James Allen News Center

Retail sales of diamond jewelry in the U.S. totaled $35.2 billion in 2006, a 6.1 percent increase from last year. The figures, which were released last Thursday by the Diamond Information Center (DIC), showed that U.S. diamond sales represent over 50 percent of sales around the world. Strategic marketing initiatives were said to help make 2006 a successful year, amidst a barrage of publicity for conflict diamonds. One of the greatest diamond initiatives, Journey diamond jewelry, was launched in the last year. Journey sold over one million pieces of jewelry in the last half of the year alone, surpassing the sale of the ever popular Past, Present and Future ring. Another trend in the last year was the increase in diamond right hand ring sales. Interestingly enough, these sales were not fueled by single women, but by involved men as a gift to their significant other. Diamond engagement rings reached their highest average price at $3,200, an increase of $500 in the last five years. This means, ahem, gentlemen, if you`re ready to make a diamond purchase, do it sooner than later.