Rarity of gems

[West24]

You guys are just naming gems which may be valuable, but that's not the OP's question. The answerto your question is pretty much never. Unless you're going to the source or can get a really great price from a gem dealer and get it set, there is almost absolutely no way youll ever get anywhere close to what you payed back.

 

[ryoneo]

Originally Posted by West24

You guys are just naming gems which may be valuable, but that's not the OP's question. The answerto your question is pretty much never. Unless you're going to the source or can get a really great price from a gem dealer and get it set, there is almost absolutely no way youll ever get anywhere close to what you payed back.

You're right, just thought the OP would like another option for gems. But here is a very slim chance you will get the original value back.

Originally Posted by SField

I thought Diamonds are the most expensive gem?

Colombian emeralds are said to be more expensive than diamonds.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by Alter

That is one of the most thoughtful things I have ever heard of.

thanks, I try.

 

[unjung]

Originally Posted by merkur

Anyone ever try selling a "secondhand" diamond and seeing how much they get for it versus how much they paid for it? Yeah, I didn't think so.

I gave a buddy my whole "diamonds are valueless and ubiquitous" speech before he bought his ex an engagement ring. I think he spent around $1,500 and had it appraised at $3,000. Now that he's left her (she was crazy), he's been trying to sell it. The best offer he's received is $500.

If that's not a scam industry, I don't know what is.

 

[West24]

how is it a scam industry? go buy a car, drive it off the lot and try to sell it back.

 

[SField]

What about colored gems?

My dad has contacts from back when he worked in South Africa where I know I could probably get some very rare diamond, do those at least hold some of their value?

Maybe I'm asking really stupid questions here, sorry.

 

[West24]

coloured diamonds are a different story. but again, youd have to go to the source to really get a deal.

 

[dopey]

Originally Posted by SField

What about colored gems?

My dad has contacts from back when he worked in South Africa where I know I could probably get some very rare diamond, do those at least hold some of their value?

Maybe I'm asking really stupid questions here, sorry.
If you are buying this as a gift for your soon to be wife, why do you care about investment value? It will never be sold. If it has another life, it will probably be given to a son or daughter with the same purpose, so all you should really be asking is "will diamonds ever go out of style"? Odds are, no.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by SField

What about colored gems?

My dad has contacts from back when he worked in South Africa where I know I could probably get some very rare diamond, do those at least hold some of their value?

Maybe I'm asking really stupid questions here, sorry.

I don't know very much about diamonds. I do know that everybody I know (read, jews) buy the stone from a wholesaler and then get the stone set. if you have any type of contacts, you should be able to do better than just going into a store. but I might be wrong about that.

 

[West24]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

I don't know very much about diamonds. I do know that everybody I know (read, jews) buy the stone from a wholesaler and then get the stone set. if you have any type of contacts, you should be able to do better than just going into a store. but I might be wrong about that.

this is pretty much the best way. make sure its a trust worthy dealer because if a sketchy dealer picks up that you dont know ****, which they will, they ******** you over just as hard as the jewellery store. so find a good diamond dealer, go to a casting house, find a casting which you like, find a stone you like, and then go to a good setter.

 

[VKK3450]

similar discussions have been had before.

Diamonds are not a rational financial decision. They are an emotional one. Resale value should not be an evaluation critera for an engagement ring.

K

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Originally Posted by West24

how is it a scam industry? go buy a car, drive it off the lot and try to sell it back.

I agree that no jeweler is going to operate his store front for free, but they always sell this bullshit story that the gem appreciates in value, and the appraisers further this bullshit by appraising whatever it is you buy for about 2x the price paid.

I doubt very much that any diamonds in the normal relm of what people buy for engagements and such ever sell for their appraised 'value'.

 

[robin]

Appraisals are mostly just useful for insurance purposes...

 

[SField]

Originally Posted by dopey

If you are buying this as a gift for your soon to be wife, why do you care about investment value? It will never be sold. If it has another life, it will probably be given to a son or daughter with the same purpose, so all you should really be asking is "will diamonds ever go out of style"? Odds are, no.

I am simply asking whether or not there is a stone that is actually worth what I'm paying. If it's just a sentimental thing then so be it, I don't care. I'm just trying to make an informed decision.

Through family I can speak to people who know a lot about diamonds and can get exceptional stuff. I just kind of wanted to skip that step since like I said, I don't really want my mother all that involved in the wedding. I don't know much about diamonds and I don't think I care enough to become super well informed. In the end, it's just a ******* rock and I'm quite sure she wouldn't care if I got her something from a cracker jack box. Due to the nature of her work, she has gotten more free jewelry and other such **** than any woman could ever want so I doubt that she'll care that much if I don't get her like the perfect ring.

It seems like everything I'd buy besides an artifact is virtually worthless, so I'm going to look into that option and failing that, go for the harry winston "experience".

 

[LabelKing]

Very fine large cat-eyes are quite rare and somewhat pricey.

This one sold for $64,000 in 2008.