101 Industry Insiders Reveal the Best Time to Buy a Diamond
DEERFIELD BEACH, FLORIDA – – Beyond 4Cs, a website resource for diamond engagement ring shoppers, has released results for an industry survey on the best time to buy a diamond ring. More than 100 professionals around the globe were interviewed for answers.
Paul Gian, the founder of Beyond4Cs.com stated, “Prior to this industry-wide survey (http://beyond4cs.com/when-is-the-best-time-of-the-year-to-buy-a-diamond-ring/), many consumers believe there are certain times of the year which are best for buying a diamond or getting a good deal.”
He continued, “As it turned out, a huge majority of these professionals we interviewed said otherwise. The surprising results of the survey indicate there’s no best time to buy a diamond ring and that one should shop based on their own schedule.
Mind you, these are people who actually work and understand the diamond business. If you are a consumer who is thinking of timing the market or holding out for a ‘deal’ to come by before pulling the trigger, you better think again.”
In a market which typically sees a spike in demand and sales volume during festive periods, consumers may do well to heed the insider advice from this study. By avoiding the mad rush of shopping during peak seasons, consumers can get better selections and enjoy better buying experiences.
Besides their insights to the inner workings of the industry, the interviewed experts also provided a wealth of useful tips and practical advice. For people who are planning to buy a diamond ring, this is a write up that’s definitely worth checking out.
Below is a list of industry professionals who took part in this study. The table is arranged in alphabetical order based on their represented business names. Replies are posted as-is with minor corrections made to grammatical/spelling errors.
Given the sheer volume of answers we received, you can expect this to be a long and super-informative post. If you want to jump directly to a particular expert’s answer, all you got to do is to click on the name to read their full response.
So, grab a cup of hot coffee, sit back and start reading.
Gorkem K. – 25karats.com
Is there a magical date or month where you can get a great deal for an engagement ring? Aside from small seasonal discounts, not really. But there is a time frame that you really have to consider. An engagement ring is purchased for a very specific event: a proposal!
That’s why the most important factor is to give enough time to do your research and compare options for both the diamond and the ring setting. If the bride-to-be is not involved in the decision making, i.e. it’s truly a surprise proposal, you should also gather enough information about her likes and preferences through her friends and family.
That means you need at least three months to finalize your decision on the engagement ring. If you plan to propose on a special date such as Christmas Eve or an anniversary, you should plan ahead taking into consideration that specific date.
Steven Gad – 88Cut.com
The obvious answer is the moment you’re ready to get married. But, understandably, the decision to buy the diamond engagement ring is much more complex than that. There’s really no “best time” to buy because the ideal time will of course be different for everyone.
When it comes down to it, the best time to buy a ring all depends on the emotional state you’re in. Make sure you’re coming from a genuine place of happiness, excitement and, of course, love before you go ahead and get a ring. More than anything else, a diamond engagement ring is a momentous purchase, so you want to be able to remember the experience lovingly and fondly when you reflect on that memory years and even decades later.
That will happen only if your decision to buy the ring is prompted by an enduring state of love, commitment and excitement to spend the rest of your life with your other half and not because you feel rushed or pressured to do so.
Read the rest of Steven Gad’s response: When is the Best Time of the Year to Buy an Engagement Ring and Why?
Josh Fishman – AFishman.com
In my opinion, and I am a wholesaler not a retailer (although I do most of my business with private customers but at a wholesale price), there is no one time that is better than another to purchase an engagement ring. While the Christmas season is replete with retailers running “sales”, these are not truly sale prices as I have yet to see a retailer who advertises “70% off” selling at 100%. It is just a “come on”.
At the wholesale level, we don’t run sales and we don’t have “surge” pricing to take advantage of the June “engagement season”. Every day is the perfect day to purchase a diamond at the wholesale level.
Raphi Mahgereft – Allurez.com
Typically, we refer to the “engagement season” as November through February and we recommend that our customers purchase their engagement ring 2-3 months before their proposal to make sure all the details are worked out. Often times, once the groom is ready purchase the ring, that’s when reality sets in and their imagination begins to run wild with proposal ideas.
We don’t recommend that customers buy the ring any earlier than 3 months in advance because from experience, they will become stifled with anxiety carrying around such a big secret.
We also see a lot of people getting engaged around the spring and summer time. Nevertheless, the truly best to time to buy an engagement ring is once you are sure about the person and you know they are the one.
Peter L. Schaffer – Alvr.com
We do not think there is a ‘best time’. I think the time is dependent on the ‘yes I will’ answer. We do not adjust prices according to the season.
Neil Beaty – AmericanGemRegistry.com
Time isn’t a significant factor. Diamonds aren’t perishable and desirable stones don’t really go on sale in the usual sense of the word. To the extent that they do, it’s because of a distressed seller having something like a going out of business sale, and in such cases they’re usually going out of business for a reason.
The good stuff disappeared long before the sale even started, if it was ever even there in the first place.
Rob – DiamondHouseJewellery.com
Not sure what movie it was, but there’s a scene where the evening before her wedding, this girl sits on the porch talking to her father.
She asks him, “Daddy, when do you know?” And the father replies: “You know when you know.”
In fact, the same goes for her boyfriend; when you know, you know.
So winter, spring, summer or fall, that will be the moment you will want to buy her that diamond.
Afshin Yaghtin – ApplesOfGold.com
The best time to buy a diamond is when demand is lower and diamond dealers and jewelers are in a slower season. Christmas, for example, may be the worst time to buy a diamond if price is a factor. This is because demand is high and with a high amount of sales coming in to both retail and wholesale, diamond dealers will be less willing to drop prices.
With that said, there are multiple factors at play, such as whether you are buying retail – in which case, retail prices do not always fluctuate up and down based on the market since many retailers stock diamonds and others do not update their prices as frequently as wholesalers or direct diamond dealers would.
Read the rest of Afshin Yaghtin’s response:
Margaux Donckier – AWDC.be
It is kind of like the Greek notion of Kairos: when the opportune, inspired moment arises, whenever that may be … that is when you buy a diamond. The way we see it, the best time to buy a diamond is whenever a moment cannot be honoured with anything less than a diamond.
So in fact, it’s really not about when you buy, but why you buy. When the answer to that question is, “to celebrate a precious moment with an everlasting memory”, that is the perfect time to buy a diamond.
Of course, one can be practical and reasonable about buying an engagement ring as well, and in that case we suggest between June and August. This is a relatively slow period for jewellers, and at this time of the year they are looking to offload their stock before buying more inventory in September and October for the next engagement period.
Read the rest of Margaux Donckier’s response:
Russell Fogarty – Beladora.com
Buying an engagement ring is simultaneously one of the most exciting and potentially most nerve-wracking experiences in life. For many people, it is the single biggest expense they will have undertaken up to that point and they are trying to choose something that is intended to last a lifetime. Oftentimes, the buyer wants the engagement ring to be a surprise and most have zero experience buying jewelry or any knowledge as to what determines quality and value.
