Is Birthstone Jewelry a Good Investment?
Birthstone jewelry is a popular concept as you can buy gorgeous pieces carrying a special meaning. Each month is represented by a unique gemstone and they all signify different traits that people born in the month are believed to boast. It’s one of the most traditional forms of jewelry around, though many people wonder if investing in birthstone jewelry is a wise choice.
Understanding Birthstone Jewelry
Before we talk about the value of birthstone jewelry, it’s useful to define what it is and why it’s so significant.
Simply put, a birthstone is a specific gemstone that’s linked to a person’s birthday. It normally correlates with the individual’s birth month or their zodiac sign. You can trace the history of birthstones way back to biblical times, though modern birthstones were first categorized in 1912 by the American Gem Society.
Over the years, birthstones have become culturally important as these gems are believed to provide good luck to all wearers. Moreover, people love wearing them as they see the stones as a representation of their personality.
Factors Influencing Investment Value
Buying investment jewelry can be beneficial, and birthstones may carry a lot of value. However, the true value of each birthstone will come down to the following factors:
Quality of Gemstones
The color, clarity, cut, and carat weight of a gemstone will always influence its value. Generally speaking, the more pure and striking the color, the more valuable your birthstone will be. For example, amethyst is the February birthstone, and the more valuable amethyst stones have a deep and vibrant purple, compared to cheaper ones that are slightly lighter.
Clarity is more focused on a birthstone’s imperfections; the fewer it has, the more valuable it will be. Well-cut gemstones will also be more attractive and valuable - and it usually means the color is brighter too.
Carat weight is slightly harder to pinpoint as bigger and heavier birthstones aren’t always the most valuable. What you’re ideally looking for is a birthstone with an excellent color, hardly any imperfections, and a good cut. If you have two gemstones that exhibit these traits - but one is bigger than the other - that’s when carat weight makes it more valuable.
Rarity and Demand
Alongside the 4 C’s, birthstone jewelry is valued based on rarity and market demand. When certain stones are trendy, the demand goes up. This makes the birthstone more valuable than when there’s no demand at all.
As you can imagine, the rarer a birthstone is, the more valuable it will be. It’s harder to acquire a rare precious gemstone, so each one will be extremely expensive. As years go by and the supply of rare gemstones decreases, this can mean your investment goes up in value.
Of all the birthstones, Tanzanite (December) is the rarest. Pearl (June) can also be extremely rare if you purchase Natural Pearl jewelry.
Longevity and Durability
The longer a birthstone lasts, the more valuable your birthstone jewelry can be over time. If you’re born in April, July, or September, then you’re the proud owner of the three most durable birthstones: Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire.
If a gemstone isn’t durable, it won’t last. Therefore, the potential long-term value is going to decrease. That’s why it’s extra important to care for birthstone jewelry so it lasts as long as possible. Here are some simple maintenance tips to consider:
- Clean your birthstone jewelry regularly using a soft cloth and warm water
- Don’t apply any chemicals to the gemstones as it can ruin their purity
- Keep your birthstone jewelry in soft pouches to protect it from the elements
- Avoid wearing your jewelry in conditions that could damage it - such as when you’re in the gym
- Get your gemstones inspected by professionals
For a more detailed guide, check out this post: How To Clean Jewelry At Home.
Market Trends and Resale Value
Like any investment, the value of birthstone jewelry is ultimately determined by market trends. Current trends have seen a growing interest in brightly colored gemstones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire. This means these birthstones are going to be more valuable now than they once were.
Keep in mind that investing in birthstones that aren’t trending now could be beneficial in the future. If you bought an emerald ring years ago, you could sell it for far more money now that it’s trending.
Emotional and Sentimental Value
The financial value of investment jewelry is always something you’re interested in. Nevertheless, the sentimental value can outweigh this. Birthstone jewelry is popular partially because people buy it and keep it in the family for generations. Your purchases today can become family heirlooms that get passed down to your children and your children’s children.
You can’t put a price on something as personally and emotionally significant as this. It’s what makes birthstone jewelry an excellent investment, even if you don’t go on to sell it.
Have an Experienced Gemologist Help You Find The Perfect Birthstone Jewelry
Is birthstone jewelry a good investment? As discussed above, it can increase in financial value over the years as market trends and demands influence gem prices. Keep your birthstones in excellent condition and they’re sure to return a decent profit. Similarly, you have the sentimental value of birthstones that can’t be quantified, and will meal they’re always a great purchase.
If you’re eager to get exquisite birthstone jewelry for yourself or someone you love, talk to the G Marie Luxuries team today. Book an appointment with one of our fine jewelry specialists to get started! We offer both in-store and virtual appointments to serve you regardless of your location.
We’ll happily help you find exactly what you’re looking for.