Girls hope Valentine's is a gem

Jeff Petrie, from Michael Hill Jeweller in Hastings, has seen some Valentine's customers in recent days, but expects more of a rush through the doors today. Photo / Paul Taylor

Jewellery and flowers are at the top of Kiwi women's wishlists for Valentine's Day and it seems local men are getting the message.

In Hastings, Michael Hill Jeweller assistant manager Jeff Petrie had "absolutely" seen an increase in blokes looking to buy something special for their loved one.

"We expect this afternoon and tomorrow to see more through the door; 100 per cent, every lady loves a diamond and we always have a storewide sale at this time of year, so there are some bargains to be had."

Manufacturing jewellers such as Unio in Havelock North hadn't seen much of a rush, though owner Bruce Jackson had noticed "some lost-looking men" in the shop.

"A lot of men are terrible at shopping for jewellery, or knowing what to get."

Grieve Diamond Jeweller assistant manager James Griffith had already helped customers shopping for their Valentine.

"We are ticking along nicely but hopefully we see a lot more of a rush."

For Hawke's Bay men, a bunch of flowers was the preferred option, with florists noting more pre-orders than in previous years.

Country Garden Florist owner Fiona Williams worked late last night and came in early today to meet demand.

"We do lots of red roses and other bouquets - the red roses are still a big tradition," she said.

More men were planning ahead but she still expected many to stop by at the last minute.

For a typically "stop-off and pick-up" style business, Market Place Florist in New World, Hastings, had a surprising number of orders to fill.

"There were more than we expected," manager Becs Mascall said. "We still have a variation of roses and other flowers on offer."

According to 1000 people recently surveyed by Colmar Brunton, 26 per cent of women hoped to receive jewels today, while 16 per cent would be content with a bouquet.

"Flowers and jewellery are the top two gifts men are buying so it appears a good number are in sync with their partners," business-development director Vanessa Clark said.

Men, on the other hand, rated their ideal gifts as travel, a holiday or trip overseas (10 per cent), love and affection (9 per cent) or a new car (8 per cent).

"The fact that love and affection rates almost as highly as travel raises the question of whether men are more romantic than they are often given credit for."

Men were more likely to receive a romantic card, chocolates, jewellery or a meal out.