I tried the ring showcase and switched the item throughout the day. It got me a lot more views than usual and a few favorites. I have not done search ads. I participated in a BNS/BNR and it got me a sale, tons of Favorites, and a few views.
I feel that both investments were worth it in the long run. I paid a total of $13, sold a $22.50 item, and got an item I would have bought anyway if I had seen it while browsing. I am expecting that all of those favorites will lead to some more views in the future as well. I plan on doing both again sometime in the next few months.