A solo cellist once explained what it’s like to own and play an 18th-century instrument: “Many hands have played this instrument before I was born, and others, I hope, will play it centuries after I’m gone. You don’t really own it; you hold it in trust, and care for it during your lifetime.”

Great works of art are known by their artists, not their owners. A Van Gogh will always be a Van Gogh, no matter where it hangs. Lesser works, too: Tiffany jewelry will always be Tiffany. Nonetheless, although some of us are content to admire beautiful objects, many (most?) of us can be so struck by beauty that we desire to possess it, even if only for a brief moment.

Some years ago, I considered investing a modest sum in diamonds. But it seemed a shame to have them sit in a dark safe somewhere. I offered to my wife: Would she like some expensive jewelry? She said no. Investments are bought and sold; she would be loath to part with it later. Most of us are not like the actresses who borrow fancy clothes and sparkly rocks to walk the red carpet, returning the costume after the show.