Are Emeralds & Other Precious Stones Worthy Investments?

​We assume that precious stones and gems are a good investment, but that isn’t always the case. Like any investment, you need to really understand the market and accept the risks. If you play your cards right, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires could earn you a profit.

​How to Make the Most Out of Your Precious Stone Investment

A pair of gorgeous emerald earrings or a show-stopping ruby necklace has a high chance of rising in value if you buy right. 

Here’s how to make the most out of your gem investment.
Paying the Right Price is the Largest Determining Factor
Precious stones can be expensive, especially if they are high quality or rare. This can make it difficult for some people to afford them as an investment. Not only that, but precious stones can be hard to evaluate, and it's challenging to determine their value without professional help. 

But if you have that expertise under your belt, you can find quality gemstones for a decent price. There’s even a possibility a private investor will sell you a precious gem by mistake. Knowledge is power in the investment world, so get to know the Four C’s and other gem-specific topics.

​Understand That Gemstones are a Risky Investment

​Gemstones are a relatively liquid asset, meaning they can be easily bought and sold on the market, making them a convenient investment option. They may even hold cultural and historical significance, which can make them more valuable to collectors and investors.

With that said, the value of precious stones can be volatile and fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including market trends and economic conditions. If you plan on using precious stones to fund your retirement, you need to be comfortable with taking on a lot of potential risks.

​Develop and Train Your Negotiation Skills and Charisma

While precious stones are generally thought of as liquid assets, they may not be as easy to sell as other investments, such as stocks or real estate. This can make it harder to get a good price for your precious stones if you need to sell them quickly. That is unless you’re a negotiator.

You absolutely need sales skills to invest in gems because you need to build relationships with local jewelers. It’s the only way to reliably purchase gems at retail price. You’ll also need to find your own buyers and convince them to pay more than what you paid, which can be difficult.

Consider Your Markup Before Purchasing Any Gems

Precious stones are often considered worthwhile investments because they’re rare and hard to find, are incredibly durable, and can be used in a variety of settings. Even so, your investment isn’t worth a cent unless the buyer thinks it’s valuable and you can make a decent profit.

While it goes against common sense, markups always decline for expensive and popular gems. It’s easy for collectors to stomach a 25% markup on an Alexandrite, but you won’t get over 10% for a diamond. Try to opt for gems that are rarer and allow you to justify a 10% to 25% markup.

​Add Other Services On Top of a Regular Gem Sale

​The whole reason why novices should tread lightly in the jewelry investment world is that they’re competing with actual jewelers. If a stone cracks, falls off, or goes dull, the customer can go back to the jeweler and get a refund. On a private sale, the customer is risking a lot more.

If possible, you should back any jewelry sale with a guarantee via a contract. Partner with a local jeweler who can recut or style gems based on your customer’s preferences. If you're selling rough gems, tell your customers you can place them in a finished piece, like a necklace.