If Laughter is Healthy ?: Why Women Aren’t Always Impressed by Jewelry

According to Esri Data, the average American household spends $167 each year on jewelry; in more prosperous areas, this number rises dramatically from the national average. Despite the troubling economic climate around the world, Americans still spend hard-earned money on expensive jewels. There are times, however, when a woman on the receiving end of such lavish gifts simply isn’t impressed at all by the gesture. If you’ve found yourself puzzled by your lady’s lack of enthusiasm, here are ten of the reasons she might be less than thrilled with gifts of jewelry.

It’s your go-to apology – When the well-heeled gentleman screws up, his first stop is usually the local jewelry store. While the first few baubles might ease some of her anger, consistently treating her poorly and apologizing with expensive jewelry begins to feel like bribery. Don’t be surprised if your latest “I’m sorry” tennis bracelet doesn’t have the intended effect; instead, try to focus on addressing the behavior itself.
She’d rather have your attention – Presenting a brightly colored, velvet-lined box to compensate for inattention will only work for so long. Eventually, a woman who feels neglected and forgotten will stop being impressed by the jewelry thrown at her in an attempt to keep her placated.
It doesn’t reflect her personal taste – While it may seem a bit petulant to be upset because a jewelry set worth thousands of dollars doesn’t suit her style, there’s actually a valid reason lurking under her dissatisfaction: it’s an indicator that you don’t really know her. In newer relationships, most women will feign excitement and quietly put the jewelry away; if you’ve been together for years and still don’t know her well enough to choose a necklace she’d actually wear, she’s bound to feel as if you haven’t taken the time to learn much about her.
She already has more than she’ll ever wear – Women who receive jewels for every gift-giving occasion as well as the occasional pair of apology earrings are less likely to express much excitement when presented with yet another expensive adornment.
She’s the practical type – Marilyn Monroe might have believed that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but that broad generalization doesn’t apply to every girl. For the more practical woman, a gift of jewelry is more likely to be seen as frippery, rather than a heartfelt gesture.
She knows it’s not in the budget – Gifting expensive jewelry to a domestic partner who knows that your collective financial situation can’t comfortably accommodate such a grandiose gesture might cause her to be less than impressed. For financially strapped families, money spent on jewelry could always be spent more productively, and she knows that.
It doesn’t symbolize what she wants it to – A woman who is desperately hoping for an engagement ring or other symbol of commitment will almost always be a bit disappointed when that exciting little box turns out to be “only” a pricey pair of earrings. Regardless of your gift’s value, if she’s anticipating a milestone that never comes, she probably won’t show the enthusiasm you’re hoping for.
It’s an extravagant but empty gesture – Most women have a sixth sense when it comes to detecting an extravagant gift from a man whose intentions are less than honorable. If you have a penchant for playing the field and are frequently identified as a womanizer, don’t be surprised when your finery is greeted with a bit of cool indifference.
Jewelry doesn’t make up for your absence – Being able to afford an array of jewels for the woman in your life often means spending long hours away from home for work purposes. While a heartfelt gift can soothe the occasional pangs of loneliness, no precious metals can make up for the continued absence of a loved one.
She’s spoiled – There’s no way around it: some women are simply spoiled. An ungrateful mate is usually quite difficult to please; when ostentatious ornaments regularly fail to please, you may have a spoiled young lady on your hands.

Poring over display cases to find the perfect gift for an important woman in your life only to find her underwhelmed can be a huge disappointment. To avoid hurt feelings and awkwardness, it’s best to pay close attention to both the things she says in conversation and non-verbal cues; by taking the time to listen and being observant, you’ll be able to make a more educated guess about the kind of gifts she’d love to receive.