The six items of clothing and adornment mentioned here had earlier appeared in the cargo list of Revelation 18:12–13. By mentioning them now these merchants expose their motive in trading:; it was all about excessive wealth, be it their clients, be it their own. That is, their assumption was that the secret to true happiness was in stuff.
16 “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls!