Key Takeaways
✨ Deals start early. Major diamond ring discounts often begin around November 20 and run into the first week of December.
✨ Engagement rings see smaller markdowns than fashion pieces. Expect roughly 10-30% off engagement rings, versus 30-60% on select fashion rings.
✨ Moissanite is a lab-grown alternative worth considering. It offers similar brilliance at a fraction of the cost, and it's what Little Sky Stone carries in place of diamonds.
✨ A good deal still needs research. Independent grading reports and clear return policies matter more than the size of the discount.
Black Friday is one of the best times to shop for fine jewelry, whether it's for an engagement ring, a stack of bracelets, or something for a special someone on your list. This year, it's worth taking a closer look at what's actually on sale before you buy. Diamond rings tend to get the spotlight this time of year, but they're not your only option if you want that same sparkle without the same price tag.
Visit us online or in person, with the same service either way, to discover a wide variety of gemstone and moissanite pieces suited to almost any style and occasion. Just keep an eye out for exclusions on certain pieces, since not every discount applies sitewide. Now's the perfect time to find something you'll love, or treat yourself to it, without missing the best deals.
When Do Black Friday Ring Deals Start?
Black Friday jewelry deals on diamond rings tend to start earlier every year. Discounts usually begin around November 20, days before Black Friday itself, and many jewelers extend them into the first week of December. Well-cut stones and popular carat weights tend to sell out first, so if you're planning a proposal for the holidays, start looking now rather than waiting for the day itself.
What Kind of Discount to Expect
Not every ring gets the same discount. Fashion rings and lab-grown pieces often see the deepest cuts, with 30% to 60% off. Engagement and wedding rings are different. Because they're a bigger purchase to begin with, jewelers tend to hold those discounts closer to 10-30%.
Some retailers make up for the smaller percentage with a free gift instead, such as earrings or a cleaning kit. If you're comparing engagement ring sales, don't just look at the percentage off. Check what's actually included.
What Are the 4Cs, and Why Are They Important?
A bigger diamond isn't automatically a better-looking one, and that catches a lot of first-time buyers off guard. Diamond quality comes down to the 4Cs:
- Cut has the biggest impact on brilliance. A well-cut 0.7-carat stone can look brighter than a poorly cut 1-carat stone under the same light.
- Color ranges from colorless to visibly tinted. Colorless stones cost more, though the difference isn't always noticeable once set.
- Clarity measures internal and surface flaws. Most aren't visible without magnification at typical grades.
- Carat is just weight, not a measure of quality. Size alone doesn't determine sparkle. Cut does.
If you're shopping for anything over half a carat, ask the jeweler for an independent grading report. It's a small ask, and it's the only way to confirm you're getting what you're paying for instead of taking someone's word for it.
Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
A few habits worth keeping, sale or no sale:
- Set a budget first. The average engagement ring costs around $5,200. Knowing your number before you start browsing keeps you from overspending.
- Shop just under the round numbers. A 0.9-carat ring can look nearly identical to a 1-carat one for a noticeably lower price. Carat weight jumps get pricier right around those popular marks.
- Pay attention to the metal, not just the stone. 14k gold wears better day to day than 18k gold, which matters if this will be an everyday ring.
- Ask about production time before you buy. Custom or resized pieces take longer, and that only gets worse the closer you get to the holiday season.
- Check the return policy. It matters more than the discount does.
Is Moissanite a Good Diamond Alternative?
If diamonds aren't a must-have, moissanite is worth considering. It's a lab-grown stone that holds up well day to day and has a similar sparkle, usually for 70-75% less than a comparable diamond. It's also one of the stones that sees the deepest discounts during Black Friday specials like this.
At Little Sky Stone, moissanite is what we carry instead of diamonds. Browse our Birthstone Jewelry to see more of what's available for our birthstone pieces this Black Friday.
Where to Shop During the Black Friday Sale
Our Black Friday Jewelry Deals collection covers a curated range of gemstone and moissanite pieces across the site, including our bridal jewelry and Rings collection. It's worth browsing before you commit to one piece, since the deals tend to run longer than people expect.
A Note Before You Buy
A discount is only a good deal if the ring is actually right for you. Take a few extra minutes to compare options before you check out. The sale isn't going anywhere as fast as it feels like it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Black Friday diamond ring sales start?
Around November 20 for most retailers, and many sales run past Black Friday into the first week of December.
How much can I expect to save on an engagement ring during Black Friday?
Usually between 10% and 30%, smaller than the discounts on fashion rings since engagement rings are a bigger purchase to start with.
What should I check before buying a diamond ring on sale?
Ask for an independent grading report if the stone is over half a carat, look closely at the cut grade, and read the return policy before you buy, not after.
Is moissanite a good alternative to diamonds?
For most people, yes. It looks and wears similarly to diamond jewelry and typically costs significantly less.
Does Little Sky Stone sell diamond rings?
We don't carry diamonds. Moissanite is our lab-grown alternative, so you can browse our April Birthstone Collection for a similar look without the diamond price tag.