Over the last ten years, jewelry investments have been one of the strongest investments for those who know what they’re doing.
To explain, jewelry investing is more like fine art than real estate. And if you’re in it for the long haul, there is real money to be made. It’s becoming common for severe investors to allocate some of their options toward investment-quality jewelry.
- Natural Saltwater Pearls
- Colored & Fancy Diamonds
- Rare Vintage Rings
- Signed Jewelry
- Kashmir Sapphires (Our Top Pick for 2024)
- Unheated Burma Rubies
- Gold and Platinum
- Colombian Emeralds
- General Tips for Jewelry Investing
If you want help and tips on investing in jewelry, scroll to the bottom and send a message to our jewelry investment experts.
Jewelry That’s Predicted to Perform in 2024 – The Ultimate List
Despite the movement in the markets, certain pieces of jewelry seem to always have a very promising future. The following article features the types of jewelry that should be on your radar in 2024 if you’re a serious jewelry investor.
All investment opinions in this article are based on our expert research and 40+ years of experience. The information here is intended as educational material based on our decades of experience and not official investment advice.
1. Natural Saltwater Pearls
One of our best investment options for 2022 and 2023 was natural saltwater pearl jewelry, and we believe that it will continue to grow in 2024.
Most of the investment value comes from the fact that these are almost impossible to find. Most natural saltwater pearls available to the market are over one hundred years old. And, as a bonus, they are usually featured in equally rare antique jewelry.
Consequently, the price of these pieces can go sky-high and will likely continue to grow in the coming years. To put things in perspective, just 1 in 10,000 natural oysters yield a natural pearl good enough for jewelry.
Moreover, pearl diving is a dangerous craft that is seldom practiced anymore. Whatever is on the very limited market is pretty much all that exists in the world. High-quality collector-grade natural pearls are an extremely rare commodity.
Here are a few tips on finding investment-quality natural saltwater pearls:
- (Critical) Make sure that the pearls are certified by a reputable certification company
- Ensure that the certification doesn’t says it doesn’t say “fresh water,” “lab-grown,” or “cultured.”
- Ideally, it would be best to opt for an antique natural saltwater pearl already set in a necklace, earrings, or bracelet. Ensure it comes with the correct certification and the specifications line up.
- Always consult with a jewelry expert before buying jewelry for investment value. Pay them for their time and ensure that your investment is all in order.
Bonus Tip: Consider searching for an antique natural saltwater pearl jewelry piece that was signed by a famous designer like Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels. This will greatly amplify your investment.
To learn more about investing in Natural Saltwater Pearls, click here.
2. Colored Fancy Diamonds
Colored diamonds are, without a doubt, one of the more desirable jewelry investments, according to many leading jewelry experts.
These colored diamonds, also known as fancy-colored diamonds, are unique diamond gemstones prized for their captivating hues, which set them apart from traditional colorless-diamonds. Unlike regular diamonds that are valued for their clarity and lack of color, colored diamonds derive their worth from their vibrant and rare natural colors, which can range from shades of yellow, pink, blue, green, and even red.
These exquisite gemstones are considered robust investments due to their enduring popularity among collectors and investors alike. Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated strong appreciation in value, making them a reliable choice for wealth preservation. Their scarcity in nature further enhances their investment appeal, as truly vivid and intensely colored diamonds are exceptionally rare, with only a limited number of mines producing them worldwide.
As a result, fancy diamonds have become among the greatest jewelry investment ideas in history.
For example, the famous CTF Pink Star became the most expensive gemstone in the world in 2017. This mesmerizing pink diamond was sold in a Hong Kong auction for $71.2m.
Contact us to view our collection of investment-quality colored diamonds. Due to the rarity of our collection, most of our available colored diamonds are not listed on this website.
3. Rare Collection-Grade Vintage Rings
Investing in vintage rings involves acquiring collection-grade antique pieces, often featuring unique designs and craftsmanship, which set them apart from contemporary diamond rings. These vintage rings distinguish themselves through their historical significance, intricate details, and the character they bring to the wearer.
Vintage rings are considered strong investments due to their enduring appeal and ability to appreciate in value over time. Their historical value and the sentiment associated with them often make them highly sought-after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Moreover, as time passes, the supply of vintage rings becomes increasingly limited, contributing to their rarity and desirability among investors and connoisseurs alike.
“This is Money,” one of the UK’s top financial websites, draws from an Art Market Research report to reveal how much the market has increased. As per the research, vintage jewelry prices have increased by 80% over the last ten years.
We’ve been curating rare vintage rings for over 40 years, and here are some of the best tips:
- Ensure you’re getting your vintage ring from a reputable seller. There are so many variables to examine when determining the authenticity of a vintage ring, and a layman will not be able to track them all.
- It’s advisable to focus on vintage rings with high-quality gemstones. This will make your investment a lot stronger.
- Request an appraisal that attests to the age of the ring. This needs to be non-negotiable.