I will say timing should always be dictated by the circumstances. This is not a purchase to make in advance and hold until just the right person comes along! Indeed, we advise, as unromantic as it might seem, to have a VERY good idea of what your fianceé wants, for surprises, no matter how fun they may sound, are fraught with danger.
Read the rest of Russell Fogarty’s response: When is the Best Time of the Year to Buy an Engagement Ring and Why?
Lisa Halliburton – BellJeweler.com
There isn’t really the best time to purchase an engagement ring in terms of the jewelry store side. I would say when it is the best time for the couple.
However, Christmas and Valentines, seems to be the most popular times!
Paul Gian – Beyond4cs.com
The best time to buy a diamond ring is when you find the perfect diamond that fits your budget and specifications. After running Beyond4cs.com for more than 4 years, I had come across many people who procrastinated or try to time the market only to kick themselves in their backs later.
In our industry, truly high quality diamonds never go on sale because the sellers know there is demand for these stones and people are willing to pay for them. On top of that, every single diamond is unique. I had seen too many people who end up being disappointed because they waited even though they found a great diamond.
Read the rest of Paul Gian’s response:
Britten Wolf – BVWJewelers.com
I think the best time of year to purchase a diamond is when the time is right. It’s tricky to put a time on love, and the desire to ask someone’s hand in marriage or partnership.
If you’re in the market for a diamond, after the holidays between January and February is the best time. Vendors have a full inventory and want to move stones being so many vendors are flushed and need to move product.
Eli Lev – CaratsDirect2U.com
It all depends on what you are looking for- value or the newest and latest models and style.
If you are looking for the biggest stone for your budget, the best time will would be after New Year’s and before Valentine’s Day; at this time engagement rings that were not sold for the peak of the season will be discounted.
If you’re looking to buy a new and trendy one-of-a-kind diamond engagement ring, you should shop for it at the beginning of November when all the styles are ready to be tested to and marketed for the peak season. After the season, many of the one-of-a-kind engagement rings will be sold, so you should not miss out.
Chris – CarolinaGemLab.com
I’m an appraiser not a jeweler. As far as I’m concerned, the best time to buy one is when someone feels that it’s the right time. I never bought my wife one. I inherited my Mother’s engagement ring.My wife thought it was too small and wanted something larger so I told her that she could buy and pay for whatever she wanted. She bought a very large emerald cut CZ and flanked it with a pair of half moon cut rubies.
Cory Schifter – CasaleJewelry.com
The best time to buy a diamond ring, first and foremost is when you know the time is right. We work with each one of our customers to make sure that they have the right style, diamond shape and try our best to work within their budget.
Budget is everything as we will do our best to create the ring of their dreams without sacrificing quality.
Catherine – CatherineAngiel.com
Today’s engagement ring buyers no longer wait for a special occasion to pop the big question!
What consumers should know is finding the right ring, with the right stone will take time.
When working with a specialist, we need the time to go through and select the best stone options in the client’s price range. Additionally, crafting a custom ring takes a good deal and time to perfect.
I advise the best time for a couple to purchase their ring is 2 months prior to the proposal.
An engagement ring is one of the most intimate purchases a couple will make, and is worth waiting for!
Carl Swaab – CertifiedDiamondNetwork.com.au
The best time to buy a diamond engagement ring is a tricky one to answer. I don’t believe there is any magical time of year to buy and considering what an engagement ring represents, it’s not a process I would suggest rushing through if you’re looking to achieve the best in visual qualities & real value for money with your purchase.
Once you’ve decided that you want to ask your partner that all important question, my advice is to start doing research, research and research. If it’s going to be a surprise, try and get indicators of her ring style tastes and what diamond shapes she prefers.
Once you have a better idea of what you’re trying to achieve, you can now start to do more specific research about diamonds as well as getting a better idea of what you’ll need to budget for the finished piece.
Read the rest of Carl Swaab’s response here…
Chow Tai Fook – ChowTaiFook.com
The best time to propose is the best time to buy engagement ring. When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone special, the first keepsake is the engagement ring which marks a lasting promise to love each other.
Festive season is always the peak proposal timing because the environment help to set a romantic mood. Despite the tradition of going on bent knees on Valentine’s Day, Christmas Eve becomes the most popular day of the year for men to propose.
Katerina Ptizner – CopenhagenDiamondExchange.com
The best time to buy a diamond engagement ring?
When you are in love!
I guess this was not the answer you were hoping for, but this is honestly my answer. In the jewelry business, there are no seasons and no sales. When it comes to diamonds, they have always been and will always be in fashion.
The jewelers are always willing and some are even eager to sell, but they also know what their goods are worth. You may be lucky to get a good deal – but if you are offered a bargain, I would be careful. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Dale Fournier – DaleFournier.com
Demitri Kolokouris – DiamondBuyersIntl.com
Summer time is a great time to buy a diamond. Vacations and increased time off work discourages people from spending money on diamond jewelry. Avoid holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Since everyone is buying at those times, dealers are able to maximize profits.
Anna – DiamondDirectBuy.com
I would say the best time is “When you decide to get engaged”. As a Private jeweler, I get deals no one else can all year round by scouring my diamonds direct from exporters and paying in full upfront. I get the lowest price for my customer, no store overhead and very minimal margins.
Any time someone purchases a diamond ring from Diamond Direct Buy, they can be sure it was the best time for them to do so. There is no need to wait for sales or special time of the year like the holidays when inventory usually gets marked up the highest due to popular demand.
Randy Jones – DiamondDurrellsJewelry.com
The timing of giving an engagement ring is a personal choice. People have their own reasons behind their decision, such as the anniversary of their first date or an event that could have a special meaning. As for us there isn’t a particular time of year that’s better to make the purchase.
Ideally, it should be done at least a few months before the proposal, in case what they want has to be made or special ordered. Even though it’s better to shop ahead of time, we still sell rings within a few days of the engagement, but that may limit their choices.
Evan Roberts – DiamondEducation.co.za
I don’t think there is really a best time to buy, now is the best time. If you want to get engaged, just do it. Is a 10- 20% saving really worth losing your future wife? One can wait for the diamond price to fall, the exchange rate to improve but it’s is all relative.
My best advice would be to avoid Christmas and Valentines. Don’t buy from high end jewelers in fancy shopping malls. They have high overheads to meet. Shop online and smaller jewelers or direct from a diamond dealer who supply the trade. Just ensure the diamond has a reputable grading certificate from a laboratory.
Buy the diamond loose and get a manufacturing jeweler to do your make-up. Get a basic education on how the pricing and discounts work using the Rapaport, a knowledge of the 4’cs and you are equipped to negotiate a fair deal with the jeweler.
Gus Hashem – DiamondEmporium.com.au
There isn’t specifically a best time to buy an engagement ring as purchasing time is typically dependent on when the client is planning to propose. As an Australian consumer, it is beneficial to consider the current exchange rate when purchasing a ring as diamonds are traded in USD globally.
