A lot of it has to do with demographics. Fewer people are getting married, and those who do, get married later in their lives. The engagement ring is usually on

A lot of it has to do with demographics. Fewer people are getting married, and those who do, get married later in their lives. The engagement ring is usually only the first of the many jewelry purchases you make -- a lot more come after you get married. The car industry has a similar problem -- married people are the ones who become owners of homes in the suburbs, which often requires two cars to get around.