Surveying Americans on Buying Jewelry for a Significant Other

Have you ever been in a new relationship and found yourself standing in front of a jewelry store, sweating bullets as you ponder the eternal question: Is it too soon? You’re not alone. The thrilling and nerve-wracking early days of dating a new partner can feel like a high-stakes game of chance, especially when it comes to the delicate dance of giving and receiving jewelry.

At Shane Co., we understand that navigating these early milestones can seem like a minefield of potential faux pas and misunderstandings. That’s why we surveyed Americans from all walks of life to uncover the truth about how they feel when it comes to receiving or giving that special piece.

Do necklaces mean more than earrings? How soon is too soon to break out the ribbon-sealed box? What’s a reasonable amount of money to spend? Read on as we reveal the answers to all your questions and more about giving and receiving jewelry in a new relationship (and keeping it real in the process).

How Soon Is Too Soon?

So, you’ve got your heart set on a new crush, and you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to surprise them with a little bling. Before you start shopping, you might want to pump the brakes! According to our survey, 2 out of 3 Americans believe buying jewelry for someone you’re romantically interested in, but not yet in an established relationship with, is inappropriate.

Have you ever received a gift of jewelry too soon and felt like you were being love bombed? Well, when it comes to timing, Americans think patience is a virtue. The largest percentage of respondents in our study (29%) feel that gifting jewelry is best reserved for the six- to 12-month mark in a relationship.

On the flip side, only a daring 4% think it’s okay to give jewelry as soon as you start talking to someone. So no matter how enthralled you are with your new special someone, you may want to opt for a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates in the early days.

Let’s talk dollars and cents. The average amount our respondents thought you should spend on jewelry for a significant other is $442.25. But here’s the catch: when it comes to price points, men and women are anything but on the same page. Men believe they should spend an average of $601.59 on jewelry for their partner, while women suggest a more modest $292.84 — a 105% disparity that suggests there might be some wiggle room here!

But what about the romantic value of jewelry? Is it more significant and romantic than other gifts? 56% of respondents said yes, with women 17% more likely than men to feel as such. What’s more, 65% of Americans surveyed said they prefer to be surprised with jewelry rather than selecting it beforehand. But almost half of men (48%) admit they need a little guidance from their partner when jewelry shopping.

Would you return a piece from an ex-partner even if you really liked it? When it comes to wearing jewelry from an ex, a surprising 37% admitted to wearing jewelry gifted by an ex after the romance had fizzled out, with women 71% more likely to do so than men. So next time you see your ex sporting that necklace you gifted them, don’t assume they’re pining for your lost love — chances are they’re just attached to its style and beauty.

Closing Thoughts

When you find yourself in the exciting and sometimes perplexing waters of a new relationship, our survey highlights the importance of patience when considering that first special gift. By taking the time to get to know your new love and their preferences, you’ll be far more likely to make a lasting impression with the perfect piece when the moment is right.

When the time does come for that milestone first gift of jewelry, shop our collection of timeless pieces. You’re sure to find an unforgettable token of your affection that will leave a lasting impression on your new love.

Have you ever received romantic jewelry from a partner too soon? What was it like for you? We’d love to hear your story in the comments!

Methodology

We surveyed over 1,000 Americans across many demographics in March of 2023. We asked questions about when they feel it’s acceptable to buy a significant other jewelry, how much they should spend, how confident they feel purchasing jewelry gifts, and more.