Buying Jewelry as an Investment

Buying Jewelry as an Investment

A commodity versus Luxury

By Gene Schade (November 2014 for Inspire Magazine)

We are often asked about buying jewelry as an investment.  It is not correct, in our opinion, to buy jewelry primarily as an investment.  However, with the banks paying a low rate of interest and considerable concern about the present economic conditions, precious metals and gemstones have climbed a long way up the ladder.

Consumer Advice

If we consider what else a consumer can spend their money on, there are very few consumer purchases which will retain much of their value over a long period of time. Whatever car you buy new, you would probably have to pay somebody to tow it away in 20 years.  Other consumer items show a similar pattern.  They will wear out, go out of fashion, break down, or otherwise deteriorate.  While some items can be repaired, it is common for repairs to be uneconomical compared with buying a new replacement, which may be more advanced or superior in some other way.  Compared with almost all other consumer purchases, a piece of gold jewelry or a diamond ring will retain some of its value and may appreciate in value over a long period of time. 

Investment Advice

In December 2008 as most of the world plunged into an economic crisis, a historic Fancy Deep grayish blue diamond sold for $24.3 million, the highest price ever paid for a single gemstone.  But as pure investment advice, it is very unlikely that buying jewelry will prove to be a good financial investment for the average consumer.  There will be exceptions to this, but the exceptions will be a minority.  Jewelry is sold as luxury goods at retail pricing.  The retail markup must cover a wide variety of costs including sales tax.  Precious metal in bullion form is exempt from sales tax in Texas while fabricated items such as jewelry are taxed.  Manufacturers and wholesalers also expect to make profits to pay for their services.  The investment potential of anything depends substantially on its cost price.  This is a simple but obvious statement. 

How do You Judge Value – Get Help

A buyer also needs a profound knowledge of the market if he is to purchase a suitable stone or piece of jewelry of enduring value.  An investment purchase is not recommended without a reputable partner.  There has been much discussion in recent years about inaccurate diamond grading certificates issued by some gem labs.  Recently, one of the most respected labs, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) suspended its diamond sealing services until further notice after receiving a sealed diamond for verification that did not match the grading report number packaged with it.  Many jewelers sell “the certificate” and do not have adequate technical expertise to verify that documentation matches the stone.  Fraud and mislabeling is present in the jewelry industry the same as all other walks of life.  There is no substitute for a trusted, experienced gemologist to lend hands-on expertise to your purchase. 

Disposing of your Jewelry Investment

How do you resell that “investment” you purchased at a retail price?  The world’s two largest auction houses, Sotheby’s and Christie’s, began regular sales devoted to important diamonds and colored stones in the 1970s. Through their ability to generate publicity, they have become a significant force in price and demand throughout the world.  There are avenues available for the consumer to retail their investment, including Craig’s List and eBay.  But most jewelry pieces do not qualify for listing with Christie’s and will get sold at a wholesale price or less.

Quality Counts

As with most things in life, buying high quality will cost more initially, but there is more chance that a high quality item will hold its value better than a poor or mediocre quality product.  There are ownership costs involved with jewelry as with most goods.  Insurance and maintenance are just two.  The more often a piece of jewelry is worn, the more likely it is to get damaged or worn making repair and maintenance necessary.  The answer is not to lock it away in a safe, because then you lose out on the main benefit of ownership, which is to wear and enjoy it.  

Why are you buying it

Many salespeople talk people into buying jewelry by falsely telling them what they want to hear, that it is a good investment.  Ask yourself why you are buying the piece of jewelry.  Is it because you will get pleasure from owning, wearing or giving it?  If the answer is "yes", then the reward for your investment will be the value of the pleasure you get.  Any residual value in the item in the future will simply be a bonus.

Casa de Oro Jewelers, founded in 1979 by Gene and Dee Schade, has been a precious metal dealer from its origin.  They can assist or advise you in pure investment of metal such as gold/silver bullion, colored gemstones, and diamonds or in a luxury jewelry item.  Contact Gene Schade at 361-991-7054 or gene@casadeoro.net.  Visit us online at www.casadeorojewelers.com.