Purple and scarlet speak of royalty (Judges 8:26; Daniel 5:7). Gold and jewels and pearls speak of wealth. Though this woman lives in a wilderness sort of world, she has managed to accrue much status and wealth for herself. That fact makes her impressive and fascinating to those who see her. This in turn heightens the appeal of her enticements as a prostitute.
4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.