Proposal season is in full swing. According to market trend forecaster The Wedding Report, an estimated 2.5 million weddings will take place next year, which represents a huge jump in growth compared to recent years. After the pandemic put many nuptials on hold, couples are ready to tie the knot at last, and start shopping for engagement rings, wedding bands and other accessories for the big day. Perhaps it was worth the wait: Top jewelers are still rolling out massive Black Friday engagement ring sales, creating a rare chance to save on one of the biggest milestone purchases one can make.
Shopping virtually is less daunting these days, with the rise in online-only jewelry brands that reduce overhead costs and cut out third parties to focus more on delivering exquisite, high-quality pieces at significantly lower prices than some in-store options. The demand for lab-grown diamonds—which replicates the natural diamond growing process but with less of an impact on the environment—has also made it easier to find sustainable rings you can feel good about buying.
Some helpful shopping tips: Retailers should provide you with appraisal reports to confirm that your diamond has been properly evaluated. Expect discounts in the range of 15% to 30%—anything more is unlikely since diamonds and gemstones have a high value. In addition, some jewelry brands allow you to customize your ring with engravings and specific settings (personalization makes your ring non-returnable, though) and many offer free shipping, which can add up to sizable savings.
If you find a ring that you know is perfect, don’t get cold feet. The holidays, after all, are the most popular time of the year to get engaged—and especially so this year. Ahead, the best Black Friday engagement ring deals not to miss out on.
Princess Cut
Brilliant Earth was one of the first jewelers to provide traceability of a diamond’s origin and ownership, and they are also a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council. Rather than discount their rings, the San Francisco-based brand is offering a pair of free diamond earrings with purchases of $1,000 or more. This three-stone ring, featuring two kite-shaped diamonds, is a very chic choice.
Modern Clusters
For the partner who is elegant and chic, this ring features ethically-sourced diamonds from suppliers who follow conflict-free and socially responsible practices. The asymmetrical cluster of stones is untraditional and entirely stunning.
Vintage Inspired
Cast in 10K white gold, this delicate ring has 1/20 ct. princess-cut diamond, specifically set to enhance its size and sparkle. The scalloped frame features diamonds and milgrain borders, which adds a unique heirloom quality to this find.
Rose Gold Beauty
Featuring a 0.50 total carat weight Caydia lab-grown round diamond and set in 14K rose gold, this ring is adorned with intricate side stones. Charles & Colvard only uses stones of VS1 quality, which are sought out for their high polish and symmetry.
Elegant Swan
Set and hand-finished in Catbird’s Williamsburg, Brooklyn studio, this ring is elegantly modern with its classic lines and proportions. It will couple well with many different styles of wedding bands, too, and can be customized in either 14k gold or platinum.
Custom Heirloom
Etsy is a surprisingly under-the-radar source for top-notch engagement rings made by jewelers you can work with one-on-one. Molly Jewelry has Star Seller status (with more than 9,000 sales and extremely high ratings). This set features a large oval marquise moissanite stone with a vintage-inspired setting, which can be wrought from white, rose or yellow gold, and includes a wedding band as well.
Brilliant Halo
Charles & Colvard’s “Forever One Moissanite” is naturally occurring gemstone that resembles a diamond for its clarity and brilliance. This ring features a round cut center stone with a halo frame of 20 gems set in 14K gold.
Crown Cut
The round diamond is the focal point of this stunning ring that’s surrounded by two halos of bright round diamonds and a graceful band swept with more round stones.
Classic Solitaire
With its a minimalist profile, a solitaire diamond ring is simple yet elegant. This ring has prongs set on a 14K white gold band, with a round diamond that sparkles with a knife-cut edge to catch the light. You can choose from different stone qualities (K, I3, I-J, I1-I2, H, SI2, G, VS2) and multiple total carat weight options.
Stunning Set
Yes you can buy an engagement ring from Amazon. This set features a beautiful moissanite gemstone, which shines brighter and doesn’t chip as easily as other stones or lose its brilliance and includes a wedding band as well. You can save 20% if your partner has a ring size between 6 and 8. Otherwise, the base price is also quite a steal (and Prime shipping is a nice bonus).
Bohemian Elegance
This is a contemporary twist on the infinity design fashioned from 14 karat white gold. The band displays approximately 42 pave-set diamond side stones and a sparkling cushion-cut diamond center stone.
Black Diamond
Black diamonds are a beautiful, modern option for couples who want to express their personality with less predictable options. This ring features a 3/4 carat enhanced black diamond flanked by white diamonds for a sparkling and unique contrast.
Statement-Making Sapphire
For those who prefer a fashion-forward engagement ring and don’t feel the need to stick to the usual conventions, consider this exquisite ring made from a pear-cut sapphire stone surrounded by diamonds, all placed in a solitaire setting.
Square-Cut Sparkler
Crafted in sterling silver, this polished ring is embellished with sparkling cubic zirconia stones and features a large, square-cut stone as the centerpiece. It’s one of the most affordable options out there with a setting that never goes out of style.
Pavé Diamonds
This wedding band goes beautiful with any style of engagement ring. The 14k white gold band radiates with 15 round-cut diamonds within a French pavé setting.
Eternity Ring
This versatile ring can be worn as an engagement ring or wedding band, depending on your style. It’s studded with ethical, lab-grown diamonds and has a curved silhouette, which fits snugly next to one to two carat solitaire rings or is stunning on its own.