They should also consider factors such as their financial capacity at the time and if this allows them to purchase a ring within their expectations. The best time to buy is also when they feel they have the adequate knowledge about diamonds and the ring manufacturing process so they can take this into account when purchasing so that they can make a well informed decision.
Diana – Diamondere.com
June through August is unofficially known as the wedding season, given the warmer months. That may be the best time in fact to buy a diamond engagement ring since most engagements are established throughout the rest of the year.
That said, engagement season is typically from Oct-Feb which is when retailers are going to be well-stocked with diamonds. So if you can’t find a good diamond in the summer months, it may be worth it to wait and check out the engagement season to see if you can find what you desire during those months.
Read the rest of Diana’s response:
Laurent – DiamondIdeals.com
There are certainly engagement seasons, notably around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as many people wait to be home with generational family to propose. That said, I don’t think there is a better or worse time to make the actual purchase, pricewise.
Looking at market forces and historical trends, you might say that the Rap list rarely changes during the busy season (Oct-Dec) and any changes that are due become official in January, but that change is just as often a raise as a lowering of prices.
What is certain is that stock availability increases by the end of January. Most wholesalers have their inventory in actual stores across the nation through the season. In January everything comes back and inventory is taken. By the end of January, availability is usually at its highest. In that sense, Jan through June are better times to buy as there tends to be a greater choice.
Amy Liu – DiamondInTheRough.com
The best time of the year to purchase a diamond engagement is a year away from your actual wedding.
1. It gives you enough time look for a perfect ring.
2. A wedding party cost will cost a fortune. It will be better purchase ring early and save some money for the wedding.
3 Most girls prefer early a summer wedding, so March-May is the best time start searching for the options.
Nick Ireland – DiamondJewelleryStudio.com.au
“Is there a best time of the year to get engaged!!”
Being a male I will answer as a male…
What time of year would be the most romantic??
So many places and cool things to do for a proposal…
In summer, we have great weather and can organize anything for outdoors, beaches, beach villas, sailing , hot air ballooning… And the list goes on…
Read the rest of Nick Ireland’s response:
Dino – DiamondMansion.com
In my humble opinion, I don’t think that there’s such a thing as the best time of the year to buy an engagement ring. If this is about saving money when buying on a particular month, this really won’t apply to us because we are wholesalers and we’re on sale all year long.
Timing is really important and I believe the best time to buy is when you’re ready financially, emotionally, physically and most especially, spiritually. Marriage is a gift from God and requires an enduring commitment.
Donna Distefano Thomas – DonnaDistefanoLtd.com
After you read about the 4-cs and understand the price per carat system, step away from the dollar value. Select a ring based on design, craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. A diamond is by nature beautiful. Work with a reputable craftsman any time of year.
Try not to get too caught up in the weights and measures. There is no particular season to buy a handcrafted diamond engagement ring. Each ring requires the time-honored hand of the goldsmith.
Joy Janssen – EcoDiamond.com
Typically, we see our clients proposing in the largest numbers during the months of November through February. November through January is a time when families get together more, offering prime opportunities to announce engagements as well as show off the engagement ring itself.
Another thing consumers can watch for is special offers and sales. EcoDiamond.com offers incentives to buy on Black Friday as well as for Christmas. This helps consumers to get the most for their money. Valentine’s Day is also a very popular time for engagements, and often there are sales or other incentives for Valentine’s Day too.
Truly though, if there is a prime time of year to purchase a diamond engagement ring, that will be based on the timing of the client’s proposal. They’ll want to purchase in plenty of time to have the ring ready for their proposal, but not purchase so far in advance that they miss the window for exchanges or returns should that be necessary.
Afshin Shaddaie – EstateDiamondJewelry.com
The best time to buy an engagement ring would be the summer. Jewelry stores and websites tend to be quietest during the summer (July, August and September) and this will enable you to get a lot more attention (and better value) than what you would be able to get during the rest of the year.
Israel Bien – EternalFineJewels.com
I think there are definitely some slightly better times of year to buy an engagement ring.
Overall, a deal is a deal is a deal. There are always motivated sellers in any season and in every market. Also, a good diamond dealer will always be able to sort through the haystack and find the best needles out there. And I have to also add that you really do get what you pay for. Most steeply discounted diamonds are cheaper than their counterparts for a reason.
A center black carbon imperfection is certainly much less desirable than an inclusion in the girdle or on the bottom of the diamond, off to the side. These better clarity diamonds in the same color and clarity category, with similar fine cutting standards, will command a premium no matter when you buy them. There are too many variables to list here that have an impact on pricing.
Read the rest of Israel Bien’s response:
It seems like this is a simple question, but there are many facets to the answer.
1. If you are buying a traditional engagement ring from a brick and mortar store, I would say it really does not matter much what time of year it is.
2. If you are having a custom order made, don’t have the jewelers make it during the busy holiday season.
3. If you are looking for an estate ring, I suggest that you look into auctions in your area and on the internet. To do this, leave plenty of time because special pieces that you are going to love don’t come up very often.
4. If you are looking for a deal, look for a time when lots of folks are out of a job and need money. Here in Maine, that is in the winter.
Ultimately, I think it is best to purchase the ring together with your fiancee after you have become engaged. Not so romantic, but much more sensible.
Gino Priolo – ExAurum.com
We are primarily a custom design house with a medium sized retail store.
Because we design and manufacture here at Ex Aurum, we always seem to be busy. We also make jewelry for several retailers across Canada. I suppose if I had to give you a period of the year where it is busy then it would be spring time. This is the time of year when there are a lot of weddings.
The weather is good and weddings can be held outdoors. The various wedding magazines publish at this time of the year as well as the wedding shows around Montreal. But really, we seem to do a lot of custom design for Christmas as well. This would start in the month of October and go until December. We have a lot of customers who surprise their girlfriends with a ring for Christmas.
Lauren – EZPawnCorp.com
I would have to say there is no “best time” of year specifically. It depends what you are driving to achieve. As a 3rd-generation pawnbroker, I was always taught to look for the best deals.
Therefore, when it comes to price, it’s helpful to be following the diamond market and current trends. Do research in advance and if you know the market is weak at that time – you have an advantage.
Andrew Fabrikant – FabOn5th.com
Maybe I am a die-hard romantic but the only time I think you should buy an engagement ring is when you have someone to spend the rest of your life with. 🙂
Timing may come more into play based on when you may be trying to give a ring. If the plan is to get engaged during the holiday season, I would suggest shopping well in advance. When shopping during the holidays, it will be difficult to get the full attention of a retailer.
Buy jewelry well in advance of when you have to give it. If the jeweler knows you have a deadline, like Christmas morning, and you are two weeks away, then your ability to negotiate is limited. Many of us would not take advantage of a client’s situation but some would and letting them in on the deadline makes for a weaker negotiating position.
