The Best Times to Buy an Engagement Ring in December

There is just something about the holiday season that heightens romantic inclinations and if you are one such festive romantic, then you might be thinking about a marriage proposal and a holiday engagement. Does anything else capture the idea of a perfect engagement more than the magical time that is the holidays? Proposals around the various major holidays at this time of the year are common, but the popular time surely means that magical results are produced compared to spring or summer months. And along with the increase in proposals, there has to be a rise in sales of rings. If you are planning the perfect proposal this December, then something that we are sure is taking up a lot of your thinking time is being able to present the ideal diamond engagement ring. With that in mind, here is our user-friendly buying guide to rings in December, from why it seems to be peak season for proposals, facts about cost and price range, to some more general tips on how to do engagement ring shopping right!

Why Are December Holiday Proposals So Popular?

Holiday Romance

December is synonymous with romance and joy, making it an enchanting time to propose. The festive spirit, twinkling lights, and overall sense of celebration create a magical backdrop for a proposal. Presenting an engagement ring during the holiday season can add extra sentimentality to the moment, making it an unforgettable memory for both you and your partner.

Special Discounts and Diamond Sales

Many jewelry retailers offer special discounts and promotional sales during the holiday season. With Christmas and New Year's Eve sales events, as well as the now highly anticipated events of post-Thanksgiving sales, you may find excellent prices and promotions on engagement rings. Being able to take advantage of these jewelry sales to get a beautiful ring at a reduced purchase price from online jewelry retailers and natural diamond companies makes December an economically advantageous time to make such a significant financial commitment.

Seasonal Proposal Opportunities

December provides unique and charming opportunities for creative proposals. From proposing under the glow of Christmas lights to taking advantage of winter wonderland settings, the season offers fabulously picturesque backdrops. You can tailor your proposal to the holiday atmosphere, creating a story that you and your partner will cherish for years to come, with a perfect diamond engagement ring to top it off.

Symbolism of New Beginnings

The end of December marks the conclusion of one year and the beginning of another, symbolizing the start of new beginnings. A perfect engagement proposal can carry extra meaning during this time, signifying the start of a new chapter in your life together. The symbolism of a proposal during the transition to a new year adds depth and significance to the engagement, making a significant piece of jewelry and the precious moment even more special.

Family Gatherings and Celebrations

The holiday season brings families together for gatherings and celebrations. If your partner values the presence of relatives and close friends during significant moments, proposing in December allows you to share the joyous occasion with loved ones. The holidays provide an ideal time to celebrate your engagement surrounded by the warmth and support of family and friends.

Capturing the Festive Spirit

December offers a unique ambiance with its festive decorations, seasonal music, and general merriment. Proposing during this time allows you to capture the spirit of the season, creating a proposal experience that is not only romantic but also immersed in the joy and magic of the holidays.

Why Is December The Cheapest Time For Buying Engagement Rings From Jewelry Stores?

Holiday Sales and Discounts

For American stores and online retailers, December is peak season with high hopes of increased business from the holiday crowds doing their gift shopping. Add in that December is the most popular month for proposals and there's the impetus for jewelry stores to up their game. They will look at their range and types of engagement rings, promotions and pricing. Events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday have extended long beyond their original one-day timeframe into a week or fortnight and this also adds to making December an opportune time to find engagement rings at lower prices.

Increased Competition Among Retailers

Due to the high demand for diamond jewelry and the anticipated increase in engagement ring sales during the holiday season, retailers engage in competitive pricing to attract customers. This competition can result in better deals and more affordable options for engagement rings.

Year-End Clearance Sales

As the end of the year approaches, retailers may hold clearance sales to make room for new inventory in the coming year. This can lead to discounted prices on existing stock, including engagement rings.

Seasonal Offers and Bundles

Some jewelers may offer seasonal packages or special deals on engagement rings as part of holiday promotions. These could include complementary services, such as special gift packaging, resizing or cleaning, making the overall purchase more cost-effective.

Consumer Expectations for Discounts

With the cultural association of gift-giving and sales during the holiday season, consumers often expect discounts and special offers. Jewelers may respond to this expectation by providing better deals on engagement rings.

Gift-Giving Tradition

December is synonymous with gift-giving across many traditions in different cultures, including proposals. Jewelers may recognize the significance of engagement rings as holiday gifts and offer incentives to encourage purchases during this time.

Customization and Lead Times

For couples planning to customize an engagement ring, it is not recommended to start the process in December for a December proposal but some jewelers may offer discounts on customization services during the holiday season.

General Engagement Ring Buying Tips

Regardless of the time of year you are going to make your engagement ring purchase, there are some general tips that you should be aware of to help you make the right choice so you get the perfect engagement you dream of. This advice applies whether you buy during the highly competitive December seasonal sales or slower times and whether you shop at a brick-and-mortar store or online stores. There's no wrong time to buy diamonds! Here are some top tips for buying diamond rings and high-quality engagement rings at any time.

Establish Your Budget

Determine a realistic budget for the engagement ring. This helps narrow down your options and ensures you find a ring that aligns with your financial comfort. There are so many fantastic rings available, it's good to have ways to narrow down the options. Even if you intend to grab a bargain, finding a store with significant discounts on engagement rings in the sale seasons, if budget is a primary concern, then you might consider lab-created diamonds. As equally gorgeous and of equivalent quality as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are 30-50% cheaper.

Learn About the 4 Cs

Familiarize yourself with the four Cs of diamonds: diamond cut, diamond color, diamond clarity, and carat diamond weight. Understanding these factors will empower you to make an informed decision when selecting a perfect diamond. Always discuss the 4 Cs with your retailer or ask to see the grading report/certificate.

Know Your Partner's Style

Pay attention to your partner's taste in jewelry and personal style. Consider factors like metal preference, setting style, and whether they prefer a classic or more modern design. Follow their preferences and you will always end up with a beautiful diamond they will love.

Research Ring Settings

Explore different ring settings, such as solitaire, halo, or three-stone settings. Each setting style has its own unique appeal, and finding the right one from thousands of diamonds truly depends on your partner's preferences.

Determine the Ring Size

Ensure you know your partner's ring size accurately. Borrowing a ring they currently wear or enlisting the help of a friend or family member can help you get the right size for your diamond purchase. If you can't get an accurate size, ensure the jeweler from whom you make the purchase includes resizing in the price. Be careful of clearance items in seasonal sales as there might be an additional charge for resizing.

Consider Metal Options

Choose the metal for the ring band that complements your partner's style. Common choices include white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. An engagement ring is not only a highly emotional purchase, it is usually one of the most valuable purchases you will make so take your time to find the right ring. At 1-800 Loose Diamonds we are proud to present a very wide selection of diamond rings and also a custom design service. We invite you to browse at your leisure and we're happy to answer any questions. Happy Holidays!