You’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, congratulations! You’re ready to propose but first you need the perfect engagement ring. However…you know engagement rings are expensive, and now you’re wondering “when is the best time to buy engagement rings?” Is there even such thing as the “best time”?
We know shopping for such an expensive, important purchase is overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide. Our hope is that you can use this guide to find the best deal possible on a ring while getting exactly what you want.
Here we’ll go over the best times of year to go engagement ring shopping, as well as the differences between buying online vs buying in-store. We’ll even go over why you should consider buying off-season. Finally, we’ll discuss the benefits of lab grown diamonds–which extend far beyond their excellent pricing.
Are you ready? Alright, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways From This Post
- The ideal seasons for engagement ring shopping are the holiday season, Valentine’s Day, summer, and fall.
- Knowing the 4Cs of diamonds and setting a budget are essential when shopping for an engagement ring.
- Shopping during off-season periods offers advantages like lower prices, less competition, and more time to plan ahead.
The Ideal Seasons for Engagement Ring Shopping
When it comes to getting the best prices on almost anything you want to buy, timing is everything. And that’s even more true when it comes to engagement ring shopping. Selecting the right season to buy an engagement ring gives you a better chance of getting just want you want at a price that fits your budget.
The ideal seasons for engagement ring shopping include the holiday season, Valentine’s Day, and summer or fall. Don’t know which season is the best for you?
Let’s take a closer look at each one individually.
Holiday Season
When we say “holiday season” we mean Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas sales. The holidays are a prime time if you’re hoping to buy an engagement ring.
Retailers often offer huge discounts and attractive promotions on diamond jewelry around this time. Start your search early and be sure to compare prices to guarantee you get the best prices before anyone else.
To make the most of these holiday sales, look into diamond dealers that already offer reasonable prices. This will help you to gauge the true value of any Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals. It will also ensure you’re getting the best deal for your hard-earned money.
It’s easy to be swayed by what seems like huge discounts on the diamond itself, these discounts can sometimes be misleading. Instead, focus on finding a quality diamond at a fair price.
Valentine’s Day
Arguably the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day is a popular time for engagement ring shopping. Many retailers offer discounts and promotions during this busy holiday season, making it an ideal time for someone ready to propose.
But remember, if you plan to propose it’s crucial to buy the ring early. Since this is such a popular time of year to propose, some brands may increase their prices.
In order to avoid falling into a price trap, keep an eye on prices a few weeks before Valentine’s Day. This will allow you to determine if the deal you’re being offered truly is a deal.
Stay alert and prepared. If you do, you can guarantee your Valentine’s Day proposal is as perfect as it can be.
Summer and Fall
Summer and fall offer a more relaxed shopping experience when it comes to engagement rings.
These aren’t the typical or “traditional” times when many people propose, so you can enjoy a more personalized shopping experience. You may even find promotions or discounts exclusive to these off-peak seasons. Plus, the warmer weather provides a beautiful backdrop for a surprise proposal, making the moment even more magical.
In addition to the benefits of a more peaceful shopping experience, purchasing an engagement ring during the summer or fall can also lead to better prices.
The diamond industry typically sees a lull in demand between Valentine’s Day and summer, which can result in more attractive offers on engagement rings.
Take advantage of these off-season periods to possibly save you money on the exact ring that you want.
Online vs. In-Store Shopping
When it comes to buying an engagement ring, you may find yourself torn between the convenience of online shopping and the hands-on experience of in-store shopping.
Neither option is better than the other; they both have their advantages. In order to figure out which is the better option for you, you first need to understand your priorities.
When you shop online for engagement rings you’re likley to get better prices, a larger selection, and more customer-friendly policies. In-store shopping gives you a more hands-on experience along with the opportunity to see and try on rings before you buy.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each method more in-depth next.
Benefits of Online Shopping
One of the biggest advantages of online shopping for engagement rings is lower prices.
Online retailers often have lower overhead costs than a brick-and-mortar store. This allows them to pass on savings to their customers. What does this mean for you? It means you have a higher chance of finding a beautiful engagement ring at a price that is better than you’d find in-store.
Shopping for an engagement ring online also gives you access to a bigger selection of diamond jewelry, even fine jewelry. You can shop and compare options from the comfort of your own home.
Many websites also offer excellent customer service and generous return policies, giving you peace of mind with your diamond purchases.
Our 100-Day Return Policy is one of the most generous return policies you will find (and we offer it for both online and in-store purchases). If you buy an engagement ring from us and decide it’s not the one, not a problem! Return it within 100 days for a refund or store credit.
Shopping for an engagement ring online can be a convenient and cost-effective way to find the perfect engagement ring. Who doesn’t love to shop from the comfort of their home?
In-Store Shopping Experience
On the other hand, in-store shopping for engagement rings offers a more personalized experience.
When you visit a jewelry store in person you can see and try on rings before you buy, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with your choice. In-store shopping also gives you the chance to ask questions and receive expert advice from sales associates, which will help you make a more informed choice.
It’s worth noting, however, that in-store shopping may come with higher prices compared to online retailers. This is because a physical store is expensive to keep open, and those expenses are often passed onto the customer.
With Clean Origin this is never an issue. All of our online prices are the same as our in-store prices–and all of our lab grown diamond jewelry is 30-50% less expensive than natural diamond jewelry.