My two suggestions are to buy it in advance of any deadlines or romantic dates you may have in mind. And of course, don’t buy it until you are sure you want to ask the question.
Nikhil Hathiramani – FacetSingapore.com
The real answer is there is no “best time” to buy an engagement ring. While many retail stores tend to give promotions at various times during the year (holiday season, valentines, mother’s day etc), these are more an act of clearing stock than actual “deals”. There is no sure way for a consumer to know those discounts aren’t on already inflated prices.
One could argue that monitoring the polished diamond prices for fluctuations is a way of knowing when to buy a diamond at its lows, but for the general public, this information is not readily accessible. One key factor would be to go against the grain. An area of advantage is with fancy shape diamonds, as these tend to go in and out of trend fairly regularly.
For example, at the moment Oval shapes are in fashion, and thus the previous deep discounts for these diamonds do not exist (because of high demand). One could choose to go for an Emerald cut instead (if it suits you) and get rewarded for a stone that is equally as beautiful (in my opinion) for a cheaper per carat price than an Oval.
Read the rest of Nikhil Hathiramani’s response:
Kate – FacetsJewelryBlog.com
The process of purchasing an engagement ring can be a daunting one, especially if you are a novice jewelry buyer. Cut, color, clarity, and carat are all things to consider, but an additional element that should be considered is season!
There are two major seasons when it comes to the process of getting married, which are the wedding season (June through August) and engagement season (November through February.)
While couples are busy getting married throughout the warmer months, typically summertime is a slow season for diamond buying. Therefore, many private jewelers and retailers are willing to be flexible in pricing in order to move inventory. Buying during the wedding season will give you the best opportunity for leverage in the buying process.
If you decide to purchase during the holiday season, you may be subject to pricing volatility.
Lori – FayesDiamondMine.com
Angelo Palmieri – GemFacts.com
Traditionally, January has been the best time of year to buy – however, over the last 4-5 years, diamond prices have been declining, and so while January or after holidays have traditionally been a good time, in 2015, October would have been the best time to buy, which does not concur with typical laws of supply and demand.
Shant Purutoglu – GemLab.ca
There is no best time to buy an engagement ring. On a wholesale level, diamonds never go on sale because they are always in demand and the supply is always controlled. The best time for us Canadians to buy diamonds is when our dollar is strong. For instance, a few years ago when our dollar was par with the USD, that was the perfect time to buy for us. If you were to purchase the same diamond now, it will definitely cost you 35% more.
Also, there might not be a best time but there could be a best place to buy a diamond. As long as you are buying a diamond with a trusted certificate, there is no reason you should go to a big box chain store unless you want that brand name.
Read the rest of Shant Purutoglu’s response:
Jim Salyer – GemSourceInc.com
How to buy a diamond is far more important than what month of the year. I expect people to be in the market on their schedule, especially for an engagement ring.
Here are few simple ideas to stay on the right path to not only purchase well, but to make it a pleasant and rewarding experience.
First, ignore the discount ads, % off sales, etc., jewelry sales companies who lead with price as their main focus are almost never offering high quality goods.
Educate yourself, not by taking a class, just by using facts that are readily available, GIA offers a free app you can download, search “GIA 4Cs”, excellent short videos which explain the value factors of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Read the rest of Jim Salyer’s response:
Gerard – GerardRiveron.com
I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘best time to buy an engagement ring’. The celebration of Love and the desire to offer a beautiful ring or any jewelry should be simply guided by the feelings of Love and it can happen any time!
Sarah Burns – GillWingJewellery.co.uk
You can buy a diamond ring at any time of year, but if you are interested in having a ring made bespoke then you would need to allow 4-6 weeks for the making process.
We tend to find that customers become very involved in the selection and design process as it is such a special purchase and we would encourage allowing extra time to get what you want. May, June and December seem to be the most popular proposal months.
Mark Goodman – GoodmanJewelers.biz
Here is my take on engagement ring buying. I have been a jeweler since 1980, so after 37 years in the industry, here is how it has changed in my local market.
First, engagement rings used to move the best around the Christmas season. It is still a really big time for them, but they now have moved more year round. I had a surprising strong January with engagement rings and I have so far booked a good number of custom engagement rings in May.
As from a consumer’s side, it depends upon what you are wanting. If you want a custom engagement ring, which most of my customers now do, you need to allow 14 to 25 days minimum for it. So, if you come in on Dec. 21st and want a custom ring by the 24th, it has a high chance of not happening.
Read the rest of Mark Goodman’s response:
Linda Hartley – HartleyJewelers.com
Our customers invest in engagement rings at all times of the year, there is no real right “time”, only the right moment for them!
We believe the comfort level that a person has with their jeweler is of utmost importance, they should expect the jewelry professional to address all questions honestly and with patience so there is no pressure to hurry with a decision that may not be appropriate for them.
Consideration should be given not only to budget, but equally to ascertain what lifestyle a person leads, which would help in making a good choice regarding stone sizes and settings that will last for decades.
Moshe – HawaiiJewelryBuyers.com
I believe the best time to buy a diamond ring is about 2 months prior to when you plan to propose. I strongly recommend that time frame in case there are issues with the ring build and there is still enough time to track back and redo or redesign. A ring build is usually 4 weeks from start to finish; so 2 months gives plenty of time to redo it over if the case calls for it.
David Nazer – Haywards.com.hk
From both a pragmatic and romantic point of view, you need to work back from when you are thinking to pop the big question. If you are considering a bespoke made ring, then you ought to allow for at least a month before the date you intend to propose.
This will give you time to choose the perfect diamond and decide on the specific details of the style of the engagement ring. For your own peace of mind and to ensure you get it absolutely right, you really don’t want to be rushed.
In terms of the calendar year, it’s worth bearing in mind that the jewellery industry gets extremely busy in the months around Christmas and New Year. All good jewellers will be busy and under pressure with deadlines for bespoke work. You may be disappointed if you don’t allow for enough time in the busy season and your chosen jeweller has to turn down the project.
Read the rest of David Nazer’s response:
Katelyn Cristoferetti – HeartsOnFire.com
Honestly, anytime is a great time to purchase an engagement ring. Traditionally, the holiday season (November-January, and then around Valentine’s Day) is the time of year when most proposals happen – but the beauty of an engagement is that it can happen 365 days a year.
We find that while holiday proposals are still dominant, a growing number of people are looking to get engaged during other times of the year when it feels more special to them and is not as expected. Therefore, engagement ring sales may be higher in the Fall and Winter months around holiday time (and brands like Hearts On Fire plan for this), but it is completely normal and acceptable to buy a ring during other times of the year.
Our best advice is to purchase the ring when YOU are both ready. It is such an individual commitment that it is hard to put a “time frame” on it.
Ted Koester – HerzogJewelers.com
Anytime is a great time to buy an engagement ring! Timing really depends on how flexible you want to propose and plan our wedding. I would recommend starting to shop for your ring maybe two to three months before you actually want to propose. That gives you time to select a style and if needed, have enough time to get a ring custom made and set up the proposal on your schedule.
