When Are Engagement Rings Cheapest?

This article is going to give you an insider’s guide of when is the best time of year to get your engagement ring for the cheapest price. This article was written by Afshin Shaddaie, expert jeweler, author, and lecturer.

• When are Engagement Rings the Cheapest?
• Drawbacks of Buying a Ring During the Season Peak
• Saving Money for Your Engagement Ring

When are Engagement Rings the Cheapest?

Engagement rings tend to be the cheapest during November and December, as well as the off-peak summer months like July and August. During these periods, many jewelers offer seasonal promotions or clearance sales to attract holiday shoppers or boost slower summer traffic. If you’re looking for a deal, planning your purchase around these months can help you save significantly without compromising on quality.

Important Note: If a jewelry house or jeweler offer a discount over 15% – 20% this is a really bad sign and should be considered highly suspicious.

Promotional Seasons Throughout the Year

There are usually four seasons per year that jewelry stores give massive promotions. See below for our breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each season.

1. December Season Jewelry Discounts

The December Season is considered one of the best times of the year to purchase an engagement ring, primarily because jewelry companies know that its the most popular time to get engaged. And so they will run some of their best promotions during this time.

As the winter months approach, stores often launch promotional pricing and limited-time discounts to attract customers. While extreme-luxury items like diamond rings will rarely see a massive markdown (like other products will see), the discounts will still be quite significant, especially because of the higher price tag on jewelry.

To take full advantage, we recommended to start your research early. Monitor the websites of the jewelers that you love in November and December and stay ahead of their upcoming deals. Although retailers may be less inclined to negotiate during this busy period, the advertised holiday pricing often reflects their most competitive rates of the year.

Important Update from Estate Diamond Jewelry: We run a site-wide 10% off promotion on all the engagement rings and earrings on our website. PROMOCODE: ENDOFYEAR.

2. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Jewelry Discounts

In addition to the general December seasonal promotions, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become key opportunities for purchasing engagement rings at highly discounted prices. During these two shopping events, many jewelers will offer their largest limited-time promotion of the year. They’ll also usually feature special financing options or added-value incentives such as free resizing or upgrades.

Our recommendation is to pick a jeweler (and your dream engagement ring) that you love and then watch them like a hawk on the days leading up to Black Friday. Sign up to their newsletter and follow them on social media.

Inventory moves quickly during that week, so being ready to act will make all the difference.

Important Update: We’re usually run a massive site-wide promotion. The PROMOCODE that we use are: BLACKFRIDAY, CYBERMONDAY and CYBERWEEK.

3. Valentine’s Day Discounts

Once the December season is over, the promotions for engagement rings are usually much lower until Valentine’s Day. As Valentine’s Day approaches, though, there will usually be many serious promotions, especially with online jewelry vendors.

In addition to the promotion, the focus during Valentines Day is often on romantic presentation.

For those looking to propose on or around Valentine’s Day, it’s advisable to start the buying process early to ensure enough time for customizations, resizing, and delivery. The week before valentines day will usually we extremely busy.

Important Update: Estate Diamond Jewelry usually runs a site-wide 10% promotion on all our vintage rings and earrings. PROMOCODE: VALENTINES.

4. July and Summer Discounts

July and the broader summer months are often overlooked but they can be an excellent time to purchase an engagement ring. Many jewelers experience a slowdown in foot traffic during this period, which can lead to off-season promotions, discounted inventory, or much greater flexibility in pricing.

With fewer customers competing for the same pieces, buyers may also benefit from more personalized service and shorter turnaround times for custom or resized rings. If you’re looking for value and a less hectic shopping experience, mid-summer can offer unique advantages.

Challenges of Buying Rings During Peak-Season

Holiday shopping can be convenient, but it also comes with drawbacks.

• Less Personal Attention. Stores are crowded in November and December. Sales staff are busy helping many customers, so you may not get the one-on-one help you need. Online shops can handle the rush better, but if you want a slower, more relaxed buying experience, it’s worth waiting until after the holidays.
• Limited Availability. Unique rings, especially vintage pieces, will sell fast during the busy seasons. Sometimes they’re gone before you even decide. To avoid missing out, start your search two to three months ahead. If possible, reserve the ring early.
• Less Time with Experts. With more people in the store, jewelers may not have time to explain the details of different cuts, settings, or pricing. This can lead to rushed choices.
• Small Discounts on Quality Pieces. Holiday sales rarely offer big savings on fine diamonds or rare gemstones. Any discount is usually small, especially for high-end pieces.

Saving Money for Your Engagement Ring

One of the main reasons you might be looking for a cheaper ring could be a lack of budget. There are a few simple tips you can follow to save money more effectively. Also, feel free to read our full guide on everything that you need to know about saving money on your engagement ring.

Don’t pressure yourself with a $20,000 engagement ring that would only lead you into new debt. Be true to yourself, and don’t set your expectations too high. Explore our website for rings between $1,000 and $8,000 that could be perfect. Vintage gems are equally special and more affordable than modern rings. 

Try our Engagement Ring Calculator. You can find out what is a reasonable, realistic amount that you should spend on a ring. Plan all your purchases accordingly. 

Talk to a Jeweler

Are you looking for your dream engagement ring? Reach out to us with your requirements and your budget.

We will respond within one business hour.