Ask J. Shea

Is Jewelry a Good Investment?

*There is no finer investment than gems or fine jewelry - if you are investing in the joy of good living. Nothing you can buy will give you more return on your investment by giving you what it is intended to give - joy and pleasure. If you feel a need for pleasure and some fun, which we all do from time to time, you can pay for dinner and a movie. You can treat yourself to new clothing or shoes. You can even buy a new car. Wonderful. But... ten years from now, what do you have? If you buy fine jewelry to give yourself a lift, in fifty years it is still sparkling and getting you compliments just like the day you bought it! With minimal maintenance it will be giving the same pleasure to your grandchildren's grandchildren. No other item available for purchase will do that. In fact when you factor in the time over which this "investment" repays you, it is the cheapest investment, in pleasure and the joy of good living, in the world! However, if you want a financial investment, virtually any financial instrument will give you a better return. Fine gems and jewelry always appreciate in value, but turning that value into cash is usually difficult. My best advise is buy them to enjoy, not to sell.

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