Every November, the internet lights up with Black Friday sales. But what actually is Black Friday, where did the name come from, and how did a single day in America become one of the biggest shopping events in Australia? Here's everything you need to know, plus our favourite Black Friday jewellery and watch deals at Shiels.
What Is Black Friday Overview
- Black Friday Meaning
- Where Did Black Friday Originate?
- Black Friday History
- Black Friday In Australia
- Our Favourite Black Friday Deals
Black Friday Meaning
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. It's traditionally seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season, when retailers offer some of their biggest discounts of the year.
In 2026, Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November, followed by Cyber Monday on Monday 30 November. Today, many retailers stretch their Black Friday deals across a week or more, both online and in store.
Where Did Black Friday Originate?
Surprisingly, the first "Black Friday" had nothing to do with shopping. The term was first used for a financial crisis in the United States on 24 September 1869, when investors Jay Gould and Jim Fisk tried to corner the gold market. When their scheme collapsed that Friday, the price of gold plummeted and the stock market crashed.
The name only became linked to shopping in the 1950s, when police in Philadelphia used "Black Friday" to describe the chaos on the day after Thanksgiving. Crowds of shoppers and tourists flooded the city ahead of the annual Army-Navy football game, and officers had to work extra-long shifts to manage the traffic, crowds and shoplifting.
Black Friday History
Philadelphia retailers weren't fans of the negative name. In 1961, they tried to rebrand the day as "Big Friday", but it didn't catch on.
By the late 1980s, retailers had found a more positive spin: Black Friday was said to be the day stores finally went from "in the red" (making a loss) to "in the black" (making a profit). It's a popular story, but historians agree it isn't the real origin of the name.
By the 1990s, Black Friday had become one of the biggest shopping days in the United States. As online shopping grew, it was joined by Cyber Monday, first named in 2005, and the two now form one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year around the world.
Black Friday In Australia
Although Australia doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, Black Friday has grown into one of the biggest retail events on the Australian calendar, rivalling the Boxing Day sales. In 2025, the Australian Retailers Association expected Australians to spend $6.8 billion over the Black Friday to Cyber Monday weekend, up 4% on the year before.
With Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect time to tick off your gift list early. Explore the best Black Friday deals at Shiels, or read on for our favourite picks.
Our Favourite Black Friday Deals
Our Favourite Black Friday Deals
Gold Earrings
Gold earrings are the gift that suits almost anyone, and a little treat for yourself. These 9ct gold sleepers are the everyday hoops you'll never take off, while the diamond-cut 9mm huggies add a little extra shimmer with every turn of the head. Shop more gold earrings.
9ct Yellow Gold Hoop 10mm Sleeper Earrings
$169.00
$339.00
These simple, subtle hoop earrings are 1mm thick with a 10mm diameter and a perfectly round shape. Practical and comfortable for everyday wear these earrings show classic style with a touch of luxury in the 9-carat gold material. Hoop earrings… read more
9ct Yellow Gold Hoop 9mm Diamond Cut
$299.00
$599.00
Adorned in 9ct yellow gold, these huggie earrings are the perfect addition to your everyday collection.… read more
Diamond Tennis Bracelets
A diamond tennis bracelet is a true showstopper. Start with this 0.45 carat diamond bracelet in sterling silver, or go bolder with the 0.95 carat diamond tennis bracelet in gold-plated silver for warm, golden sparkle. Explore more diamond bracelets.
0.45 Carat Diamond 18cm Bracelet set in Sterling Silver
$199.00
$699.00
0.45 Carat Diamond 18cm Bracelet set in Sterling Silver… read more
0.95 Carat Diamond Tennis 18.5cm Bracelet in Gold Plated Silver
$499.00
$1,499.00
0.95 Carat Diamond Tennis 18.5cm Bracelet in Gold Plated Silver… read more
Diamond Rings
Cluster rings give you plenty of sparkle for your budget by grouping smaller diamonds together. Choose the 24-diamond halo cluster ring in sterling silver, or go all out with the 1 carat diamond ring in 9ct yellow gold, featuring rows of sparkling diamonds on a wide band. Browse more diamond rings.
1/3 Carat Diamond Eternity Ring with 11 Brilliant Diamonds in 9ct Yellow Gold
$999.00
$2,299.00
This 9ct Yellow Gold 0.30 Carat Diamond Ring with 11 Brilliant Diamonds is designed to capture attention and celebrate the timeless beauty of diamonds in a refined and luxurious manner. The band of this ring is beautifully crafted from 9ct… read more
Gold Chains For Him
For the man in your life, a gold chain is a timeless gift that goes with everything. The 9ct yellow gold 50cm curb chain is an easy everyday staple, while the solid 9ct yellow gold 60 gauge curb chain sits on the chest for a bolder look. Shop more men's jewellery.
9ct Yellow Gold Silver Filled 50cm Curb Chain 30 gauge
$129.00
$299.00
The perfect layering necklace, this 9ct yellow gold curb chain is the ultimate staple. 50cm in length, easily add your favourite pendants or wear alone.… read more
9ct Yellow Solid Gold 60 Gauge Curb 60cm Chain
$1,069.00
$2,149.00
This versatile 9ct Yellow Gold 60 Gauge Curb Chain falls perfectly at the chest to compliment the male physique. It’s certainly got substance and stand out appeal but without all the fuss. The curb design is a classic masculine style… read more
Black Friday Watch Deals
Looking for a Black Friday watch? For divers and watch lovers, the Seiko Prospex "Turtle" SRPE93K features an automatic movement, 200m water resistance and its famous cushion-shaped case. For something dressier, this gold-tone Citizen Eco-Drive World Time watch is set with 32 diamonds on the bezel and is powered by light, so it never needs a battery.
Seiko SRPE93K Prospex "Turtle" Automatic Divers
$574.00
$750.00
Seiko enthusiasts affectionately dub this watch shape as the "turtle" due to its resemblance to the curved and comfortable shell of a turtle when viewed from the side and back. For divers, sea turtles hold symbolic significance, representing good fortune.… read more
Citizen Eco-Drive World Time BU2082-56E Diamond Set
$994.00
$1,450.00
Boasting a captivating blend of refinement and functionality, this watch showcases a striking combination of matte and polished gold accents against a bold ebony face, embellished by 32 meticulously set diamonds adorning the bezel. Engineered for global timekeeping with detailed… read more
FAQs
Why is it called Black Friday?
The shopping meaning comes from 1950s Philadelphia, where police called the day after Thanksgiving "Black Friday" because of the heavy crowds and traffic. The term was first used for an 1869 gold market crash.
When is Black Friday 2026 in Australia?
Black Friday 2026 is on Friday 27 November, followed by Cyber Monday on Monday 30 November.
Is it true that Black Friday is when stores go "in the black"?
It's a popular explanation, but not the real origin. Retailers began telling the "in the black" profit story in the late 1980s to give the name a more positive meaning.
What is the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving and covers both online and in-store sales. Cyber Monday is the following Monday and focuses on online shopping. Read what is Cyber Monday?.
Does Shiels have a Black Friday sale?
Yes. Shiels runs Black Friday deals on jewellery and watches online and in store. See the best Black Friday deals at Shiels.