As for a certain month or time to buy a ring, I would say there is not a better month than another. If you watch the TV, you would think Christmas and then Valentine’s Day. However, I think must people actually get engaged not around those holidays and spring is trending to be the most popular time for presenting a ring.
So, anytime is a good time to buy the ring. There is never a bad time; it is always a great time when you are ready to get engaged.
Yekutiel – IDJewelry.com
A lot of our clients are “numbers guys”; always looking for a statistical substantiation with a direct correlation to what it is that they are spending money on. Long story short, consumers always want to know if they can get what they want for less.
So, some shop around and then come back. And since they can’t find what they want at a different vendor for less, they wonder if the time of purchase can make a difference in price. Like if they buy an engagement ring in March as opposed to October, will they save money?
My answer to that is twofold.
1. Diamonds are a commodity, so their prices do go up and down.
Unfortunately, the down part of that doesn’t always carry over to the customer. Diamond manufactures could have acquired the diamond at a high price and later refuse to sell it at a loss if the value goes down.
Read the rest of Yekutiel’s response:
Peter Fitzpatrick – InternationalDiamond-Brokers.com
In response to when is the best time to buy an engagement ring. May I firstly suggest that a prospective purchaser goes shopping midweek as opposed to the weekends. Suppliers are less busy and have much more time if someone comes to see me on a weekday. That perhaps is a different response to the one that people would expect but I think it is a very accurate one.
In relation to a time of the year, the summer months can be very good as this can be a quieter time for retailers and again a customer is likely to get more time.
May I also suggest and this might be slightly off piste. Do your research and make sure you know what you want. If a supplier thinks that you know what you want and there is a sale to be made, they will then deal regardless of the time of year.
Finally, December can be a tricky time to buy and I think anytime after the first two weeks of the month are best avoided with shopping left to January.
Shihaan Larif – InternetStones.com
There is no specific time to buy a diamond engagement ring. It depends on a lot of factors such as online or offline, accompanied by GIA certificate or not, etc.
Buying online is the best option these days because it’s much cheaper, and in most cases you get to see the diamond certificate before it is dispatched. If you are buying online from reputed sellers, you may buy during the seasonal sales period (like black friday).
If you are buying offline, it’s always better to go during the last week of the month. That’s because most offline stores have a sales target which they try to meet and they might reduce the price to meet the target.
Carol Clarke – CarolClarke.ie
When do I think is the best time to buy an engagement ring?
Well the answer to that question is another question: For what reason do you want to buy an engagement ring? I have found that people buy diamond rings for different reasons. Some for love, some for investments and some just for fun. I think if you are buying a diamond ring for reasons “of love” then anytime should be the best time to buy the ring.
Go with your heart and not your head. When I opened my own jewellery shop 32 years ago, an engagement ring was all about the “ring”. That means the design, the beauty and the workmanship of the ring.
The couples buying the ring had no interest in the colour, clarity, or cut of the diamond as it was all so romantic and it was all about “love”. They were so in love with the ring that the diamond was not important! Today, it is a completely different matter and personally I don’t think “love” comes in to it very much.
Read the rest of Carol Clarke’s response here…
Patrick Davis – JewelryAppraiser.net
Usually the best time of the year to buy a diamond engagement ring is around any of the major holidays as many of the franchise retail jewelry store outlets are in competition with each other and offering deals.
Leanne – JewelryByJohan.com
The best time to buy a diamond engagement ring would be about two months prior to popping the question, which would allow time for customization and fabrication. Most jewelers also do offer financing; therefore one doesn’t need to be concerned with having all the funds up front.
Nicholle – JewelryNerd.net
While spring and the holiday season seem to be the most popular times of the year to propose, ANYTIME is a good time to buy a diamond. Most stores I know of don’t run specific sales, but price their bridal and diamond lines consistently competitive to make sales irrelevant. That way, buyers get the best price all the time!
Natalie – JRDunn.com
Any time of year is the right time to profess your love and devotion to that special someone. However, Spring has traditionally been a popular time for engagement ring shopping. Restaurants and attractions are not very crowded, travel to pretty places is not at its peak, and why not give your lady something exciting to look forward to during the long, hot days of summer.
Also, springtime does not coincide with most other popular gift giving holidays. Everything about Spring – the flowers, the freshness of the air, sunny days – screams romance. So go ahead, pick out a stunning diamond ring and make her dreams come true!
Antony Zagoritis – LapiGems.com
A balanced answer to this question will need to take into account personal circumstances and pricing.
Personal circumstances can significantly dictate when you buy your engagement ring – perhaps an upcoming holiday at which you decide you would like to propose or maybe a family reunion.
However, if you are not facing such constraints but just want to time your purchase to get the best deal then your first consideration is when NOT to buy. The most obvious times to avoid are peak times such as November through February when major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas drive up prices.
Retailers are savvy marketers and they know that large family gatherings during these holidays are popular times for engagements and so cater their marketing and pricing accordingly. Similarly, if you purchase a custom ring during peak periods, when jewelers are frantic then the risk of a problem or delay occurring are much higher.
Read the rest of Antony Zagoritis’s response:
Sara Behar – LaurenBJewelry.com
Pricing wise, I don’t find that the seasons make a big difference. However, before December/January holidays and right before summer are always the busiest time.
I think that purchasing at a more “off season” time like mid-January/February/March and July/August/September allows for less time constraints and a more stress free shopping experience since nothing is rushed.
Keith – LewisJewelers.com
The market has changed so much over the last 10 years. There isn’t a better time than another as it is a worldly market place now and the diamond market is constantly price checking itself via the internet. The real question is “Can you educate yourself well enough to buy” OR “should you find a “Trusted Expert Advisor” to help find the perfect diamond.
Sifting through the endless list of certificates and trying to see the faults as to why that diamond is less than the other. (Type IIA crystal vs. hazy crystal – things not on a certificate) There is always a reason that a diamond is the price it is, so to get another set of eyes and years of experience on your side to find the perfect diamond is an easier path.
Our approach is family driven and always been to take care of the client like family. We are all non-commissioned and only have one goal, find the perfect diamond for each request. Being a Trusted Expert Advisor with years of experience makes our job easy to educate, create and celebrate!
Caroline – Liloveve.com
Is there a best time of year to purchase a diamond engagement ring?
A short answer would be – the time that is right for you is the best time!
Just be sure to allow enough time for you to shop, and for the jeweler to create the ring for you. This can vary from a few days to a few months depending on whether you are purchasing an item pre-made or whether you are seeking a customized/handmade piece. Don’t rush!
The industry has always marketed towards holiday seasons, but many people have stepped away from that time frame, preferring to focus on creating a more personal experience. (August can sometimes be our busiest month!)
This may also be changing as more couples shop together to choose their ring – and not everyone is shopping for a diamond these days.
