In the world of fashion and style, jewellery stands as the ultimate expression of individuality, elevating any look with a touch of glamour and sophistication. Whether draped around the neck, adorning the fingers, or gracing the wrists, these pieces have a way of weaving stories and reflecting the wearer's personality. However, beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, jewellery can also serve as a great avenue for investment and with the right knowledge you can transform these much-loved treasures into items that generate a very healthy return on investment.
In today’s guide we’re providing the lowdown on the best jewellery pieces you can buy as an investment. We’ll also detail some handy tips and advice about what to look out for to ensure your jewellery purchase transforms into a welcome nest egg over time.
Please note that this isn’t investment advice, just a handy article to
Why Invest in Jewellery?
Investing in jewellery, especially quality jewellery, offers a huge range of benefits particularly in the current climate where uncertainty is being felt all around the globe. One of the key benefits lies in how easily jewellery can be liquidated and turned into cash, giving you greater financial freedom. As anyone who has ever invested in stocks, bonds or even real estate knows, there are tonnes of bureaucracy to weave through before you can even think about converting your investments into readily available finance.
Further, in times of economic and market uncertainty, jewellery stands out as a relatively stable investment, with precious metals and high-quality gemstones proving resilient over time. The benefits are also enhanced by the fact that jewellery is portable and can be discreetly stored and transported, adding a layer of practicality and security.
Finally, jewellery has sentimental value which can increase its value above market levels, especially if a piece is regarded as collectable- such as items that feature specific gemstones or unique designs.
Best Jewellery Pieces for Investment
From necklaces to rings, earrings to bracelets, jewellery encompasses a huge variety of different items and if you are thinking about making an investment it can be tricky to know just where to start. Before you start rushing into buying the first shiny piece you come across, below we’ve listed some of the best jewellery items for investment in 2024 and beyond:
Yellow Gold Jewellery Investments
Read any beginners investment book and we assure you that somewhere near the top of the list you’ll find gold recommended, and with good reason. Gold, in addition to being long regarded as a wealth status symbol, is a very reliable asset that can weather the ups and downs of the stock market. Purchasing yellow gold jewellery in particular can be a great way to protect yourself against rising inflation and, although the value of gold can fluctuate, in the long term it’s price is far more likely to increase, especially when compared to paper money.
Although investing in any piece of gold jewellery is likely to reward you over time (provided it’s real and authentic), certain jewellery items tend to be worth more, including:
Yellow Gold Rings: More Than a Symbol
Yellow gold rings, often symbols of love and commitment, carry an additional layer of value when viewed as investments. When seeking a return, pay attention to the carat weight – a key factor in determining the ring's lasting worth. Opting for higher carat gold, like the luxurious 18K or opulent 24K, not only enhances the ring's visual appeal but ensures a potential return on your investment. Classic bands that are easy to melt down are great choices or if you’re seeking an investment piece that could appeal to collectors consider intricate/vintage-inspired designs.
Yellow Gold Bracelets: Style with Substance
Yellow gold bracelets are very much in-vogue and make a great addition to your investment portfolio. The carat weight remains pivotal, influencing both the bracelet's aesthetics and its potential for appreciation. Styles like link bracelets or bangles often attract investors for their enduring appeal and ease of resale. Selecting a timeless design ensures that your investment retains its charm in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
Yellow Gold Necklaces: Beauty & Value
As well as being enduringly popular fashion items, a quality yellow gold necklace is also a savvy investment choice. Again, for the highest potential ROI try to invest in the top carat weight which will impact not only the necklace's beauty but also its value over time. Investing in a classic chain or a pendant necklace can offer versatility, catering to different tastes and ensuring a broader market appeal. Consider incorporating rare gemstones or unique designs to add an extra layer of exclusivity to your investment.
White Gold Jewellery Investments
Although yellow gold jewellery is a more traditionally associated with investments, white gold remains extremely popular around the world and is renowned as being both contemporary and stylish. An alloy of gold and other white metals like nickel or palladium, if you’re thinking of investing in white gold jewellery consider these pieces:
White Gold Rings: Modern Elegance in Investment
White gold rings encapsulate a blend of modern aesthetics and enduring value, making them a wise investment choice. The alloy's versatility allows for a variety of designs, from classic solitaires to intricate settings. When seeking an investment return, pay attention to the carat weight and the quality of the white gold alloy, ensuring a durable piece that retains its lustrous appearance over time. Styles such as vintage-inspired or minimalist white gold rings often appeal to collectors.
White Gold Necklaces: Timeless Allure for Investment
White gold necklaces, delicately adorning the neckline, possess a timeless allure that resonates with both fashion enthusiasts and investors alike. Consider investing in white gold chains or pendant necklaces with well-crafted settings. The carat weight plays a crucial role in determining the necklace's overall value too. Styles like white gold chokers or layered necklaces have gained popularity among collectors in recent years, mainly thanks to their versatility, so keep that in mind.
White Gold Bracelets: Contemporary Sophistication in Investment
White gold bracelets exemplify contemporary sophistication and present a unique opportunity for investment. The carat weight and craftsmanship become pivotal in selecting a piece that not only enhances your wrist but also appreciates in value. Styles like white gold bangles or link bracelets, adorned with intricate details, often attract collectors. Assess the overall design, paying attention to the durability of the white gold alloy.
Platinum Jewellery Investments
In the world of fine jewellery, platinum stands as a symbol of exclusivity, prized for its rarity and resilience.
