Jewelry as an Investment: Which Pieces Hold or Increase Their Value Over Time (And Which Ones Won't Pay for Your Future Yacht)

Let’s be real—when you’re drooling over that stunning diamond necklace or that gorgeous emerald ring, your first thought probably isn’t “Wow, what a great financial investment!” (Unless you’re my accountant, who apparently thinks about ROI even when browsing cocktail rings). But here’s the secret your jeweler won’t always tell you: while most jewelry loses value the second you walk out the door (like a new car), certain pieces actually appreciate over time. Think of it as your sparkly retirement plan—one that you get to wear while it grows in value. Pretty brilliant, right?

So how do you tell the difference between a piece that will fund your future villa in Italy and one that will be worth about as much as your collection of beaded friendship bracelets from summer camp? Let’s break down which jewelry pieces are actually worth their weight in gold (sometimes literally).

The Holy Trinity of Jewelry Investing: Rarity, Quality, and Brand Power

Before we dive into specific pieces, remember these three factors that separate the investment-grade jewels from the “pretty but probably not profitable” category. First, rarity—if everyone and their grandmother has it, it’s probably not going to appreciate. Second, quality—this isn’t the time to skimp. And third, brand recognition—certain names in the jewelry world are like the Hermès Birkin bags of the gem world.

Diamonds: Your Best Friend Forever (Financially Speaking)

Good news for all you diamond lovers out there—high-quality diamonds have historically held their value remarkably well. But not all sparkly rocks are created equal. We’re talking about diamonds with excellent cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. A poorly cut diamond with visible inclusions? That’s like buying stocks in a company that makes flip phones.

Particularly strong performers include classic diamond stud earrings (the little black dress of the jewelry world—always in style), three-stone rings representing past, present, and future, and timeless tennis bracelets that never go out of fashion. Brands known for exceptional diamond quality like David Webb and Oscar Heyman often see their pieces become more valuable over decades.

Colored Gemstones: When Being Colorful Pays Off

If diamonds are the stable blue-chip stocks of jewelry investing, colored gemstones are the exciting growth stocks—potentially higher returns but with more volatility. The rule of thumb? The rarer and more saturated the color, the better the investment potential.

Rubies, sapphires, and emeralds have been coveted for centuries and continue to appreciate, especially stones from legendary mines like Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires. But don’t overlook rarer gems like alexandrite (the color-changing marvel) and tanzanite (found in only one place on Earth—talk about limited edition!).

Signed Pieces: When the Name Matters as Much as the Stones

In the jewelry world, provenance is everything. A piece signed by a renowned designer or prestigious house can be worth significantly more than a nearly identical unsigned piece. It’s the difference between a painting signed “Picasso” and one signed “Some Dude Named Steve.”

Historic houses like Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, and Cartier have seen their vintage pieces sell for multiples of their original prices at auction. Contemporary masters like Roberto Coin, known for his signature ruby setting, and Pasquale Bruni are also creating future heirlooms that collectors eagerly seek.

Estate and Vintage: Buying Someone Else’s Excellent Taste

Think of estate and vintage jewelry as the antique furniture of the gem world—often better made, with more character, and frequently more valuable than their modern counterparts. Pieces from specific eras like Art Deco, Victorian, or Retro have dedicated followings and often feature craftsmanship that would be prohibitively expensive to replicate today.

The best part? You’re buying these pieces at their current market value rather than retail markup, giving you a head start on appreciation. It’s like buying a classic car that’s already started going up in value.

Luxury Watches: The Investment You Can Wear on Your Wrist

While we’re primarily a jewelry store, we can’t ignore the incredible investment potential of luxury timepieces. Certain watch models from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet have outperformed the stock market over the past decade. Our watch collection includes pieces that are both beautiful and historically strong performers.

What Probably Won’t Fund Your Retirement

Now for the reality check. Mass-produced jewelry, pieces with poor craftsmanship, trendy items that will look dated in five years, and jewelry with treated or synthetic stones typically don’t hold their value. That super-trendy necklace that everyone’s wearing this season? It’ll probably be in the “what was I thinking?” pile by next year.

How to Shop Like a Smart Investor (Who Still Wants to Look Fabulous)

So how do you apply this knowledge without turning your jewelry shopping into a clinical investment analysis? First, buy what you love—even if it doesn’t appreciate, you’ll get years of wearing pleasure. Second, focus on quality over quantity—one amazing piece is better than ten mediocre ones. Third, consider classic styles that have stood the test of time. And finally, work with reputable jewelers (hello, that’s us!) who can guide you toward pieces with strong investment potential.

At Robinson’s Jewelers, we carry investment-grade pieces from world-renowned brands alongside more accessible options. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of Mikimoto pearls, the innovative designs of Hulchi Belluni, or the bridal perfection of Charles Krypell, we can help you find pieces that will bring you joy today and potentially financial gain tomorrow.

Remember, the best jewelry investments are the ones you never want to sell—but it’s nice to know they’re working hard for you while they make you look amazing. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go “invest” in some new earrings. For diversification purposes, of course.