When I work with clients who would like a diamond, I see my role more as a guide – to find the gem that is perfect for them.
Read the rest of Caroline’s response:
Stephen Irvine – LionSorbet.com
Everyday is the best time to buy an engagement ring. Limiting a purchase date to a particular month, season or holiday for the sake of fashion or trend seems a bit limiting, unless of course you are offered a great deal by your favourite retailer!!
My advice would be to consider the proposal date and give yourself at least 8 weeks prior to that date to ensure your ring purchase can be made to order rather than rushed through. This will ensure the workshop has time to set your stones and polish the metal without issue. I work with a lot of retailers and as much as they love to ensure everything is smooth, a short delivery time puts a lot of pressure on everyone and this is where natural mistakes can happen.
If you’re thinking of the best time to propose, making the date a memorable one can be even more romantic. This could be the anniversary of your first date, a special event that you shared, the birth of a child or a particular holiday such as Valentine’s day or Christmas day. Once you have decided on your date, you can work backwards to give yourself a few months to order and prepare for the big day.
Amie Guarino – LouisAnthony.com
Any time of year is suitable for buying a diamond engagement ring! I will note that we see most of our engagement ring sales peak during the holidays. Like Andy Williams so accurately states, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”!
Some may look at it as a good time to pull the trigger financially, but there is no doubt popping the question during the holidays is romantic and memorable.
Adam Blaszkowski – LuksusDiamonds.com
The internet has served as a major advantage to consumers when it comes to buying a diamond engagement ring. It has given the public access to thousands of diamond options right at their fingertips and at real-time prices.
The center diamond makes up the majority of the cost of an engagement ring. Since diamonds on the world market are all base-priced in U.S. dollars, the main factor you want to keep an eye out for are foreign exchange currency rates against the U.S. dollar.
If the currency from the country you reside in is up against the U.S. dollar then you should be able to buy your center diamond at a lower price and therefore save money overall on your engagement ring. If the currency from your country is down against the U.S. dollar then the opposite would hold true.
Therefore, based on our business model and the fact we operate in Canada, the best time for our clients to buy an engagement ring is when the CAD dollar is up against the USD dollar.
Andrew Eilberg – MarlenJewelers.com
The easiest answer is the best time to buy any piece of jewelry is the week between Christmas and New Years for the fact most jewelers owes taxes January 1st. We pay taxes on all our inventory. Between needing cash to pay those taxes and not wanting to pay tax on an item that is still with us, a lot of jewelers would even go down to cost to get rid of a piece and turn it into cash.
That being said some jewelers, like us, set our fiscal year to end in July. More stability and a better chance to have a firm grasp on how much we will owe. In a case like us, the best time is right after I buy a parcel of diamonds. I cherry pick diamonds for the best prices and most desirable sizes and right after that, I may have a really good deal. It’s first come first serve in that case.
Also, if a diamond dealer is going out of business, they give me deals to clear their inventory. Again, it’s first come first serve as I only have 1 of a particular diamond. It’s hard to answer your question perfectly but the best chance is always just after the Christmas season before the beginning of the year.
Shally Nahar – Marlows-Diamonds.co.uk
There is NO best time as it is a matter of heart, not weather or calendar. in our experience we sell engagement rings throughout the year at the same level.
The best time to propose? Freezing winters or sunny summers, Christmas or Valentine’s, there is no right time of year. Our simple advice is to follow your heart. You will know when you are ready, but be prepared to be patient for a good few months to search for the right ring from inception to collection.
From subtle hints to find her preferences, meeting her friends, chatting to her family to get to know what she likes and dislikes in colour and style among other things is important for a successful proposal. The easiest, although unromantic thing is to bring her along which many of today’s career oriented to be grooms do, to save time, hassle and wasted journeys to the jewellery store. When she looks at the item herself there can be no excuses!!
Read the rest of Shally Nahar’s response here…
</aMichelle Rielly – MissDiamondRing.com
I have found the best time to start shopping for an engagement ring would be during non-peak months and non industry trade-show months.
Peak months (aka: bad times to buy) would be Holiday Seasons such as Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas (and the 3-4 weeks right before those holidays). Buyers typically scramble to get the ring last minute which leaves jewelers just a few weeks to make the ring.
This means bench jewelers are extremely busy and the lead time to have a ring made is longer (something that would typically take 3-4 weeks might be 6-7 weeks). This also means more buyers are in competition for diamonds and there is less availability and less negotiating power.
Read the rest of Michelle Rielly’s response:
Anne Gabel – MJGabel.com
Typically there is no perfect time of year to buy a diamond engagement ring. However, there are certain times of the year that are usually slower times for jewelers and they may be more likely to make a deal, or offer jewelry at a discounted price. Typically the industry sees a slow period in sales during the summer months – kids are off from school, people are taking vacations, etc. and are not thinking about spending large sums of money. This is why you often see “Christmas in July” type sales.
One recommendation that I would make no matter what time of year it is, would be to ask the jeweler if they are flexible on price at all, even if they are not actively running a sale. Additionally, I would recommend trying to work with a local jeweler when at all possible since they usually have roots within the community and may be more willing to work with you on pricing.
There are other recommendations that I would be happy to provide for people looking to buy diamond engagement rings if you’d like!
Darrell Shipley – MountzJewelers.com
At Mountz Jewelers, we like to think that any time of year is an excellent time to buy a diamond engagement ring but given that the most popular time of year to propose is around the holiday season, we encourage our customers to begin their engagement ring shopping towards the end of summer and early fall.
Allowing 3 to 4 months to develop a relationship with your local jewelry professional, ensures you get the perfect engagement ring. Especially if you are looking to have a one-of-a-kind custom ring created. It is also around this time of year, that you will begin to see diamond and engagement ring sales at your local jewelry retailers.
Special financing options, discounts, and an extended selection of diamonds and engagement rings are just a few reasons to consider making your engagement ring purchase during this time of year.
Dominic – Arden Jewelers
The short answer is that there is no best time of the year to buy a diamond engagement ring. The main reason is that it is a very personal decision. The time that you decide “I want to spend the rest of my life with this person” is the most important factor in determining what time of year you buy an engagement ring.
Another personal factor is how long of an engagement you want. Many couples work back in time from the wedding date to when they want to get engaged. Another aspect to consider is who will be choosing the engagement ring. We are seeing many more couples coming in together to choose the ring. This can make the process take longer because now it is more of a group decision.
The question suggests that there may be a better time of year to buy an engagement ring from a pricing perspective. There are two main aspects of value to the engagement ring.
Read the rest of Dominic’s response:
As far as the best time to buy an engagement ring, I can’t say as if there is any preferred time of the year. I think if I were the consumer I would find the designer ring I liked the best and then look online for the best price. There are so many stores that are closing that have excess designer inventory and they need to sell it.
Their best chance is to sell it is online. If they don’t sell it online the alternative is to scrap it. The consumer has a lot of leverage if the ring is available online. Any local jeweler will set the ring with their diamond or yours.
