Buying Diamond Rings in Recession Times – Tips for A Responsible Purchase

We are all experiencing times of economic slowdown, trying to maneuver our way through a consumer path of buying necessities and avoiding consumer temptations. Are diamond rings an item that one can postpone until times of prosperity will return our way? The first instinct is to say yes; diamonds don't make our stomach fuller, don't pay our kids' tuition and even don't drive us to work every morning. Still, romance is needed in times like these. Maybe a diamond ring is a big expense but it also symbolizes, and sometimes even leads the way, to a saner lifestyle, overlooking silly temptations, not falling for hedonistic passions and rather focusing on important things. Thus, the strong symbolism generated by the gesture of buying a diamond ring is sought by many, even individuals who truly struggle in this economic recession.

Several surveys that were conducted on the last Valentine's Day showed that 90% of US adults celebrated the holiday and about 60% marked the special day by buying gifts. However, the percentage of people who spent in the last Valentine's more than in the 2008 day was only slightly above 10%, which means that taking economic restrictions into consideration was inevitable.  About one quarter of men and women stated that jewelry is the item they would most want to give and receive as a gift, respectably. The number would probably be higher if one's cash flow was rapider, but additional reasons add obstacles to a jewelry purchase: Lack of consumer education, product-quality in confidence, and generally speaking, a problematic overall experience and not knowing one is getting his or her money's worth.

Putting a side Valentine's, diamond engagement rings are the most craved for jewelry item one can purchase. The economic crisis doesn't stop couples from getting engaged and usually neither delays proposal events, though about half of planning- to- propose- Americans stated that they might change their proposal plans due to the current economic crisis. About half of the males within this list consider using a non- traditional engagement ring (such as a gemstone ring) instead of a diamond one. Fewer men would propose without a ring or consider delaying this special event.

These stats show that people still pay high importance to romance- related jewelry. The symbolic value of diamond rings hasn't vanished. Still, one cannot ignore his money shortage and must adapt to the current situation, mainly by avoiding foolish deals and not taking the risks of falling into consumer traps, a peril which he or she might have taken more frivolously in the past.

In order to adapt to the new jewelry shopping trends, we offer you some tips about how to shop more wisely, cheaply and most important- responsibly:

General jewelry purchasing tips:

• Finding sparkle in pearls: Pearls are much cheaper than diamonds, though they possess a classy, clean and brilliant appearance. Freshwater pearls are very affordable, even in times like these.
• Taking symbolism one step further: Everybody knows jewelry is all about romantic symbolism, so why not purchase a rather modest jewelry gift, though one that embodies a prominent romantic significance? A heart tag bracelet or a love knot pendant could melt your loved one's heart without giving away your last salary's income.

Diamond Rings' purchasing tips:

• Colored Gemstone Ring: A diamond solitaire isn't the only option for an impressive engagement ring. If a simple eternity band is too unostentatious and a multi diamond band doesn't decrease your expense significantly, you could still focus and a beautiful gemstone and make it the highlight of the proposal event. Would it make a prominent impact? An outstanding sapphire in a gold band would do much more than that.
• Online diamond ring purchasing: It might be risky, but using the services of well known and reliable sites could save you about 25% of the money you would spend on a similar ring in a regular jewelry store. Moreover, the wide variety of rings offered by online dealers would enable you to choose a ring that fits your taste and budget precisely.
• Better Cut, less Carat: Much have been said on the sometimes exaggerated importance that a diamond carat weight receives, expressed in a diamond's price. An ideal cut diamond would sparkle and dazzle the eyes of your loved one even if it isn't as big as an olive. Go for a quality cut stone in a decent size and certainly no one would see the ring as a compromise.