INDIANAPOLIS -
This year Americans are expected to get out their wallets and spend $18 billion on their special valentine, according to the National Retail Federation.
More than $4 billion of that will be spent on jewelry. That's good news for jewelers like Marc Aronstam.
"Definitely, yes. It's a good thing," said Aronstam.
Business has been good at Aronstam Jewelers on the north side, but it's not because prices are down.
Right now gold is going for $1,732 an ounce. Aronstam says he is selling it like crazy.
"Rings, pendants, some earrings," he told Eyewitness News. Experts speculate jewelry purchases will be higher due to past restraint of luxury purchases during the recession.
"For those in the market for an engagement ring, believe it or not, right now platinum is your better value," said Aronstam.
At $1,657 an ounce, platinum is around $100 less than gold.
"Anytime I am showing someone a piece and giving them price of doing it in either platinum or white gold, I would say nine and a half times out of ten, people are going for platinum," said Aronstam.
But remember, all that glitters is not gold. At $33.98 an ounce, silver is the more economical way to say "I love you."
"Silver is very popular it's a more affordable option," said Carisa Kimmon with Silver in the City.
At the Mass Avenue shop, special trinkets can be found starting at $30. That falls right within Erica Durham's price range.
"Silver seems to go with everything - blacks, browns, everything," she said.
Whatever route you choose to go, remember do your homework before you wow your valentine.
