Jewelry Investment: How (And Why) to Buy High-Quality Pieces

If you love jewelry, you probably already know that the finest pieces can get pricey. While it’s true that a lot of great jewelry made with high-quality materials can be expensive, you don’t need to spend a fortune to make a great jewelry investment. Creating a capsule collection of classic pieces that you love and wear often is a great way to invest in jewelry without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of making a jewelry investment and how to approach the shopping process to find valuable, beautiful, and durable jewelry. Let’s dive in!

The Case for Jewelry Investment

Investing in high-quality jewelry can be great for your financial health. In addition to owning beautiful jewelry you can wear, these pieces can diversify your investment portfolio. This is also a great approach if you’re looking for ways to expand your capsule jewelry collection; you can invest in pieces that you wear every day, so your cost-per-wear ratio makes the purchase more than worth it. Let’s explore some more reasons why jewelry investments make sense:

1. Tangible Asset: Jewelry is a tangible asset, which means you can see, touch, and wear it. Unlike other forms of investment (like stocks, for example) jewelry has an aesthetic value that you can enjoy with your senses while also serving as a financial asset.
2. Diversification: Investing in jewelry is a way to diversify your investment portfolio by branching out beyond more traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate.
3. Store of Value: High-quality jewelry is often considered a store of value, meaning that it’s expected to hold its value and sometimes even appreciate in value over time.
4. Inflation Hedge: Jewelry can be an excellent hedge against inflation. Even when the value of currency decreases, the value of tangible assets like gold and diamonds can hold its position or increase independently.
5. Emotional Value: Unlike many other kinds of investments, jewelry carries an emotional weight that can make it even more important and valuable to the owner.

Tips for Investing in Jewelry and Finding High-Quality Pieces

Now that you know the benefits of making a jewelry investment, let’s explore the best ways to approach the process. Here are some tips to help you make the smartest jewelry investment possible:

1. Do your research: As a preliminary step, you should always do your research. Window shop at brick-and-mortar stores or browse online to get a feel for the kind of jewelry you’re looking for. Then, once you’ve found a piece you love, dig even deeper. Before making any big ticket purchase, you’ll want to research the jeweler, the materials in use, and the overall quality of the piece. Read reviews and look for testimonials online.
2. Choose the right jeweler or retailer: Choose a jeweler or retailer who has an excellent reputation for selling high-quality jewelry. Make sure they are reputable, and that they have a history of selling luxury pieces that last. A trustworthy jewelry or retailer will also provide you with all necessary information about a piece of jewelry, like its cut, color, clarity, and even age, and offer certification like an appraisal or GIA certificate to ensure that the piece is authentic.
3. Look for timeless, quality materials: High-quality jewelry is made from high-quality materials (no surprise there). When purchasing jewelry, look for precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, and precious gemstones like diamonds. These materials are known for their rarity, durability, and long-lasting beauty, so they retain their high value very well. 
4. Inspect the piece: Once you’ve selected the piece you want to invest in, take the time to inspect it for any imperfections or flaws. Look for any scratches, dents, or chips in the metal or gemstones. Ensure that the piece is symmetrical, that the gemstones are set securely, and that it fits you the correct way. Even if the piece is brand new, accidents happen; you want to make sure you’re getting exactly what you pay for.
5. Check for certification and authenticity: In addition to assessing the quality of your jewelry, it’s also important to ensure its authenticity. Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). Another way to ensure authenticity is to ask for an appraisal; this document gives you all the information you need about a piece of jewelry, including how old it is, what metals are included, any gemstones’ quality, cut, and carats, and more.
6. Consider the design and craftsmanship: While the materials used are essential, the design of the piece is equally important. Choose a piece that complements your personal style and that you’ll be able to wear for years. Spend some time thoroughly researching different designers, brands, and retailers to make sure that you’re investing in a piece that is well-made, durable, and exciting for you to wear long term. 
7. Take care of the piece: Finally, take good care of your jewelry investment. Clean the piece regularly by gently wiping it down with a soft cloth after each wear, and store it in a safe, cool, and dry place when you’re not wearing it. Be sure to take off your jewelry before swimming, showering, or doing any activities where your jewelry could get lost or damaged. These small, consistent steps will help you maintain your jewelry’s beauty and value over time.

Investing in jewelry that you love can ensure that your money goes a long way, and even boost your returns if you ever decide to sell the piece down the line. Be sure to take great care of your jewelry investment by getting your piece regularly cared for by a trusted expert jeweler. It’s a good idea to send your treasured investment pieces to our team of expert jewelers at Quick Jewelry Repairs every six months so they can give your jewelry the full spa treatment.