Given inflation, would you be able to…

[nala]

Replace your jewelry collection for the same amount as you paid? Or how much more in terms of percentage would it take you to replace your collection? I say this bc many people say jewelry is not an investment.

 

[TooPatient]

I couldn't replace it for what I paid because I ended up with some great prices. The necklace I wore at our wedding was part of the annual sale and appraised at double what I paid even at that time. Various others include a custom ring that the original customer changed his mind on (after paying non-refundable chunk upfront), a pre-loved pearl strand, and a custom ring that someone returned to upgrade to larger. I'm sure inflation has only made it even more to replace.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

im sure i would no much better the 2nd time with the money i forked over down the mall
but my inherited vintage pieces are irreplaceable in my eyes

 

[Ally T]

I definitely couldn't replace my Great Aunts pearl & OEC antique cluster ring, bought second hand by my Great Uncle for £6. 10 shillings in 1940

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

No chance, especially the pieces I inherited

 

[dk168]

No, as the two diamond big guns in my collection are gifted to me by my mum, and beyond my reach - I don't have any spare pennies to be able to afford a 1.94ct MRB or a suite 8 carré cut diamonds totalling 2.8ct+!

DK

 

[Missy]

@nala I don't know. I never even thought about it.

The earrings I bought last December I insured for less than I paid because the insurance is expensive. Grace said at that time when she learned what I was insuring them for that I wouldn't be able to replace them even for the price I paid so definitely not for less.

My thinking is however if I lose them or get robbed I wouldn't replace them as is anyway and I decided insurance that covered a good percentage was good enough.

I do have Bubbalah insured for the full purchase price but I have no clue what it would cost to replace her today. Again if something should happen to her I would not try to replace her but I might get something entirely different. I only have two things insured anyway. My OEC ER and my OEC studs.

To me jewelry is just a thing and not a critical piece of my life. So while I enjoy my bling if g-d forbid something should happen to it I wouldn't be devastated. As long as we are OK and safe and well. The bling is just a material thing.

That is why most of my things are not insured (too expensive) and why I am not unduly attached to any of my pieces. I love them and I enjoy them but I keep it in perspective.

Even my Cartier Black Opal which is a piece of art IMO. I would be sad if something should happen to it but it wouldn't destroy me or even affect me for too long. It is an opal and they are delicate so I wouldn't be completely shocked if something happened to it. I would be sad but not devastated.



Adding a photo for visual interest.


Material things can make life more pleasant and enjoyable that is true.
But material things can be replaced but my loving relationships and the well being of my loved ones is what is precious.
Give me peace, happy times and good friendships and loving relationships. That is to me everything.
Anything else is gravy so to speak.

Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
Democritus

Best things in life aren't things.
Mike Ness

 

[Ally T]

@nala I don't know. I never even thought about it.

The earrings I bought last December I insured for less than I paid because the insurance is expensive. Grace said at that time when she learned what I was insuring them for that I wouldn't be able to replace them even for the price I paid so definitely not for less.

My thinking is however if I lose them or get robbed I wouldn't replace them as is anyway and I decided insurance that covered a good percentage was good enough.

I do have Bubbalah insured for the full purchase price but I have no clue what it would cost to replace her today. Again if something should happen to her I would not try to replace her but I might get something entirely different. I only have two things insured anyway. My OEC ER and my OEC studs.

To me jewelry is just a thing and not a critical piece of my life. So while I enjoy my bling if g-d forbid something should happen to it I wouldn't be devastated. As long as we are OK and safe and well. The bling is just a material thing.

That is why most of my things are not insured (too expensive) and why I am not unduly attached to any of my pieces. I love them and I enjoy them but I keep it in perspective.

Even my Cartier Black Opal which is a piece of art IMO. I would be sad if something should happen to it but it wouldn't destroy me or even affect me for too long. It is an opal and they are delicate so I wouldn't be completely shocked if something happened to it. I would be sad but not devastated.



Adding a photo for visual interest.


Material things can make life more pleasant and enjoyable that is true.
But material things can be replaced but my loving relationships and the well being of my loved ones is what is precious.
Give me peace, happy times and good friendships and loving relationships. That is to me everything.
Anything else is gravy so to speak.

Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
Democritus

Best things in life aren't things.
Mike Ness

Love you very balanced viewpoint. I need to be more Missy, as I get so attached to things that I feel the world may end if I lose it.

