What are the pros/cons of shopping for a diamond during the busy season?

[metro]

I've read that it will soon be the busy season for business that sell diamonds and jewelry. I am wondering, what are the pros/cons to shopping during this time? For example, would inventory be better or worse? Prices? Response time? Etc.

 

[LoganS]

Buying diamonds and jewelry during the holidays can def be more stressful than normal. Over the last few years I really hold off for black friday and cyber monday, some of the online retailers like blue nile, rockher.com, jamesallen, and brilliant earth typically have better deals happening on those specific days as they try to compete with Amazon. I would steer clear of the shopping malls they are typically busy. The main con here is that diamond and jewelry prices won't shift for top quality items, the items that are usually discounted are lower quality stones and materials to begin with.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

I think the answer may vary depending on whether it is a loose diamond or finished piece of jewelry you are shopping for, and what quality piece you are interested in. For commercial quality jewelry you may find some worthwhile incentives this time of year, and also after the holidays.

In high quality certified diamonds there are unlikely to be any 'deals'. Significant discounts are uncommon and those that look tempting on the surface may be a result "marketing" and artificial starting prices.

In general it stands to reason that inventories are bigger and that response time might be a bit longer during peak season.

Overall, the best time to shop is when you are actually ready to purchase, rather than putting yourself on an artificial timeline on the assumption that it will somehow be either advantageous or disadvantageous.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Pros ? Anytime of the yr is a good time to buy diamonds...
Cons? Never have enough money to buy diamonds...

 

[LaylaR]

This is specific to diamond shopping, not finished jewelry.

If you've been watching a vendor for a while, have the money ready and want to buy, and you know the vendor does not have frequent promotions or sales, so you know the pricing you are being offered is better than usual-- go for it. But if you don't know enough about the vendor to know if-- like Bryan said-- their pricing model is to have artificially high 'regular' pricing so that their 'sales' look legitimate-- but really aren't. It's probably not the best idea to jump on anything until you've researched things a bit more.

Buyer be ware. Your vendor choice is just as (maybe more than) important as your diamond selection.

One caveat: If you want a ring to propose with for Christmas eve-- call right now. Especially if you want a custom setting. Don't delay because most jewelers are busier so the quicker you get your order in the better.

 

[metro]

Great advice and input from all! Thank you!

 

[OoohShiny]

Buying diamonds and jewelry during the holidays can def be more stressful than normal. Over the last few years I really hold off for black friday and cyber monday, some of the online retailers like blue nile, rockher.com, jamesallen, and brilliant earth typically have better deals happening on those specific days as they try to compete with Amazon. I would steer clear of the shopping malls they are typically busy. The main con here is that diamond and jewelry prices won't shift for top quality items, the items that are usually discounted are lower quality stones and materials to begin with.

Amazon is a competitor with BN, JA, etc.??