Unique Fine Jewelry | Local Eclectic (2024)

FAQs

What is considered expensive jewelry? ›

The allure of expensive jewelry comes from its capacity to embody both beauty and value. Diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies often take center stage in these lavish creations, securing their status through carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.

Most possessions will reliably decrease in value over time – but fine jewelry is different. Like fine wine, jewelry tends to age well. Although the value of precious metals fluctuates over time—and even from one day to the next—gold jewelry often increases in value.

The term “fine jewelry” is used for any jewelry that is made from precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum. Fine jewelry typically uses genuine gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or emerald. Fine jewelry is durable and made to last.

Fine jewelry is usually designed with timelessness and classic style in mind rather than fashion trends, so again, unlike costume pieces, it's likely to provide a lifetime of beautiful wearing. It's always been the way: fine jewelry is a status symbol, and, as such, this is a part of its value.

High-quality materials, such as gold, platinum, and precious gemstones, not only retain their value but may also appreciate over time, making for a solid long-term investment.

1. The Hope Diamond - $200-250 million. One of the most widely recognized jewels in the world, the Hope Diamond is a 45.42-carat fancy dark grayish-blue, antique cushion cut diamond worth approximately $200-250 million. Since its initial discovery in Golconda, India in 1666, the diamond has changed hands numerous times ...

Gold and platinum are very stable in value, even diamonds or luxurious colored gemstones hardly lose value. Simply put, the more expensive the precious metal, the higher the value of a piece of jewelry.

You can own a 14-karat piece of gold jewelry for $200-$500, for example. So yes, gold jewelry can be a sound investment. As for other precious metals, items made from platinum can also hold significant value, while sterling silver is considered mid-range jewelry.

Engagement Rings Are a Depreciating Asset

Like a car, a diamond is a depreciating asset since it loses a large portion of its value the second you buy it. Think about gold and silver. The market for them is very liquid and fungible since you can store coins, sell them at any time or even trade them later on.

“I like for jewelry to tell a story and to be able to talk about what I'm wearing. That's more important to me than a name, brand, or label.” “Jewelry is a very personal thing... it should tell a story about the person who's wearing it.” “Jewelry is like the perfect spice -- it complements what's already there.”

What are three words to describe jewelry? ›

Bling is a slang term for fancy, expensive jewelry and accessories. You might aim to impress on the first day of school by wearing a lot of bling.

Even though fine jewelry is often manufactured in large quantities, it may also feature some hand finishing. However, high jewelry is on an entirely different scale. It's the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship, where exceptional design meets rare gemstones to produce truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

Tiffany & Co. is likely the most famous and well-known expensive jewelry brand. Founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany, the brand's many storefronts are recognizable by their blue branding.

Since it is made using durable material, fine jewelry can easily last a lifetime and can be repaired by a trained goldsmith or jeweler. The use of precious metals also allows the wearer to get the piece resized if needed.

High jewelry typically displays several defining features, including the use of precious metals, emphasis on precious gemstones, commitment to the finest quality and craftsmanship, and the creation of unique and bespoke pieces.

All fine jewelry should have a hallmark unless it is over 100 years old or the hallmark has worn off. 18K, 14K, 10K, 750, 585, and 375 are all common gold hallmarks. 950, PLATINUM, and PLAT are common platinum hallmarks. 925, Silver, 800, and Sterling are common silver hallmarks.

Average cost: Data from 117 different jewelers shows the average retail price for jewelry is $804. Markup: 2020 & 2021 data from two of the largest jewelry businesses in the world (Signet Jewelers and Tiffany & Co) shows that the average markup on jewelry is 116%.