- Loupe the ring carefully and examine the quality of the craftsmanship. A well-crafted ring will always be far more desirable.
- Not all vintage rings are collector items and investment pieces. To invest correctly, you will need to do a lot of research.
- Always consult with a jewelry expert before buying jewelry for only investment value.
Click here to view our collection of vintage rings.
4. Signed Designer Jewelry
Signed designer jewelry has always been the most popular jewelry of its time, but what surprises most investors is that it becomes even more popular after its time.
A jewelry piece that is crafted by one of the top jewelry designers is a fantastic jewelry investment idea. There are, however, a few things that you’ll need to know before you invest in designer jewelry.
- Authenticity. You will want paperwork to prove the age and make of the designer jewelry. Not always will that be possible, especially with older jewelry, but at the least, you will want an expert to look at the stamps on the jewelry to ensure authenticity.
- Age. The vintage of the jewelry piece is one of the most compelling factors for designer jewelry. Usually, the older, the better.
- Craftsmanship. Even the best jewelry houses have pieces that are good and pieces that aren’t. Before investing in vintage designer jewelry, you will want to talk to an expert who can examine the piece to ensure the craftsmanship is up to par.
- Desirability. You will want to consult with a jewelry expert to ensure that the signed vintage designer jewelry is desirable. Not all jewelry designers are desirable.
Here are the names of a few of the more desirable jewelry designers: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Bvlgari, Jar, Buccellati (only if vintage), and Tiffany & Co.
Please note that most jewelry designers will create jewelry that will only depreciate with time. If you don’t see the designer on the list above, consult with an expert if you’re buying that designer for investment purposes only.
Contact us to view our rare collection of signed designer jewelry.
5. Kashmir Sapphires
Many consider sapphires to be even more desirable than non-colored diamonds, and this is definitely true with respect to their investment potential. Top gem-quality Kashmir sapphires have become one of the top assets in the jewelry industry this past year.
There are only a handful of expert collectors in the world who understand gem-quality Kashmir Sapphires. These sapphires are considered the crème de la crème in the world of sapphire investors, and they usually come in two desirable shades: cornflower blue and royal blue.
Due to their extreme rarity, they are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the jewelry world today.
“The prices for Gem-Quality Kashmir Sapphires are now more than 20 times what they were in the 1980s,” says Michael Khordipour, one of the world’s leading experts on Kashmir Sapphires. “And it’s expected to continue rising.”
Like most jewelry investments, you will want to consult with an expert before making the purchase.
Learn more about investing in Kashmir Sapphires or click here to talk to an expert.
6. Unheated Pigeon-Blood Burma Rubies
Similar to Kashmir Sapphires, Unheated Burmese Rubies (now known as Myanmar) are one of the most promising investments at the moment.
These rubies stand apart due to their vibrant red hue, exceptional clarity, and the absence of heat-induced alterations, which preserve their natural beauty.
Their rich, pigeon-blooded red color is highly coveted and symbolizes wealth and prosperity in many cultures, adding to their appeal. Furthermore, the dwindling supply of such rubies from Myanmar, coupled with restrictions on their export, makes them increasingly scarce in the market, elevating their value as coveted and exclusive gemstones.
Regardless of the sinister name, color is the key factor when shopping for rubies. These gemstones usually have some inclusions; therefore, you can get away with less clarity if the color fits the bill.
Additionally, you want to ensure that your Burma Ruby has not received any heat treatment. Without proper certificates, the investment will be almost worthless.
Interesting: Christie’s has set the record carat rate for Burmese rubies in 2006 – more than $420,000.
To contact us and view our private collection of Burma Rubies, click here.
7. Precious Metals. Gold and Platinum Jewelry
At the onset of the new millennia, the price of gold was relatively low – a bit more than $320 per ounce. The prices now (January 2024) are resting at approx $2,030, with a 4.84% uptick over the past six months.
Platinum is at approximately $935 per ounce (January 2024), up from roughly $100 in the 1970s.
Some experts at CBSNews predict that gold will go up in value, and if that is true, buying gold jewelry is an incredible investment.
We’d rather not speculate on the gold and platinum futures market as this falls outside our specialty, but we present this information as a starting point for your research.
In conclusion, it’s hard to predict how this commodity will go, but your jewelry piece fits into any other investment ideas on this list; ensuring it is set inside platinum or gold is probably a very good idea.
8. No-Oil Colombian Emeralds
Natural untreated emeralds are also on our list of best investments for this year. Their prices are climbing, and many experts expect them to keep growing.
Investing in No-Oil Emeralds means these gemstones have not been treated with oil or other substances to enhance their appearance. Additionally, to be investment-quality, the emeralds need to distinguish themselves from regular emeralds in color quality, internal perfection, and quality of cut.
