How to buy Diamonds for Investment (2024)

1. Invest in a natural diamond

Natural diamonds are limited in quantity on our planet, with each one formed under unique circ*mstances over billions of years. Consequently, the scarcity of natural diamonds as precious gems contributes to their intrinsic value. These rare, billion-year-old gems have demonstrated a trend of increasing in value over time, as their scarcity continues to grow, solidifying their status as a wise investment choice that appreciates in worth over time.When it comes to investment, natural diamonds have a proven ability to appreciate in value over time.

In contrast, lab grown diamonds, being mass-produced, are generally considered less valuable and therefore lower priced. Due to their mass production and lack of scarcity, they also do not possess the same ability to retain or appreciate in value over time.

2. Buy a piece you like

Ask yourself, are you buying primarily for investment or personal pleasure? If the answer is investment, it’s important to note that this will be more long term. You will need to wait 5-10 years to capitalise on reselling. Natural diamonds are not the kind of investment that earns you an income. For this reason, it’s wise to choose an item that you like. Then your income becomes the joy you get from wearing the piece.

3. Choose a carat, colour and clarity that’s in demand

When you’re buying with an ultimate goal to resell, you need to choose a natural diamond that there is a demand for. Surprisingly, this doesn’t always mean you have to find something unusual or even a stone that has a particularly high colour and clarity. Larger size diamonds are in demand as well as being in short supply. For this reason they make an ideal investment piece. Stones over 2 carats with either good colour or good clarity make a good choice. (Buying a stone with both good colour and clarity can take the price point beyond that of the normal investor.) Choosing the type of diamond that is in high demand makes it easier to resell later.

4. Do your market research

Take the time to shop around to ensure you’re getting value for money. Know your price points in relation to the colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. This way you can be sure that you are buying at a price that will maximise your investment later. Buying at auction is a good idea because it means you avoid the margin included in retail prices.

5. Certification / authenticity

First State Auctions Director Ari Taibel has been in the jewellery industry for over twenty years. He says, “If I were to advise people on buying a natural diamond for investment, probably one of the most important things would have to be a well-regarded laboratory report. You need a report from a laboratory that’s recognised within the market that you are intending to sell. This makes sure that the quality of the diamond is recognised when it comes time to resell.” If you’re thinking of selling in Australia, GIA and GSL are both reputable grading institutions known for their strict grading standards. If you are thinking of selling overseas, GIA is your best bet, being internationally recognised. A certificate gives your potential buyer confidence that they are getting what they are paying for.

6. Consider your outlets for reselling

If you’re buying to make money, you need to measure up the various different ways you can sell your pieces. Having a network of private clients, either in person or online, in Australia or overseas, is a good option. For example, some investors take their goods to China in order to resell them. In China there is a price differential and a high demand, making this a strong market.

7. Calculate the costs involved in buying and selling

If you don’t have your own network within which to sell, you may need to commission someone to do this on your behalf. Identifying these and other costs before you purchase will help you gauge the practicality of your investment.

8. Avoid treated and lab grown diamonds

If a diamond is colour-treated, fracture-filled, or laser-drilled, its value is greatly reduced and difficult to resell. Not only are they lower in value, they are less appealing to potential buyers. For this reason, First State Auctions only sells natural diamonds and gemstones. This takes us back to the need to get appropriate certification. A certificate from GIA, GSL or the like will pick these treatments up BEFORE you commit your cash. In short, purchasing a piece for personal pleasure that has genuine demand within the market is the safest way to buy for investment. Plus, it has the added benefit of bringing you a little sparkle to your life!