Yes, even the price of luxury items like fine jewelry can sometimes be haggled. For the best results, avoid the big national brands, says Daniel Gordon, president of Samuel Gordon Jewelers. “Chains aren’t known for haggling,” Gordon says. “They must have firm corporate policies and are less agile as a mom-and-pop, independent, locally owned business to make these types of quick and price-impacting decision.” Even though an independent store may seem more high-end and expensive, Gordon says appearances can be deceiving.
A customer has a better shot of getting a lower price on any item if it’s been hanging around the showroom for a while. Trends change so quickly, Gordon says, that jewelers can’t afford to sit on pieces for years. Sometimes, he adds, even brands that don’t generally discount will make an exception in order to get rid of old stock. The customer also has a better shot of getting a lower price if he or she takes an item that’s already in the showcase; requests for special orders and discounts don’t go together nearly as well.