If you have an expensive plate, but you don't use it, there's no point having it in the first place.
この場合、次のような言い方ができますよ。
ーIf you have an expensive plate, but you don't use it, there's no point having it in the first place.
「高価なお皿を持っていても使わなかったらそもそも持っている意味がない」
in the first place「そもそも・まず」
ご参考まで!