You can recognise a genuine Black Friday discount on jewellery by the crossed-out price. In the Netherlands, that old price must be the lowest price in the past 30 days. Do you see a discount, but was the jewellery being sold at the same price a week earlier? Then it is not a genuine deal. Also always check the material, because a low price says little about quality.
Every year, many people wonder whether Black Friday is really cheaper. On Reddit and in news reports, you often read about fake discounts. In this blog, you will learn how to recognise them. That way, you can shop with peace of mind in 2026.
Interstellar Bracelet Sodalite
Is Black Friday really cheaper?
The answer is yes, but only if you look closely.
Genuine deals and fake deals
Many shops offer genuine discounts during Black Friday. However, there are also shops that increase the price first and then reduce it again. On paper, that looks like a substantial discount. In reality, you are simply paying the regular price.
What does the regulator say?
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets monitors discounts closely. According to the rules for fair discounts, the previous price must be the lowest price in the 30 days before the discount. Shops that fail to comply risk a fine. That is good news for you as a shopper.
How do you check whether a piece of jewellery is genuinely on sale?
With three simple checks, you can quickly determine whether a discount is genuine.
Check 1: look at the price beforehand
Start looking at the jewellery you want a few weeks before Black Friday. Take a screenshot of the price or add the jewellery to your wishlist. That way, you can immediately see whether the discount is genuine. A useful starting point is the page with jewellery with Black Friday discounts, where all the deals are listed together.
Check 2: look at the crossed-out price
The crossed-out price is your most important reference point. That price must genuinely be the lowest price in the past month. If there is only a percentage and no previous price, you do not really know what the discount is based on.
Check 3: compare the same piece of jewellery
Only compare jewellery that is genuinely identical. A bracelet that looks like another one may sometimes be made from a different material. Pay attention to the stone, bead size, length and metal. Only then can you see whether a price is fair.
Reverse Universe Bracelet Tiger Eye
What should you consider besides the price?
A good deal is about more than the amount on your receipt.
The material
Always check which material a piece of jewellery is made from. 925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver. Some of the gold-coloured beads are gold filled. This means they contain a gold alloy and no silver. The material is listed for each piece of jewellery on the product page. Cheap jewellery often has a copper or brass base, which discolours more quickly.
The finish
With many pieces of jewellery, you can choose between a gold plated and a rhodium plated finish. Gold plated gives a warm, golden shine. Rhodium plated has a bright, silvery appearance. In our blog about gold plated or rhodium plated, you can read which finish suits you.
Service and returns
A low price is less valuable if you are not allowed to return a piece of jewellery. With us, you have 14 days to return an unused piece of jewellery with its original labels. That gives you peace of mind, especially if you are buying a gift for someone else.
Why quality matters even more during Black Friday
Especially during a busy shopping week, it is wise to take a moment to consider quality.
A piece of jewellery lasts for years
You do not buy a piece of jewellery for just one evening. You wear it for years. That is why it pays to consider how something is made. Our jewellery is produced in workshops in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Our founder regularly visits these workshops and checks the details there, from the clasp to the stone setting.
Gemstones with a unique pattern
Most of the stones in our collection are natural semi-precious stones. As a result, each stone has its own colour and pattern. Small inclusions are part of their natural beauty. They show that a stone comes from nature.
Shop with a plan
Make a list in advance and stick to it. That way, you will not buy on impulse. Would you like to know exactly when the deals start? Then read our blog about when Black Friday 2026 begins. Once you are ready, browse the Black Friday jewellery deals.
Frequently asked questions about Black Friday discounts
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Is Black Friday really cheaper?
Often it is, but not always. Check whether the crossed-out price is the lowest price in the past 30 days.
What is a fake discount?
A fake discount is a discount on a price that was artificially increased first. The saving exists only on paper.
How do I know what the previous price was?
Monitor the price for a few weeks beforehand. A screenshot or wishlist can help with this.
Can I return jewellery bought in the Black Friday sale?
Yes. You can also return discounted jewellery within 14 days, provided it is unused and the labels are still attached.
Would you like to know more, or do you have any questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels will be happy to help.