Cynthia Konney – NEGemLab.com
I really don’t feel any time of the year is better. Consumers doing research and spending time becoming knowledgeable are getting the best values. Better quality has more value down the road. Most consumers are being careful about any purchases. It’s all good!
Keith Saxe – NYCWD.com
There are many wonderful times of the year to best buy a diamond at the most significantly discounted pricing.
To best succeed in this quest, it is most wise to first avoid buying at ‘wrong time of year’.
Avoid making your purchase at these two time frames:
1. Avoid early February. Most retailers represent markdowns for Valentine’s Day but actually are selling at higher pricing.
2. Avoid Thanksgiving to XMas. Most retailers represent markdowns for the holidays but actually are selling at their highest pricing.
Best Times:
The best time for lowest pricing is after these two periods, especially in January after the holidays. Retailers are burdened with inventory, and have bills to pay. Perfect combination for the buyer.
Oliver Smith – OliverSmithJeweler.com
When you fall in Love, that’s the best time. It’s a symbol of your Love and affection… strike when it’s Hot!
As for the question, when is it the best time of year to buy engagement rings? As an appraiser, I don’t feel there is a better time than another.
However, this can depend on what market level that the consumer is shopping in. Retail will have sales during the year for different occasions.
Gary Smith – PAGemLab.com
When it comes to buying a diamond, it’s always a good time, because it means a special event is about to take place. We buy diamond to commemorate those moments and memories that are meant to last a lifetime. When to buy them for the best discount is another matter however.
I have found that in April and May (prior to the big engagement month of June) you can usually find some good buys because of the competition for your dollars. The same holds true for the Christmas season, whereas on Valentine’s day flowers seem to win out.
The jewelry industry really slows down in the month of July with vacation, industry shows, etc., so it’s a good time to shop your Mom and Pop type stores for a special bargain.
Dino Pampillonia – Pampillonia.com
Thank you, interesting question. The obvious answer is when you are ready to propose, but I suspect you looking for more. It’s not like buying a car at the end of the month or a house during the holidays. Diamond prices and selection do not fluctuate much based on the time of year.
If one is buying a custom ring, November and December are very busy and it might take more time. A lot of jewelers close their workshop during the first two or three weeks of July. So again, you might have to wait for a custom ring.
Take your time, wait for the right moment in your relationship when you are emotionally and financially ready to become engaged.
Petra Bierberg – PetraJewellery.co.za
My answer refers to custom-made jewellery and I almost want to answer this with the question “When is not the best time of the year to buy an engagement ring?”, which would be Christmas time and the end of the year. This is generally a very busy and stressful time in the bespoke jewellery industry, because workshops generally close for the end of the year and thus everyone has the same deadline: Christmas.
So the best time of the year to buy an engagement ring in my opinion would be around 4 – 6 weeks before you plan to propose. If that date does coincide with Christmas or even Valentine’s Day for that matter, then start a few weeks earlier, to ensure that your ring will be done well before things get stressful.
Read the rest of Petra Bierberg’s response:
Johan Poggenpoel – Poggenpoel.com
In general, I would be weary of engagement ring sales. Even if it’s not a fake sale (discounting “normal prices” that were never traded at) a 50% off sale is just an admission that the jeweller cannot justify their asking prices and needs to discount 50% to draw customers. This is not a vote of confidence in their products and brand. I’m sure everyone has seen how long those 50% off banners keep running…
Regarding the diamond, the largest part of the engagement ring purchase, we conduct quite a few market studies throughout the year that can be found on our blog. Some jewellers work on 300%+ profit markups. Others on 20%. I’ll gladly explain what the best time of year to buy a diamond is, but if the “commodity” price doesn’t run through to the sticker price on a diamond engagement ring, it’s unfortunately irrelevant.
As always, make sure you compare apples with apples when considering different options when buying a diamond especially as far as laboratories are concerned. An EGL certified diamond cannot be compared with a diamond that is GIA certified on the certificate alone.
Read the rest of Johan Poggenpoel’s response here…
Paola Brewer – PoshPawn.com
As a full service jewelry store and a pawn shop, I probably have a different perspective then other jewelry retailers. Obviously spring and certain holidays like Valentine’s Day see the most demand for engagement rings. For this reason, I think the customer may be at a disadvantage in that the retailers are expecting a lot of demand and are less inclined to negotiate prices. For this reason, I would recommend shopping during off peak times of the year such as Fall or or winter.
More importantly, if you are really trying to maximize your dollars, it would be wise to start a relationship with a high end pawn shop such as ours. We get a constant flow of certified and non-certified diamonds in the store.
We are continually sending stones to GIA for grading so we can sell them to the diamond dealers. If we can make a little extra profit selling them to the public, we are thrilled and the customer gets a huge discount from normal retail.
Robby – RenaissanceJewelers.com
We do not think there is a ‘best time’. I think the time is dependent on the ‘yes I will’ answer. We do not adjust prices according to the season.
Josh Holsworth – RiddlesJewelry.com
I believe that there is no specific time of the year to purchase a diamond engagement ring. Statistics may show that most diamond rings will sell from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day. I believe that it all comes down to love and taking that next step on the exciting journey ahead.
When you find the one person you want to spend the rest of your life with, then you will find yourself in the jewelry store or online, searching for that special diamond. It is one of life’s most memorable experiences and it is perfectly planned out for that special day.
Amber Willmer – RogersAndHollands.com
I’m not really sure there is a “best” time to buy an engagement ring. While you might score a small discount during seasonal times like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, you can also get a good deal during the summer months when overall sales are typically slower.
The best tip I can offer if you’re looking to save a few bucks, isn’t about the time of year you buy, but how you buy. It’s a great idea to buy diamonds just short of the ideal weight you wanted. Diamond prices increase for each carat so if you were hoping for a one carat, buy a .97. If you want 2, buy 1.95. It’s basically the same thing but will be cheaper!
Giao Nguyen – RoyalJewelers.com
The best time to buy an engagement ring is when you know she is the one. There is no specific time of the year that is best to buy. It’s whatever works best for you. Engagement rings don’t go on sale at any specific time of year and selection in this category doesn’t fluctuate according to seasons. Every day of every year, someone is in need of or buying an engagement ring.
“EVERY” day is a good day to get engaged! Carpe diem!!! If you can do it and know she’s the one, why not? Life is too short to procrastinate. Engagement rings come in all different price ranges so there’s no excuse : )
As long as you go to a jeweler you trust or one who was referred to you by a friend or family member, you should feel confident about what you’re buying. This should be a happy and exciting experience. If you are at all stressed or confused during the process, you are at the wrong jeweler!
Tom Seguin – SunCoastGems.com
As far as the best time to buy a diamond engagement ring goes, I believe it is better said “what are the least favorable times to buy a diamond engagement ring”. In our industry, the time period leading up to Christmas is a bad time to buy in that all of the wholesale and retail diamond sellers are the busiest they are going to be all year.
