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Thursday, March 5, 2009

Flowers or Jewelry: Wish It Was as Easy as Tossing a Coin?

By Art Barron

Imagine yourself in a mall, searching for that perfect Valentine gift. Out of the corner of your eye, you see the beautiful arrangements of colorful flowers beckoning you. Just as you approach it, a flash on the other side distracts you, and the teasing twinkling from the jewelry store seems to be drawing you in! So you're stuck. Do you get flowers, or jewelry?

Before you go crazy trying to decide, here are some things you need to bring into consideration to help you decide easier:

Can your wallet handle it? Let's face it: money is truly hard to come by these days, but even the most extravagant, over-the-top bouquet carries a smaller price tag than a piece of quality jewelry. If you're just a little strapped for cash at the moment, then flowers are your better bet.

Always remember that it is the thought that counts. A lot of men and women are actually turning to flowers because they're less expensive than jewelry. It shows that you're not conforming to the commercialization of the holiday, and that, really, you don't need to spend much to give much.

Value for money. Flowers are undoubtedly beautiful but let's face it, they'll last a week or two and then they'd be gone. You may be able to preserve them, yes, but dried flowers are only good for safekeeping.

Jewelry, on the other hand, lasts long and is a good investment. Your girl can even show it off anytime, anywhere.

The stage of your relationship. The gifting of jewelry suggests intimacy, both physical and emotional. After all, you'd hardly spend a lot of money on someone not significant to you. If you and your partner are still dating or exploring a friendship, flowers may be more appropriate. You do not want to send the wrong message and preempt a potential match. You might also want to steer clear of negative connotations of entitlement that comes with an expensive present.

On the other hand, significant milestones in a relationship can be symbolized by jewelry, the same way an engagement is almost always accompanied by a ring. Celebrating an anniversary, for example, can be enriched by jewelry. To illustrate, some jewelry setters sell 'journey chains': pendants designed in such a way that you can add a link or gem to it every time an anniversary or special event is celebrated. The length of the chain then becomes a symbol of your relationship's longevity.

Go with what you know. Of course, you should always do a little homework before you go and spend willy-nilly on these presents. No matter which one you get, they're both expensive.

If you know nothing about jewelry and you don't want to purchase something you're not sure is worth your money, then flowers it is. However, if you're reasonably sure about your purchase, by all means, head to the nearest jewelry store.

Your girl's personality. You should always keep your girl in mind when you purchase these things, of course. If she's more the flowers type, then you should definitely forgo the bling. Those who are corporate types, cosmopolitans, or fashionistas might go for jewelry more as these are great accessories for both work and play. On the other hand, girls who are sensitive nature-lovers and are a tad old-fashioned loves the man who presents them with flowers. They're more likely to appreciate sheer poetry.

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