Love and marriage…

U.S. – Brides unaffected by recession The American company the Knot (www.theknot.com) has announced the results or a questionnaire answered by 9000 newlyweds in the United States. The questionnaire included questions on jewelry bought for engagements and weddings. The evaluation of the answers produced some interesting results. The brides take part in the process of buying an engagement or wedding jewelry in 67% of the cases. The rest of the percent (33%) receives the jewelry chosen by the husband. 33% of the 67% actually conduct independent researches of the market (without the husband). Nevertheless, the final decision is, in 82% of the cases, made by the husband. The wedding or engagement jewelry costs an average of 5,800 dollars. 80% of the couples did not alter their plans because of the world recession, and did not cut back on their budget for the wedding or engagement jewelry. Furthermore, about 20% actually went over their budget. In comparison to a similar research did in the US in 2005, the demand of rings in white metal (platinum) has increased (30% up), as well as the demand of diamonds in a princess cut (25% up). Another important element is that only 15% of the couples chose matching rings. The cost of both wedding rings is an average of 2000 dollars. 85% of the couples buy different rings for men and women. About 1400 dollars are spent for the ring of the bride, with 600 dollars left for the groom’s ring. In 60% of the cases, women buy rings with diamonds, while the main criteria for men are simplicity and practicality.