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Rarity of gems

SField

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People here have said a number of times that diamonds really aren't worth that much nor are they rare.

If I'm going to spend the debt of a small carribean island on a stone (which isn't true but it's fun to say), is there actually a type of stone that, like gold, is a reliable investment vehicle? If not, I'll go to harry winston like the rest and fork over money for something stupid, but I thought that if I'm going to spend the money, can I at least get something in return investment wise? I have thought of buying antique but I'm also trying to explore other interesting avenues. Due to the nature of my GF's work she has enough diamonds and all that **** to last her a while and I don't think she'd be upset if I got her something else.
 

dfagdfsh

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do you care about things like conflict diamonds?
 

globetrotter

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Originally Posted by SField
People here have said a number of times that diamonds really aren't worth that much nor are they rare.

If I'm going to spend the debt of a small carribean island on a stone (which isn't true but it's fun to say), is there actually a type of stone that, like gold, is a reliable investment vehicle? If not, I'll go to harry winston like the rest and fork over money for something stupid, but I thought that if I'm going to spend the money, can I at least get something in return investment wise? I have thought of buying antique but I'm also trying to explore other interesting avenues. Due to the nature of my GF's work she has enough diamonds and all that **** to last her a while and I don't think she'd be upset if I got her something else.


I know a lot of smart people who bought a nice rock (usually from a friend of a friend in the diamond business) and then had it set. they didn't buy a ready set stone from a jewler.

I bought a 2,000 year old engraved roman gem and had it made into a ring. my wife is an archeologist/art historian, and her thesis was on roman jewlery, so it was a good fit for her.
 

Bhowie

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The marriage threads by you are cracking me up.
biggrin.gif
 

robin

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Originally Posted by SField
is there actually a type of stone that, like gold, is a reliable investment vehicle?
I work in the industry, and no.
 

SField

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Originally Posted by Bhowie
The marriage threads by you are cracking me up.
biggrin.gif


haha **** you I still jerk off in bed when she's asleep.

Nothing changed in this game, I'm just about to go to the next level. The sun never sets on SField's cock/brain.
 

antirabbit

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Try to get a 1+ carat Demantoid.
I bought a 6 carat Tanzanite there 10 years ago. It is worth a whole lot more than the $180 I bought it there for.
There are loads of gems worth more per carat than a diamond. Plus not all diamonds are the same. Red diamonds are super super rare and worth a **** ton.
Pinks from the Argyle mine are pretty pricy too. I bought one for my wife, a tiny one and it was crazy expensive.

Alexandrites from Russia with great color change are also super pricy.
 

robin

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Originally Posted by globetrotter
I bought a 2,000 year old engraved roman gem and had it made into a ring. my wife is an archeologist/art historian, and her thesis was on roman jewlery, so it was a good fit for her.
I like this idea.

Nice, untreated jewelry quality gemstones are relatively rare.
 

SField

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Originally Posted by globetrotter
I know a lot of smart people who bought a nice rock (usually from a friend of a friend in the diamond business) and then had it set. they didn't buy a ready set stone from a jewler.

I bought a 2,000 year old engraved roman gem and had it made into a ring. my wife is an archeologist/art historian, and her thesis was on roman jewlery, so it was a good fit for her.


What kind of gem is it? The only places I know right now are a friends at Christie's and Sotheby's, but unfortunately that kind of involves my mother being in the loop and god help me if she'll be involved in this marriage beyond being a guest at the wedding.

My GF has her bac in art history, and I know this is something she'd really like.
 

globetrotter

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http://www.archaeologicalplanningcon..._intaglio.html

this type of thing - my wife's has eros on it, which was the specific subject of her thesis. the gem itself is green jasper, and probrably has very little worth as a rock.

I found it by talking to an archologist friend and finding this guy who dealt in gems, it was a lot less than it would have been on madison ave. on madison ave are a dozen or so stores that carry them, too.

last year at the chicago antique fair there were a few people who sold roman gems.

if you are interested seriously, I can probrably find you the names of a few reputable dealers.
 

ryoneo

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How about emeralds? They are more valuable and expensive than diamonds.
 

SField

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Originally Posted by ryoneo
How about emeralds? They are more valuable and expensive than diamonds.

I thought Diamonds are the most expensive gem?
 

Alter

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Originally Posted by globetrotter

I bought a 2,000 year old engraved roman gem and had it made into a ring. my wife is an archeologist/art historian, and her thesis was on roman jewlery, so it was a good fit for her.


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

Hany

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Although I still prefer diamonds, blue sapphires are wonderful.
 

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