Love is in the Air ...according to the NRF

This year, couples are forecasted to shower their loved ones wtih Valentine's Day gifts. The National Retail Federation conducted their 2011 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, and saw that the average person will spend $116.21 on traditional Valentine's Day gifts this year, a 12.8% increase from $103.00 of last year. Total holiday spending is expected to climb up to $15.7 billion.

"Having surpassed expectation during the holiday season, it seems consumers are not done spending on gifts, which bodes well for the economy," reports NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Jewelry, candy and apparel sales should provide a nice boost for retailers during the typically slower months of January and February.” 

While greeting cards remain to be the most popular gift option (52.1%), jewelry is expected to be a huge hit with an expected 17.3% planning on purchasing to buy their loved ones precious and fine jewelry, up from 15.5% last year. Consumers will spend up to $3.5 billion on jewelry this Valentine's Day.

Phil Rist, Executive VP of Strategic Initiatives, BIGresearch, explains: “Though the economy will still be on their minds, Valentine’s Day holds a special place in many Americans hearts. Some may opt for a quiet night out or a home cooked meal to keep costs down, but it seems there are others who are a little more interested in a nice night on the town."

Discount stores will be the most popular shopping place with 36.6%, but department stores (30.5%), speciality stores (19.4%), and online stores (18.1%)  are expected to receive some holiday traffic also. Additionally, local florist (16.8%)and jewelry store (9.5%) will garner some visitors.

Adults withing the ages of 25 - 34 will spend an average of $189.97 compared to the $60.22 adults 65 and older will spend. 

For more information, go to  the National Retail Federation.

* Total extrapolation of U.S. population of adults 18+

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Come by our Golden Treasures store to find the perfect valentine's day jewelry for your loved one.

How Much Are You Planning To Spend For This Valentine’s Day?

Golden Treasures Jewelers

The national retail federation (NRF) has conducted a consumer intentions survey, which predicts that the average shopper will plan to spend $116.21 for this Valentine’s Day, an estimate that total spending will come to $15.7 billion dollars.  

http://www.rapnet.com/News/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=34305&ArticleTitle=NRF+Predicts+17%25+Jump+for+Valentines+Jewelry+Sales

Natalie Portman Shows off Eco-Friendly Engagement Ring

Actress, Natalie Portman, has been showing off her diamond engagement ring given to her by fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, who is the choreographer of the movie, “Black Swan.”   

The engagement features an antique diamond surrounded by certified conflict-free stones with a band made from recycled platinum.



Photo by Getty



http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20029597-10391698.html



Gold’s value in the stock market this week.

This week the price of gold has dropped 1.4% (currently priced at 1,342 an ounce on the Comex division. The fluctuations of gold have been met with more dips and fewer gains.

So what are the possible reasons for these fluctuations? The outlook of an improving economy may be putting gold under pressure as low interest rates may be coming to an end. However Federal Reserve officials will most likely keep interest rates on hold until later this year which results in an undervalued US dollar and a benign interest rate environment for precious metals such as gold.
The dollar index has declined by .86% or 78.15. With a weaker dollar, the price of precious metals and other commodities becomes less expensive for holders of other currencies. To investors, the volatility of gold remains uninterrupted in the market

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-silver-extend-losses-as-stocks-gain-2011-01-21

Cleaning Everyday Jewelry Made Simple

Have you ever thought it would be too difficult to get jewelry cleaned without a professional jeweler? With a few simple steps and every day cleaners in your household you can bring that shine and sleek look to your jewelry.

A few common problems with jewelry are tarnished metals, residue in or around the settings and worn looking pearls.

Before proceeding with cleaning your jewelry you might want to think about using a strainer or drain protector so you don’t have any problems with loosing jewelry:

For rings and jewelry made from silver tarnish is a major common problem that’s hard to overlook. To solve this problem use a few drops of mild dish detergent into warm water. Dip a small clean non-abrasive cloth into the mixture and massage the jewelry. Proceed to rinse in a cool water and then buff with a polishing cloth such as a Selvyt cloth. If you find that you have deep discoloration and tarnish try mixing 3 parts of baking soda to one part water. Repeat the steps above but remember to avoid abrasive cloths which can scratch jewelry. Wash, rinse, and buff but don’t soak.



Photo by: Golden Treasures Jewelers



Gold jewelry with settings, with the majority of rings, tends to be the dirtiest accessory by the end of the day.  The facets and prongs have collected an assortment of debris ranging from lotions, soaps, and dirt which can offset the glimmer and make your jewelry look unappealing. The solution for this type of cleaning is also simple; it just takes a few drops of mild dish soap and club soda. Allow the jewelry to soak in the solution for around 5 minutes and take a soft bristled toothbrush and scrub the crevices of your jewelry. Rinse your jewelry and then dry with a soft cloth.

For pearls, cleaning requires a bit more gentle approach. Lay the strand of pearls on a soft cloth and dip a clean make up brush to a solution of warm water and shampoo. Take the brush and go over each pearl and then use a damp cloth and gently wipe each pearl.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/cleaning-organizing/article.aspx?cp-documentid=9000676

Gold Prices Continue to Increase

Gold has added another $1.50 to the $1,385.80 an ounce on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. With financial and economic pressure plaguing Europe, gold has become a safe metal for investors. President of T & K Futures and Options Inc. stated investors likely snapped up gold during the lower prices after two days of gains. The issue at hand is Portugal as it is being closely observed by investors who doubt the country’s ability to meet financing needs in the long term as there have been continual cycles of unsustainable debt, financial turbulence and sub-optimal growth.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-falls-after-portuguese-sale-cuts-haven-demand-2011-01-12

Gold Gains a Strong Footing as Economic Concerns Grow

The price of gold has been seeing a continuous losing streak over the last couple weeks with small to barely any noticeable gains. As we entered into February, gold has delivered with a significant $1,374 per ounce.

The reason for this increase in precious metals is due to Europe’s worsening debt and troubling economic conditions in the US. Carlos Sanchez of the CPM Group in New York states that, “Financial, economic and political concerns continue to be supportive of gold.”

The dollar index, which is compared to 6 other currencies, found itself in a continuous loss with today reaching 80.88, a -.16% change from its close of 81.01.

Speculation that Portugal is preparing an international monetary fund bailout had weakened the euro.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-declines-modestly-on-rising-dollar-2011-01-10