Black Friday is arguably the best time of year to purchase fine jewelry. From free jewelry gifts to 30% off engagement rings, brands offer incredible deals to make your holiday season even more memorable.
But when it comes to Black Friday jewelry sales, there are a few things to keep in mind. Not every sale is as good as it looks. In fact, you may have to sort through dozens of sales before you find one that honors high-quality jewelry and fair prices.
That’s why we’ve created this guide: to simplify your holiday shopping and to make sure you truly get the best deals.
What to Look for in Black Friday Jewelry Sales (Our Nonnegotiables)
Cheap jewelry isn’t always good jewelry. You should always put research into your luxury jewelry purchase, especially with the added excitement of Black Friday jewelry sales. Whether you buy an engagement ring, diamond earrings, or a wedding anniversary necklace, this piece will eventually become a family heirloom. It deserves the same attention to detail as any other lifetime purchase.
Diamond and Gemstone Quality
The quality of your diamond or gemstone will determine the vibrance and beauty of your jewelry. For example, a high-quality ruby will glow with a deep crimson red. A low-quality ruby will contain inclusions that lower its color saturation.
To determine what gemstone quality you need for your piece, you can consult the International Gem Society. We don’t advise purchasing a colorful gemstone below an AAA grade or a diamond below a VVS grade.
Metal Quality and Diversity
A high-quality platinum or yellow gold band will increase the value of your piece while holding up against everyday wear and tear. Make sure your Black Friday jewelry sale offers up to 18-karat gold and a few unique color options (like black gold). This way, you pick out a high-quality piece worth the luxury prices.
Return Policy
Hear us out: you should never make a luxury purchase without understanding the return policy. Make sure to check (and double-check) your jeweler’s policy, especially during Black Friday jewelry sales. Ideally, you should be able to send your jewelry back for up to 100 days with no questions asked. You’ll also want to secure a policy that includes free ring resizing.
Warranty Options
If your jeweler doesn’t offer a free warranty, there’s something wrong. Most jewelers provide a free one-year warranty to cover any manufacturer defects. Ring resizing should either be covered by the warranty or the return policy. Ideally, you should have the option to extend your warranty for years (for a small additional cost). This will cover everyday wear and tear until you’re ready for a jewelry upgrade.
Shop Small with Family Businesses
Black Friday jewelry sales offer a huge economic boost, especially to large corporations. As with your other Black Friday purchases, we always encourage supporting small and family-owned businesses. These businesses tend to care more about their customers and prioritize attention to detail with every creation. They also may have personal connections to gemstone mines and jewelry makers across the globe.
Authenticity Certificates
Don’t let a really good price override your good judgment. From engagement rings to diamond earrings, every fine jewelry purchase should come with a certificate of authenticity. Your certificate should explain the value of your diamond or gemstone while offering a professional report on cut, color, clarity, and carat size. The best authenticity certificates are from the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Bespoke Designs
Fine jewelry should never look like it came from a machine. For your one-of-a-kind relationship, you need bespoke designs and handmade (with love) jewelry. Before purchasing Black Friday jewelry, talk directly with your jeweler about their manufacturing process. Make sure you can customize your ring to your exact specifications — including design, gemstone cut, and gold color.
Heirloom Value
Even at a sale price, your fine jewelry selection is always an heirloom purchase. The goal is to buy something so vibrant and unique that future generations can’t help but marvel over it. A diamond ring, emerald necklace, or amethyst brooch that’s hand designed should always be viewed as a purchase for you and your grandchildren. Plus, diamonds and gemstones gain value over time, so they should always be treated as a financial investment.
Fair Trade Practices
Unfortunately, fine jewelry is a space that can get a little foggy when it comes to prioritizing fair trade and safe labor practices. Any time there’s mining involved, it’s so important to ensure your jewelry comes from a reputable source. At a minimum, your diamonds should be certified conflict-free. But we always recommend taking this a step further by talking to your jeweler directly about their sourcing.
With intentional practices, jewelry mining can actually boost economies and improve infrastructure across the globe. Many countries that mine gems and diamonds require long-term economic support from their business partners. That said, some jewelry brands simply don’t prioritize the well-being of their miners or business partners.
When you talk to your jeweler, ask them how many of their mines they’ve personally visited. You’ll also want to ask about sustainability, fair trade, or ethical practices, too.
This Black Friday, Prioritize Legacy Over Flash Sales
The most impressive Black Friday jewelry sales come from brand-new designers.
But the most impressive jewelry designs come from legacy jewelers.
There will always be excitement during Black Friday, and of course, we hope you’ll take advantage of the sales and free gifts offered during the holidays. That said, it’s important to check (and double-check) your jeweler’s policies and personal legacy.
A fine jewelry purchase should never be rushed. A legacy jeweler will take your purchase as seriously as you do, promotion or not.
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