Shopping for a Diamond Engagement Ring Black Friday? You may want to rethink this. And what you should do instead when shopping for a diamond and engagement ring.
If you’re thinking of shopping for a diamond engagement ring on Black Friday this article is for you.
It’s September, and we’re at the beginning of what the bridal and diamond industry calls “engagement season.” This is the time of year when, according to experts, most couples get engaged. They do so because by the time the engagement ring arrives, it’s around the holidays and most couples are able to propose to their intended while in proximity to their closest friends and family, allowing them to celebrate the moment.
But the issue a lot of first-time engagement ring buyers run into is deciding whether or not they should wait until Black Friday to purchase their engagement rings or, if they’re building a custom engagement ring, a loose diamond center stone.
The logic makes sense: wait till Black Friday to get the best deal on a diamond or engagement ring and save that extra money to really prepare a sparkling proposal.
At the Engagement Ring Checklist, we get the inclination to want to wait, but having worked in the bridal and diamond industry for over a decade, we can emphatically share that this is a bad idea, one that will not yield the results you’re hoping for.
Below is our checklist on why buying a diamond or engagement ring on Black Friday is a bad idea and what you should do instead.
At The Engagement Ring Checklist, we’re here to pass our on deep knowledge of the industry to consumers to help them make the best possible choices. If you need more help or would like to be referred to a reputable diamond dealer or engagement ring designer, contact us here: there’s no charge for our diamond advice! And if you’re a dealer or designer who would like to be added to our growing referral network, click here to complete our survey for consideration.
Seven Reasons Why Buying an Engagement Ring and Diamond on Black Friday is a Bad Idea
- Rushed Decisions: Black Friday is known for its limited-time, high-pressure sales, which can lead to hasty decisions. Buying a diamond should be a well-considered purchase, given its significant cost and this not a decision that you should rush. This can also lead to pressure from sales staff looking to hit holiday quotas who may not have your best interests in mind.
- Limited Selection: Retailers often offer discounts on specific items or have limited inventory during Black Friday sales. This can limit your choices in terms of diamond quality, size, and style, not to mention, you’re competing with other people shopping for the same thing. Retailers want to create scarcity so buyers will shop from a position of fear: don’t fall into that trap.
- Quality vs. Price: To offer steep discounts and to meet the demand during Black Friday, some retailers may compromise on the quality of the diamonds they sell.These diamonds might have inferior cut, color, clarity, or carat weight compared to what you would typically choose for such an important purchase. It’s essential to thoroughly research the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) and understand the value of the diamond you’re purchasing. Our adage is that anything that’s sold at a discount was overpriced by the vendor to begin with.
- Lack of Personalized Service: This is in regards to in-person shopping, but Black Friday shopping can be crowded and hectic, making it difficult to receive personalized attention and advice from salespeople. When buying a diamond, having a knowledgeable and patient salesperson can make a significant difference. This is also true when buying a diamond online but that’s a whole other animal entirely.
- Strict Return Policies: Black Friday sales often come with stricter return policies, which could make it challenging to return or exchange a diamond if you later have concerns about your purchase.
- Limited Inventory Selection: Another crucial factor to consider when shopping for a diamond on Black Friday is the limited inventory selection. Retailers often promote specific items or categories for their sales events, which means that you may have a restricted choice when it comes to diamonds.
- Risk of Settling for Less: The pressure of Black Friday sales can sometimes lead shoppers to compromise on their preferences due to the fear of missing out on a deal. This can result in settling for a diamond that doesn’t meet your standards or preferences, which may lead to dissatisfaction with your purchase in the long run.
- Rushed Design / Delivery Time: Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, which means that those looking to propose by Christmas will only have three weeks to ensure delivery of the engagement ring. Not only does waiting until Black Friday mean you run the risk of paying rush fees (whether on delivery fees or design and production fees) but you’ve not given yourself or your jeweler any wiggle room to correct any possible mistakes. Giving yourself and your chosen jeweler a longer lead time between purchase and proposal date can ensure a smoother process that’s infinitely less stressful for yourself.
The reasons above outline why getting an engagement ring or diamond on Black Friday or Cyber Monday may not give you the advantage you thought you were getting. If you need more help or would like to be connected to a jeweler or diamond dealer from our trusted network, contact us here. Our diamond and engagement ring advice is always free and there’s no fee for a consultation.
