly because it has created a callus that would have to be removed with the ring. I'm a bit of a metallurgic nerd and was able to specify the titanium alloy and finish I wanted and thus I never have to take it off. (practical)

My wife has never been a 'ooh, look at my ring' sort of woman. In fact, we downsized her diamond because she decided it protruded too much. She still turns the stone to the inside when she puts on surgical gloves (practical) However, once the engagement ring was on her finger she happily noted how she doesn't get hit on nearly as much as she used to. (useful)

Also, I am a ethno-canada-centrist, and I was willing to pay an arbitrary premium to purchase a Canadian mined and finished diamond.

Sure, they are small insignificant objects, but they are full of (useful) symbolism and meaning. Socially, they serve a real purpose.