And I die everytime I see that opal.....

 

[diamondyes]

@nala I don't know. I never even thought about it.

The earrings I bought last December I insured for less than I paid because the insurance is expensive. Grace said at that time when she learned what I was insuring them for that I wouldn't be able to replace them even for the price I paid so definitely not for less.

My thinking is however if I lose them or get robbed I wouldn't replace them as is anyway and I decided insurance that covered a good percentage was good enough.

I do have Bubbalah insured for the full purchase price but I have no clue what it would cost to replace her today. Again if something should happen to her I would not try to replace her but I might get something entirely different. I only have two things insured anyway. My OEC ER and my OEC studs.

To me jewelry is just a thing and not a critical piece of my life. So while I enjoy my bling if g-d forbid something should happen to it I wouldn't be devastated. As long as we are OK and safe and well. The bling is just a material thing.

That is why most of my things are not insured (too expensive) and why I am not unduly attached to any of my pieces. I love them and I enjoy them but I keep it in perspective.

Even my Cartier Black Opal which is a piece of art IMO. I would be sad if something should happen to it but it wouldn't destroy me or even affect me for too long. It is an opal and they are delicate so I wouldn't be completely shocked if something happened to it. I would be sad but not devastated.



Adding a photo for visual interest.


Material things can make life more pleasant and enjoyable that is true.
But material things can be replaced but my loving relationships and the well being of my loved ones is what is precious.
Give me peace, happy times and good friendships and loving relationships. That is to me everything.
Anything else is gravy so to speak.

Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
Democritus

Best things in life aren't things.
Mike Ness

Missy thank you for sharing your wonderful perspective. And bling pics!

 

[Missy]

Missy thank you for sharing your wonderful perspective. And bling pics!

Thank you!

 

[redwood66]

I know I couldn't but after thinking about it, I probably wouldn't if I could. I've had some shifts in my perspective over the past year and it's caused some angst plus more than a few realization moments. I agree with you @missy.

 

[Grymera]

Interesting question. I think in some instances, regardless of inflation, some of my pieces were once-in-a-lifetime buys, like my Erika Winters halo I got for 10% of the purchase price. But for everything else, I could definitely start over with how much I paid, because I'd be much more focused on what I want and less scattered. If you add up all the pieces I've acquired that I'm more "meh" on, it would outweigh any inflation. And of course, now I'm trying to be relentlessly focused on building the collection that's perfect for me.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I have gotten some good deals on a lot of my jewelry, so unless I got really lucky, replacing everything wouldn’t be possible.

Also depending on the circumstances I might not want to anyways. When all my jewelry was stolen in a burglary 20 or so years ago, I took the cash out option from the insurance company. I also don’t consider jewelry an investment, but something nice to have and enjoy that can maybe be passed down someday. It isn’t bought for that specific reason though or with any expectation of appreciation.

 

[Jambalaya]

Gosh, no way could I replace it for what I paid. I bought most of it a few years ago now, and have always taken advantage of sales and deep discounts, and bought preloved. No way could I replace it new with like value.

 

[Jambalaya]

I agree with @missy that jewelry is just a thing. It may be a thing that I really love, but at the end of the day, things are just things. (That's deep, man, deep! Ha!)

I surprised myself in a fire alarm by dashing out of the house without stopping for a single piece of jewelry, even my mother's engagement ring, which was within easy reach. Fire can spread so fast I didn't want to lose a millisecond. (It turned out not to be a real fire, thankfully.)

 

[Missy]

I agree with @missy that jewelry is just a thing. It may be a thing that I really love, but at the end of the day, things are just things. (That's deep, man, deep! Ha!)

I surprised myself in a fire alarm by dashing out of the house without stopping for a single piece of jewelry, even my mother's engagement ring, which was within easy reach. Fire can spread so fast I didn't want to lose a millisecond. (It turned out not to be a real fire, thankfully.)

Jambalaya you just gave me an idea for a thread. Hope you don't mind.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi.

As others have already said, it would be difficult to replace my jewelry for what I paid. A general example is in the gold content and cost of settings. I purchased most of the jewels in 2004. Settings almost doubled in price within these 17 yrs.. Diamonds increased as did some colored stones like emeralds, rubies, spinels etc, So I doubt anyone could buy them for the same prices.
I too would choose differently today vs yesteryear, but I just Saturday passed on my jewels to my niece. She received them yesterday and is going through them now. She will divide them for her sister and my grand niece. I am anxious to hear her comments.

