Giving Diamonds this Holiday Season? Here’s Why You Need to Start Shopping Now!

So where do you go to find the perfect diamond engagement ring? Do you need to head down to the High Street and subject yourself to the holiday madness?

No! There’s a better way! It is the ease and convenience of online shopping that is responsible for its increasing share of the holiday purchases. What is true for clothing and electronics is also true for diamond jewellery – online is the way to go. But there ARE some factors to take into consideration…

Delivery & Returns

But just like everything else you buy online, you need to take delivery time into consideration when shopping for diamonds online. For standard catalogue items our standard manufacturing timescales are 2 to 3 weeks, after which it is delivered next day using Royal Mail Special Delivery.

If you are planning a bespoke ring you need to allow even more time as the customisation process will require 3-4 weeks. (We’ll be covering all the ins and outs of ordering a bespoke ring in next week’s post.) It is a good rule of thumb to include a bit more time in your planning during the holidays to allow for mail delays (and permit a bit more time if you’re outside the UK).

So much better to order early – and have that beautiful diamond ring safely tucked away for the big moment – than to be sweating bullets hoping that the mail will make it on time. What if it’s not precisely the ring that she wants, but in all the holiday hoopla more than 30 days has passed? Will she be compelled to wear not-quite-right until the end of days? Rest assured! For all items dispatched after 9th November (which will be if you order now) our 30 Days Return Policy is extended until 31st January 2016!

How much you should spend?

Any diamond jewellery for the holidays is a major purchase, one that is certain to be remembered for years to come. Any man thinking of popping the question will tell you that a major source of stress is the conundrum, “How much should I spend?” It seems like there are so many ways to get it wrong.

But good news! The rules have relaxed a bit.

The old adage was to spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring. That isn’t as true anymore; a wide range of price points are seen as appropriate. But it is still a major investment that should be planned for. Even with the great prices shopping online affords, a purchase like this may stretch your budget a bit. No worries! You can finance the purchase. Shining Diamonds works with V12 Retail Finance to provide a six-month, interest free finance plan for purchases over £500. The holidays are the perfect time for a grand romantic gesture. The lights, the music, the good will all combine to remind us of the joy that life has to offer. With a bit of imagination AND planning there is no better season to begin the journey toward a life together.

Are you ready to start shopping for that perfect diamond gift for your loved one? We have a wide assortment of diamond engagement rings, diamond eternity rings, diamond earrings, and diamond pendants. You could also win a diamond eternity ring by entering our #EternityProposal contest! Enter on our Facebook page!