What happens is that some dealers will raise the price on desirable stones and they are much less likely to consider any offers that are less than their asking price on any of their inventory. Another factor is that many wholesale diamond dealers will send stones out to retail jewelers so they can have them on hand thereby reducing the number of available stones on the market.
Another bad time to buy is right after the holidays. Many dealers close the first week of January for inventory and also the beginning of January is inventory time and the dealers are still getting back the goods they sent out on memo so availability is scarce.
Other than that the best time to buy an engagement ring is when you know you have found the woman you love and are pretty sure she feels the same way about you. Thanks.
Colton Bartel – Susanns-Jewelers.com
We would suggest anytime in the summer to shop for engagement rings. The reason being that traditionally jewelry stores are slower in the summer allowing for more attentive staff and potentially better deals on diamonds due to fewer in store sales and the want to make more sales.
Additionally, most independent jewelers will have already bought new inventory at spring markets and will be in the process of putting them out on the floor. This gives the customers coming in at that time the first pick of new styles. If a customer wants to custom build a ring, this is also usually the slowest time of year for those orders – meaning that build time is significantly reduced!
That’s our two cents on it. I hope this helps.
Gary – TheDiamondStore.co.uk
The best time of year to buy an engagement ring in the UK is in January.
Why? Because most retailers have a sale in January and it is the best time of year to pick up a great ring at a fantastic price.
Paul Cassarino – TheGemLab.com
When working with an independent jeweler, I suggest NOT being in the market during the last 6 weeks of the year, when demand is the very highest. Your independent jewelry will “shop” for the best bargains for you and will have many more options available to him/her in the summer compared to November/December.
Diamond dealers are more likely to offer a greater number of diamonds on “memo” (short-term loan) to independent jewelers when demand is lower giving you more choices.
David Blitt – TroyShoppeJewellers.com
I would have to say the best time needs to be a two prong approach. The first is based on need. Buy ahead of when you need the ring by 3 to 6 weeks. That will give the store time to make or order the ring if it has to be custom made or made to order.
If buying it out of the showcase, this isn’t as important but would take a lot of stress out of the way. All that matters then is to decide when the groom wants to propose.
December is one of the most popular months for proposals. Over the years a lot of women have told us they did not like the idea of a Valentine’s proposal. The second part of the best time would be when it makes the most sense financially.
Read the rest of David Blitt’s response:
Greg Valerio – ValerioJewellery.com
Honestly, the best time to buy an engagement ring is when you fall in love and want to get married. This is the season of the heart, not the calendar. Also, this reflects my experience as a jeweller, people get engaged when love is in the air.
Caroline Hill – Vanscoy.com
I don’t believe there is a correct answer for your question as every customer’s need is different. Buying a diamond is very emotional and the purchase is usually done after some research has been completed and the correct timing for the customer has approached.
Is your question relating to pricing? The diamond market fluctuates based on time of year and as the fourth quarter approaches. Diamond prices for specific “in demand” stones tend to rise in anticipation of an upcoming buying season.
Every day should be the best day to buy an engagement ring.
Amit Verma – VermaJewelry.com
In our opinion, the best time to get a diamond is around the summer. Summer time is one of the slower times of the year for diamond dealers and most organizations are eager to make a deal happen and keep cash flow going.We buy and sell from many jewelry stores and summer time has consistently been the slowest for sales. The diamond district in New York City closes down for the summer as well which further continues to push the low trading volumes around the rest of the country.
Joseph Villarreal – VillarrealJewelers.com
While we are busy through-out the year with our custom engagement ring designs, I communicate to our clients that the best time to buy a diamond for their engagement ring is after the holidays (January) through August.
Why? Having spent 10 years in the wholesale diamond industry, this is the time when loose diamond pricing seems to start creeping up – August to December. Although the buying season seems to begin later with each passing year, this is typically when retail store merchants begin buying for the Holiday season. The wholesale diamond trade knows this and therefore pricing edges up accordingly.
This has been my experience.
Julie Terwilliger – WexfordJewelers.com
I would say just after Christmas but before the new year begins. Stores are unloading their inventory to make the year end the best it can be. Some stores close that entire week; so at least sometime after Christmas.
Ya’akov Almor – WorldDiamondMark.org
Short answer: there is no such moment.
Long answer: any time is a good time lest you observe the following:
1. Feel free to do your research online, get as much as info as you can, preferably from reliable trade and consumer organizations, but NEVER rely solely on the info you gather from sellers have an online presence only. Make sure your diamond buying trip is turned into an experience to remember and to recount. (www.passion.diamonds). As such, an online purchase is most often a guaranteed downer.
2. Buy your diamond in jewelry store of repute, e.g. a jeweler that carries the membership logos of the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America and possibly of your local/regional jewelers association and others. Have an open mind. Don’t get hooked up to the 4Cs as a criterion. Any jeweler who immediately starts out on the qualities of the diamond (the 4Cs) obviously is only interested in selling a stone as expensive as possible and is not interested in your story.
Read the rest of Ya’akov Almor’s response:
Karl – XennoxDiamonds.com.au
Christmas season right through to ringing in the New Year is the most popular time to get engaged. It is one of the happiest times of the year as families come together to share in the good news. Couples are often on holidays which allows for the extra planning of that magic proposal and there is festive cheer in the air.
New Year’s Eve is the ultimate time to propose as it symbolizes new beginnings; the start of a new chapter in a couple’s story. A story that begins with a diamond engagement ring and continues through to their wedding, anniversaries, birthdays and even new additions to their family.
For the romantic guys out there, finding a special spot on top of a high vantage point in view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks is sure to add that extra bang to their magic moment. Imagine every New Year’s Eve from that moment on, they will be reminded of that special moment, when on bent knee, he asked “will you marry me?”
We do not think there is a ‘best time’. I think the time is dependent on the ‘yes I will’ answer. We do not adjust prices according to the season.
Ron – YatesJewelers.com
To answer your question I would say “anytime outside of a holiday, especially December holidays”.
Why? It’s not that the wholesalers raise their prices during holidays, thus passing on the higher prices to the jewelry stores.
It’s that during holidays the demand for diamonds increases dramatically.
So the good deals get snatched up quickly and there are less top quality stones to choose from for the retailer and then the consumer.
The only available diamonds are the more expensive ones and the less desirable ones.
Read the rest of Ron’s response:
WOW!
I want to say a huge “Thank You!” to everyone who contributed to this mammoth interview. Including myself, I’m very sure many consumers will find these insider perspectives very helpful when shopping for a diamond ring.
To do a final recap, here’s a summary of the responses collected:
If you are a consumer shopping for a diamond ring, I hope the answers had offered insights to how the industry works and help you out in the buying process. Remember to check out the businesses featured in this write up too!
If you are a trade person, I would love to hear your thoughts after reading what the other professionals had said. Do you have differing views or have your own experiences to share? Feel free to leave a comment below!