NEWSWORTHY TRENDS

Gift Cards: Purchase Power That Can Add Up

(NAPSI)-Increasingly, at gift-giving occasions-holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.-people are opening fewer big boxes and more and more small envelopes.

Research shows that one of the most popular gifts to give and receive this year is the one and only gift card. Gift cards can be the best gift of all; they allow you the freedom to buy or, in most cases, put money toward something you really want. Maybe it's $25 to a department store or a generic $100 gift card to any retail location. Either way, gift cards provide you with the opportunity to buy the items you had previously dreamed about.

In general, women are becoming more selective, focusing on buying fewer but better-quality items-gifts that have enduring value, such as a piece of diamond jewelry. For example, diamond stud earrings are the most desired of all diamond piece types; they are classic, a staple in every wardrobe and an investment that never goes out of style.

Diamond stud earrings come in a variety of price ranges. Depending on the cut, color, clarity and carat weight, they can start as low as $99.99 for a pair.

A recent study showed that women who own a pair of diamond stud earrings wear them, on average, four times a week. That works out to just $3.26 per wear in the first year alone, and just 33 cents per wear over 10 years, while a daily medium cappuccino can cost you about $4.50 a day.

So rather than spending your gift cards on six cappuccinos, half a sweater and a couple of DVDs, why not bulk all your cards together and get a gift that will last you a lifetime-a piece of diamond jewelry.

Consumers are increasingly pooling their gift cards to make a larger purchase, such as diamond stud earrings.