No-Oil Colombian Emeralds are regarded as robust investments due to their timeless desirability and the market’s scarcity of untreated, high-quality emeralds. Their vivid green hue, often called “emerald green,” carries an enduring allure and is considered one of the most valuable gemstone colors. Moreover, finding emeralds of exceptional quality without oil enhancements is increasingly rare, as most emeralds undergo such treatments, making these untreated Colombian emeralds highly sought after by collectors and investors.
As with most of the investments on this list, you will want to ensure that you have authoritative certificates certifying that the emerald has no oil treatment and that it comes from Colombia. Regarding color quality, you will want to consult an emerald expert to ensure that the hues and saturations are gem-quality.
Learn more about investing in No Oil Colombian Emeralds.
Our Tips for Jewelry Investing
Every investment is a risk. There is no such thing as a 100% guarantee in the investing world. However, there are ways to mitigate risk and keep your returns high. Here are the steps you should take.
A) Learn About the Jewelry Before Investing
The two most essential steps for investing in jewelry are 1) educating yourself on the topic and 2) making trustworthy connections.
The internet is filled with information on any jewelry topic. Read and keep reading. There is so much to learn about each jewelry topic. Of course, ensure you’re only reading information from reliable sources, written by certified jewelry experts. Read our jewelry educational blog with over 300 well-researched jewelry articles.
Additionally, find a professional who has been working in the industry for at least 20 years.
There are two more things that you want to ensure when looking for a professional:
- Knowledge. Ensure that they know their fields very well and understand the long-term fluctuations of the market.
- Trustworthiness. It is critical to ensure that your jewelry expert is trustworthy. Jewelry investments, like all investments, are a big decision. You will want to ensure that the jewelry expert is someone you can rely on.
B) Never Rush Your Jewelry Investment
Yes, it’s easy to get emotionally involved and lose sight of the critical features to look for. Jewelry is beautiful, and many pieces have lovely stories (that might drive up the price), but don’t let your emotions rush you into buying if you’re primarily buying as an investment.
The rule is that you should never impulse purchase unless the piece checks out 100%. This means that you’ve determined that it is precisely what you think it is, comes from a reputable dealer, has verifying paperwork, and has a proper return policy. A proper return policy of at least two weeks is an absolute deal breaker.
Unless it ticks all the right boxes, it’s best to step back and do due diligence to ensure you make the right decision.
C) Secure Your Investment
Investment jewelry can’t be stored on your kitchen table. It should be stored in a bank safety deposit box or at least in a secure safe. You should especially consider this if your jewelry portfolio exceeds five or six figures.
Also, if you plan on wearing the jewelry piece, ensure that it is securely connected to you and that all the stones are secure.
You don’t want to lose your investment. This directly leads to the next tip on our list: Insurance!
D) Jewelry Insurance for Investments
Most insurance companies will be more than happy to offer you a policy against theft and damage, but you will need to research to ensure that they will protect you based on all your custom requirements.
You might need to shop around a little before you find insurance to cover your jewelry portfolio.
E) Find an Expert Jeweler
It’s safe to say that your jeweler is the key to mitigating risk. When your money and passion are in the right hands, making significant change is possible. But what makes a jeweler trustworthy?
Although there are no exact rules, certain factors make the jeweler outstanding.
- Good Reviews. A trustworthy jeweler should have a good online record. Type their name and company and do some research. See what their previous customers have to say. Watch for mentions or shoutouts on high-profile websites. A genuine jeweler will have a solid reputation.
- Transparency. A reputable jeweler doesn’t try to force you to buy based on emotion or personal guarantees. Instead, he or she presents you with hard evidence regarding a ring, necklace, or loose stone. And all this is supported by documents, certificates, and market data.
- Services. A trustworthy jeweler offers a host of auxiliary services. The company usually provides yearly upkeep free of charge or with a minimal fee. The jeweler can offer secure shipping for your items and shipping insurance if need be.
But the biggest perk is that a trustworthy jeweler builds a long-standing relationship with you. The company becomes the go-to place whenever you want to invest without having to keep looking over your shoulder.
If you would like to develop a relationship with us (Estate Diamond Jewelry), please make an appointment to visit our New York Showroom. You can meet us and decide if we are the right fit for your jewelry investment needs. Alternatively, you can call us at (212) 265 3868.
Final Thoughts
When all is said and done, jewelry investing is complex because so many parameters affect the value. But it’s possible to make substantial profits if you know what you’re doing.
And don’t forget; you’re not in it alone. Your jeweler is there to offer guidance, support, and tips to boost your portfolio.
Please be advised that all investment opinions presented in this article are the result of our extensive expert research and over 40 years of experience in the field. The information provided here is intended solely for educational purposes and is based on our decades of practical knowledge. It should not be construed as official investment advice, and we recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for the accuracy or applicability of the information presented herein, and readers should exercise their judgment and discretion when considering any investment strategies.
If you want to talk about jewelry, please let us know, and we can help you get started.
You can also contact us and let us know if you would like to schedule a meeting at our New York showroom or a remote video meeting.
