More counting the cost of true love in China

Chinese spending on Valentine's Day has surpassed that in some Eastern European countries, according to a survey by Home Credit, a financial company with subsidiaries across the world, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Belarus and China.

Average spending on jewelry as a Valentine's Day gift in China reached $350, higher than in other countries surveyed, and almost three times that in Russia and Belarus, according to the survey.

"Chinese consumers' appetite for buying jewelry in preparation for Valentine's Day has increased in recent years, as many men would propose on this special day and jewelry is an indispensable item for the moment," said Jiang Jing, head of communication and marketing at Hong Kong-based jewelry brand Qeelin Joaillerie China.