Who decides to buy jewelry and diamonds in wealthy households?

According to a new Luxury Institute study, 78 percent of jewelry purchases by wealthy households begin with women expressing a need for it (what a suprise). Following the expression of need, the percentage of men engaged in the jewelry-buying process more than doubles, with 54 percent of men participating in the final decision. ( Even a bigger suprise if the men would not go along they know how there credit card bills will look like).

In addition, men appear more likely than women to make the actual jewelry purchase.Likewise, women seem more involved than men in the purchase of fine china and glassware, home furnishings and bathroom fixtures, although men do play a part.

The study also finds that 86 percent of wealthy Americans (those making more than $150,000 per year) research big-ticket items and services before purchasing them. Nearly half of the wealthy ages 44 and younger set a budget for such purchases.