By Laura Galbraith
lgalbraith@timesfreepress.com
To help get couples closer to the altar, David Morgan, owner of Bench Vizion Jewelry Designs on Hixson Pike, is having a contest to give away five wedding ring sets.
The contest is meant to help couples who want to get married but are having to reevaluate their spending habits due to the slow economy.
“We’re trying to overcome the headaches that we’ve had (with the economy),” Mr. Morgan said. “The economy has been bad and everybody has been sluggish, and I’m just trying to help do my part for it and try to boost the economy back up, at least in our area.”
Mr. Morgan’s contest comes at a very appropriate time. According to The Knot, an online wedding resource, about 17 percent of the 2.3 million engagements that occur each year happen in December.
Wilma Martin, an employee at Bench Vizion Jewelry Designs and Mr. Morgan’s mother, said she knows a number of couples who have had to postpone their wedding plans because of recent financial hardships.
“I think David feels like the community has given to him and that he wants to give back to some people that really couldn’t afford things,” she said.
To enter, each contestant must submit a one-page essay explaining why they need a free wedding set.
“I am looking for the best story that I can get, the reason why we need (to help),” Mr. Morgan said. “What makes their purpose more important than the other ones?”
Contestants will have until Friday, Dec. 19, to submit their essays. The five winners will be announced before Christmas Day.
“This is a great way for someone to surprise their loved one with a gift that will keep on giving,” said Karlene Claridy, the owner of Claridy Communications who works with Bench Vizion Jewelry Designs.
“A lot of people, they’re looking to spend their money right now on the bare necessities,” she said. “So, of course, looking at jewelry for Christmas time is not even thought of.”
Couples who have gotten married but could not afford wedding rings are also encouraged to participate in the contest.
THE RINGS
• Each winner will receive a solitary, one-forth caret engagement ring and wedding band.
• Mr. Morgan said the wedding band can be either hers of his.
“If (the ring) is for her, it'll be two to three millimeters wide with a comfort fit, and if it's for him, it's at least a four to five millimeter comfort fit,” he said.
• The winner can choose either white or yellow gold for the wedding band.
• Engagement rings at Bench Vizion Jewelry Designs are usually sold for $599, whereas wedding bands run from $89 to $189.
TO ENTER
• Drop off or mail the essay to:
Bench Vizion Jewelry Designs,
3901 Hixson Pike, Attn: David Morgan
Chattanooga, TN 37415
• Fax (423) 877-8061.
• E-mail: benchvizion@gmail.com.
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