Giving a whole new meaning to the term “shotgun wedding,” a jeweler in the United States is enticing future husbands who would prefer to hunt for deer instead of the perfect engagement ring, with a free rifle if they spend at least $1,999 on a diamond ring.
“Around this time of year people are gearing up to hunt, and I thought this was a cute thing to do if you are an avid hunter and you want to satisfy her, this is the way to do it,” said Harold van Beek, owner of Jewelry by Harold, in a phone interview on Tuesday.
Van Beek admitted that he is a “crazy jeweler” who does “crazy things” but that he was trying to think of a different way to promote his business in North Liberty, Iowa.
Hunting is “big” in Iowa and that is what provided the motivation for the special offer titled, “Buy her a diamond ring and receive a free hunting rifle,” said van Beek. “It’s a rare combination, but at least it’s fun. That is what everyone is looking for these days is fun.”
The jeweler teamed up with an outdoor and sporting goods store named Fin and Feather in Iowa City, which van Beek explained was “a little reserved in the beginning” to go through with the promotion.
Customers who purchase a diamond ring from van Beek that is least $1,999, will receive a voucher to claim a Remington 870 hunting rifle from Fin and Feather.
“If you like to call her dear, you can tell her you will be hunting deer!” van Beek wrote in a press release announcing the promotion, which runs until October 31.
Van Beek said phone calls and emails have already started pouring in from interested customers since he announced the special on Monday, which he said “will put a smile on the faces of the people” who take advantage of it.
“I got my first email last night at 2 a.m.,” he said.