As one of the rarest precious metals on the planet, its scarcity contributes to its intrinsic value, positioning it as a sound investment choice, especially over the long term. Demand for this metal is influenced by its unique properties, with its natural white hue serving as an ideal backdrop for diamonds and gemstones, allowing their brilliance to shine with unparalleled intensity. Moreover, platinum's hypoallergenic nature makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin, enhancing its desirability among collectors and jewellery lovers more widely.
If you’re contemplating investing in platinum jewellery, items such as rings are always a great option as they can be easily transported and turned into cash and can be worn as modern fashion statements in the meantime. Delicate platinum necklaces, particularly those that feature diamonds, are also great choices as they’re highly desired by collectors. Moreover, platinum bracelets are extremely durable. From sleek bangles to intricate link designs, they have the potential to appreciate significantly over time.
Diamond Jewellery for Investments
Diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend, they’re also fondly acquainted with investors, especially if you know what to look for and purchase a quality gem. If you’ve ever bought an engagement ring, you may be familiar with the famed 4Cs- cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight; these serve as the pillars for evaluating a diamond's quality and, consequently, its investment potential.
- Cut: The precision of a diamond's cut directly influences its brilliance and overall visual appeal. Well-cut diamonds showcase maximum sparkle and retain higher value over time.
- Colour: The absence of colour in diamonds, particularly those graded as colourless or near-colourless (D to J on the scale), contributes to their rarity and desirability, making them valuable investments.
- Clarity: The fewer the inclusions or blemishes, the higher the clarity grade, and subsequently, the greater the investment potential. Flawless or internally flawless diamonds are particularly prized.
- Carat Weight: While carat weight influences the size of the diamond, it's essential to strike a balance between carat weight and the other Cs to maximise investment value.
If you invest in a quality diamond you can’t go far wrong but it’s worth noting that some diamond jewellery can be more valuable than others, especially if it’s more appealing to collectors or the piece is highly fashionable.
Diamond Rings such as classic solitaires or halos are great investment choices because they’re completely timeless. Likewise, diamond earrings are both a glamorous accessory and a brilliant investment choice because they retain lasting value. Depending on your investment budget you may also like to consider a stunning diamond necklace, such as a petite diamond pendant, given how this item effortlessly complements many outfits and styles. Finally, diamond bracelets, such as diamond tennis bracelets, are extremely versatile and have great appreciation potential over time.
Coloured Gemstone Jewellery for Investment
In recent years, the rise in coloured gemstone popularity has been exponential. If you’re looking to diversify your investment portfolio and you want to consider options away from traditional jewellery pieces like gold, these dazzling gems could be for you. Amongst the most high-value and most sought-after coloured gemstones to consider include:
- Sapphires: Revered for their velvety blue hues, sapphires come in a spectrum of colours, each with its distinct appeal. Pink, yellow, and blue sapphires, especially those of exceptional clarity and intense colour saturation, are highly sought-after by investors.
- Rubies: The rich red allure of rubies makes them enduringly popular. Vibrant, pigeon-blood red rubies with excellent clarity command the highest values in the market, making them a captivating choice for investors.
- Emeralds: Exuding lush green elegance, emeralds captivate with their unique beauty. Investors often seek emeralds with intense green colour, minimal inclusions, and a vibrant, well-distributed hue to ensure a valuable addition to their collection.
When evaluating coloured gemstones for investment, consider the following factors:
- Colour Saturation: The intensity and purity of colour significantly impact a gemstone's value. Vivid, saturated hues are generally more valuable.
- Clarity: The presence of inclusions can affect a gemstone's durability and visual appeal. High-quality gemstones often have minimal inclusions or feature them in a way that enhances the stone's character.
- Cut: A well-executed cut maximises a gemstone's brilliance and showcases its colour. Precision in cutting is crucial for highlighting a gemstone's inherent beauty.
- Carat Weight: Larger gemstones are generally more valuable, but it's essential to balance size with the other quality factors to ensure a well-rounded investment.
Shop Our Handcrafted Jewellery Range Now
We hope you have found the tips and advice in this article helpful and before we finish we’ve included some common FAQs below.
However, please be aware that this is not guaranteed investment advice. We recommend conducting much more of your own research and always remember that the value of jewellery, like any other investment, can go up and down.
If you are in the market for jewellery investment pieces, and you also want to purchase an accessory with beautiful aesthetics, check out our collections now from stunning necklaces to statement rings and more. At Meaden, all our jewellery is handcrafted by skilled and passionate master jewellers who pour decades of experience into each design.
Common Jewellery Investment FAQs
Is jewellery a stable investment in times of economic uncertainty?
Yes, jewellery, particularly pieces crafted from precious metals and high-quality gemstones, has demonstrated stability and, in some cases, appreciation during economic downturns.
How do I ensure the authenticity and quality of a jewellery piece?
Seek reputable jewellers like Meaden and insist on certifications for diamonds and gemstones. Hallmarks for precious metal authenticity provide additional assurance.
Are vintage or antique jewellery pieces good investments?
Yes, vintage and antique jewellery often carry historical and aesthetic value, making them attractive to collectors and solid investment choices.
What should I consider when insuring my jewellery investments?
Obtain professional appraisals for each piece and secure an insurance policy that covers the full appraised value, accounting for potential appreciation.
How do market trends impact the value of jewellery investments?
Fashion tastes and market trends can impact the value of your jewellery investment. We recommend staying informed about market trends, including emerging styles and popular gemstones, ensuring your investment aligns with the evolving landscape.