Investing in precious metals and precious stones

Author: Magdalena Kořínková

How to save money and protect it from inflation? The best solution is to invest in commodities that retain their value. Even if you are not experienced in investing, you don’t need to fear taking this step. An experienced advisor knows precisely what is happening in the investment market and where it is best to place your money. Before seeking advice from an expert, let’s take a closer look at precious metals and gemstones – commodities that hold their value forever.

 
A little “educational insight” to start with: an investment is understood as a deposit of funds into capital, i.e., something that does not bring immediate benefits but increases future utility in the long term. Capital can include properties, stocks, oil, precious metals, precious stones, or works of art, including jewellery.
 

Who wouldn’t want to become a successful Wall Street investor?

It’s well known that when the economy is thriving, the best commodities to invest in are stocks or cryptocurrencies. During economic downturns or crises, these are often replaced by more stable options such as real estate or works of art. History – whether marked by wars or Black Friday crashes – has proven that the eternal and stable commodities in any situation are precious metals, gemstones, and jewellery. A gemstone or a piece of jewellery can often have the same value as a house, but unlike a villa, it can fit in your pocket and be transported anywhere in the world. Once the situation stabilises, you can either enjoy its uniqueness and beauty or sell it for real money.

Diamonds

Diamonds, symbols of beauty, wealth, durability, and love, are an excellent choice for investment, whether as loose stones or set in jewellery.
When selecting a diamond, the so-called 4Cs are evaluated: colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These four criteria, along with other factors such as proportions, fluorescence, and whether the stone is natural or synthetic, influence the final price. For high-value gemstones, it is always advisable to have a certificate from a reputable gemological institution (GIA or HRD).
 

Diamonds for connoisseurs

If you want to invest in something truly special, our recommendation is coloured diamonds – such as orange-brown or pink. As much as 80% of pink diamonds come from the Argyle mine in Australia, and they make up only 3% of all diamonds. There won’t be many more of these gems as the Argyle mine is now depleted and closed. But we have good news – one of these rare treasures is available from us at Antiques Cinolter. Have a look!

If you’re not an expert on gemstones, it’s always wise to consult an experienced jeweller. They can guide you in making a purchase and professionally evaluate any stones you already own.
 

All the colours of the rainbow

Fancy something more “colourful”? Then tourmaline, sapphire, ruby, emerald, or even aquamarine are excellent choices.
Tourmaline can come in all the colours of the rainbow, and some are even multi-coloured. The most valuable are the red rubellites and the blue paraíba tourmalines, discovered in the 1980s. Specialities include watermelon tourmalines, which transition from pink to clear to green.
When you think of sapphire, most imagine a stunning blue gemstone. However, sapphires can come in all rainbow colours – except red. A rare variety is padparadscha, unique for its pink-orange hue, named after the lotus flower.
Among the most valuable gemstones is ruby – its price can sometimes exceed that of diamonds. This is also true for high-quality emeralds.


 

Gold

The most traditional investment commodity remains gold. Whether you choose yellow, rose, or white gold, you can’t go wrong. It can be bought as bars or coins, which are available directly from banks where you can also store them. For a more aesthetic option, there are gold watches or jewellery.

Other Precious Metals

Although gold has historically been a symbol of wealth, it is not the only precious metal worth investing in. Other examples include silver, rhodium, platinum or palladium. However, be aware that unlike gold, these metals are subject to VAT.

Antique Jewellery

If you decide to invest in jewellery, antique pieces are an excellent choice. They are guaranteed to have been crafted by hand, and it is certain that, in the case of diamonds, they are adorned only with natural stones, which is highly valued today! The value of the jewellery is enhanced not only by the materials used but also by its high antique craftsmanship. After all, very few people today can craft jewellery by hand with the same perfection as the master goldsmiths of the past, let alone the older gemstone cuts.

So, what type of jewellery is worth investing in? Primarily, pieces from the Art Nouveau (Secession) and Art Deco periods, i.e., jewellery from the 1920s and 1930s. Who wouldn't want to own an amazing piece from the era of The Great Gatsby?

If you are more attracted to other antiques rather than jewellery, excellent choices also include watches, unique antique vases, glasses, porcelain, paintings, as well as small everyday items. For example, silver salt and pepper shakers. Silver always adds a touch of elegance to your table setting!