What’s It Worth? Are Diamonds A Good Investment?

That depends. While marketing people say diamonds are a good investment, the truth is that unless you keep your diamond or diamond jewelry for many years, or there is something special about your item, that is not the case.

That being said, there are three exceptions to this rule.

1. Diamonds over three carats that are not imperfect, and possess high color and clarity have skyrocketed in value. For instance, 35 years ago, a five-carat round, flawless, clear diamond would have brought a little less than $100,000. Today, a well-cut diamond of that color and clarity could easily bring over $500,000.
2. Additionally, diamond jewelry – particularly diamond jewelry with a history (there’s that word “provenance” again) – often increases in value. The dazzling piece pictured was the property of the award-winning actress, Terry Moore, who was married to Howard Hughes. It was sold in 1999 at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale. This type of thing has a much better chance of increasing in value.
3. Fancy color diamonds (other than the browns) have increased in value over the years and continue to climb. We have handled fancy blue diamonds for up to $1 million, as well as fancy pinks ranging from a ¾ carat at $10,000 to a three-carat piece that brought our customer $200,000.

In 1999, the auction estimate for the necklace featured here was $15,000-$20,000, with a reserve of only $12,000! Today, it would be worth significantly more. This fabulous necklace has been entrusted to us to sell for our client (for whom it was bought as a gift in 1999 at this very Christie’s sale), and is available for viewing at our International Plaza location by appointment only. Has the price gone up? Absolutely. The retail value would be in the $85,000-$90,000 range and the fair-market value would be under $60,000. Why did it retain its value? Two words – provenance and quality.

It takes an expert to understand the true value of diamonds and diamond jewelry. Call 727.898.4377 if you have questions about your own item of diamond jewelry. We are always buying.

Comments, questions or suggestions for this column, please send to jeffreyphess@aol.com.