In spite of the real possibility of paying more, many people still prefer the experience of in-store shopping. This is especially true when it comes to such a significant and sentimental purchase as an engagement ring.
Diamond Knowledge and Budgeting
If you want the best price on a diamond engagement ring, you need to understand the 4Cs of diamonds and set a budget.
When you understand the 4Cs of diamonds (carat, cut, clarity, and color), that knowledge can help you determine the quality and value of the diamond you’re considering. When you know what you’re looking for, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal for your money.
And in addition to knowing the 4Cs, setting a budget is crucial when shopping for an engagement ring. When you set a budget you avoid overspending, but setting a budget also allows you to:
- Focus your search on rings that fall within your price range
- Have a clear understanding of what you can afford
- Have a more enjoyable and stress-free shopping experience
The 4Cs of Diamonds
The 4Cs of diamonds – carat, cut, clarity, and color – are important to consider when you choose a diamond engagement ring. Why? Because they indicate the quality and value of the diamond, so it’s important you understand them before you buy.
Carat Weight
A diamond’s carat weight is exactly what it sounds like, how much it weighs. Many times weight has no correlation with perceived size.
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions and how well it interacts with light. A diamond’s signature brilliance and fire comes through if it is cut well.
Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes within and on the outside the diamond.
Color
The color of a diamond actually indicate its lack of color. Completely colorless diamonds are the most expensive, but they range in color from light brown or yellow to dark brown or yellow.
When you know the 4Cs, you have the knowledge to select a high-quality diamond for your engagement ring.
Setting a Budget
When you set a budget for an engagement ring you can avoid overspending. Setting a budget also ensures you’re getting the best value for your money.
Base your budget on what you can comfortably afford, but also keep in mind what type of ring your partner wants. You should take into consideration factors such as the size and quality of the diamond (this is where your 4C knowledge comes in!) and the type of metal you want to set it in.
When you set a budget ahead of time, you help yourself stay on track and hopefully won’t be tempted by a diamond that doesn’t meet your pre-set budget guidelines. Having a clear budget in mind also makes the shopping process more efficient and less intimidating because you already know what you want. It narrows down your options, allowing you to focus on rings that fall within your price range.
Off-Season Buying Advantages–The Best Time to Buy Engagement Rings During the Year
When you shop for engagement rings off-season, you might be able to get lower prices. Off-peak times include the months between Valentine’s Day and summer, and into the fall. Some retailers might offer discounts or special offers during these times in order to attract your business.
Lower Prices and Less Competition
When you shop off-seaon for engagement rings you might get lower prices. Off-season shopping also means less competition from other buyers, which can make for a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.
When you shop during off-peak periods you can take your time, compare prices, and negotiate the best deal possible. This way, you ensure you’re getting the perfect engagement ring at the right price.
Planning Ahead
Plan to start your engagement ring search early, especially during off-season periods. When you plean ahead you have a head start to finding the perfect ring. You may also be able to better negotiate the best price.
Aside from getting a better price by planning ahead, you also give yourself plenty of time to research rings and compare them. With all of your research you can make a more informed decision and avoid the last-minute stress that comes with engagement ring shopping.
Start your search by studying up on the 4Cs. Set a budget and find our your partner’s style and design tastes. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to find the perfect engagement ring at a price you can afford.
Final Thoughts On the Best Time to Buy Engagement Rings
To find the perfect engagement ring you need to carefully plan, research, and time your purchase.
When you keep in mind the ideal seasons for engagement ring shopping, along with the benefits of online versus in-store purchases, understanding diamond knowledge and budgeting, and exploring off-season pricing advantages, you can ensure you get the most for your money at a price you can afford.
Remember, the journey to finding the perfect engagement ring is as unique as your love story. Embrace the process, and the moment you finally slip that dazzling diamond ring onto your loved one’s finger will be one you’ll never forget.
Clean Origin’s Selection of Ethical Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
We offer a wide selection of lab grown diamond engagement rings. With us you, even have the option to build your own engagement ring–just choose from our collection of loose diamonds then pick a setting.
Lab grown diamonds are a more environmentally-friendly option because they are grown in a lab, not mined from the Earth. Additionally, lab diamonds are 30-50% less expensive than natural diamonds, making them an attractive choice for the budget-conscious shopper.
In addition to their ethical and environmental benefits, our lab grown diamond engagement rings come in a variety of setting styles, such as channel, pavé, and halo settings.
This allows you to customize the perfect ring for your partner while also making a responsible and environmentally-conscious purchase you can feel good about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest month to buy an engagement ring?
The best time to buy an engagement ring is during the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. During these times many jewelry stores offer discounts and promotions.
What is the 2 month rule for engagement rings?
The old rule is that you should spend two months’ worth of your income on an engagement ring. But that mindset if changing and now there really is no set rule for how much to spend. Concern yourself more with your budget and how much you’re comfortable spending.
What are the benefits of online shopping for engagement rings?
When you shop online for engagement rings you can likely access lower prices, more ring options, and better return policies.
What are the 4Cs of diamonds?
The 4Cs of diamonds are carat, cut, clarity, and color – each C is essential for judging the quality and value of a diamond.
Are lab grown diamonds a good alternative to mined diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are an environmentally-friendly and highly affordable alternative to mined diamonds. They offer the same quality and appearance without any compromise.