I already sent her my paintings, which were my real pride and joy. She loved them. It makes me happy that now she loves them too. She will share them with her sister. They are irreplaceable.
I worry that my jewels would get lost in the mail. But, she told me not to worry as the very small post office in her small town knows who I am, and they will look out for my packages, and then call her. The PO in Redwood Valley knows her Aunt Annette. Ain't life surprising sometimes.

Annette

 

[donnabrsd]

No, I could not replace my jewelry collection (or actually prior, recently sold collection) for the same amount I paid. My experience for items purchased 10-20 years ago (nothing high-end) is that it would cost 3-10X the original purchase price to replace.

Example #1 - Paid X amount for gold bracelet in 2001, sold earlier this year for net profit of 3X purchase price. Recently purchased similar weight gold bracelet for 10X what I paid 20 years ago.

Example #2 - Paid X for original wedding ring setting in 1997, sold earlier this year for 1/3 of purchase price. Similar settings at the same jewelry store are currently 3X what I originally paid.

I don't think of jewelry purchases as investments and I don't think of resale value. I almost think of them as "consumables" that have a timeframe to enjoy. I was very happy to re-home many items (gifts and sales) and fortunately I recouped enough to purchase 1 lovely new ring.

 

[Bron357]

I could not replace my jewellery for what I paid given that I am a magpie that searches out bargains. I don’t buy to resell, though occasionally I do move pieces on that I have superseded with bigger or better or when my tastes change. I have a heap of rings to move on because they are both too small for my fingers and I have better. Likewise all my 16 inch necklaces, too short now for my neck!
For eg I have a 9ct gold Victorian Albert chain (paid $2) with an antique 9ct locket (paid $55). My wee Alexandrite I paid $50 for (with a 14ct bracelet).
Then there’s the gem haul I paid about $200 for all up.
My most precious pieces have little to modest $$ value in any regard. My tiny peridot earrings set in silver from my late grandma and the gold heart pendant and chain that belonged to my great grandma are very precious.
The first piece of jewellery I bought (I think I was 10) is a gold horseshoe shape signet ring set with a tiny tiny ruby. That was $13 and I paid it off over 6 months on lay by. I was doing so many extra chores ha ha.
I would be devastated if I lost my most precious pieces as they represent people and experiences that can’t be replaced.

 

[lala646]

Well, my entire collection has been acquired in the last 3 years, so inflation wouldn't have had a massive impact for me just yet. However, I have limited funds to work with, so I'm a super-duper bargain shopper. I try to spend my money wisely, and get as much bang for my buck as I possibly can. There's no way I'd be able to replicate any of my larger purchases.

 

[MamaBee]

I wouldn’t be able to replace my pieces for what I paid. I could buy them again but I wouldn’t. I only have insurance on Winter, my 3.01 studs, 1.90 studs, and tennis bracelet. I would have taken off the smaller studs and the tennis bracelet..but I’m too lazy to do it. It would be a huge loss if I got it all stolen..but I wouldn’t replace most of what I have now..I have to get my stuff out tomorrow to put my favorite jewelry on the thread of ten or more most loved pieces. I have to start bringing my unworn pieces to the hospital consignment shop. I also may put up a ring for sale with Grace..I have a need to pare things down. I’ve lost so much money resetting settings over and over again. Sorry to veer off topic..haha

 

[Arcadian]

Heck no. even before "inflation" I'd have a hard time. some of the stones I now have are exceptionally expensive now.

 

[lambskin]

@nala I don't know. I never even thought about it.

The earrings I bought last December I insured for less than I paid because the insurance is expensive. Grace said at that time when she learned what I was insuring them for that I wouldn't be able to replace them even for the price I paid so definitely not for less.

My thinking is however if I lose them or get robbed I wouldn't replace them as is anyway and I decided insurance that covered a good percentage was good enough.

I do have Bubbalah insured for the full purchase price but I have no clue what it would cost to replace her today. Again if something should happen to her I would not try to replace her but I might get something entirely different. I only have two things insured anyway. My OEC ER and my OEC studs.

To me jewelry is just a thing and not a critical piece of my life. So while I enjoy my bling if g-d forbid something should happen to it I wouldn't be devastated. As long as we are OK and safe and well. The bling is just a material thing.

That is why most of my things are not insured (too expensive) and why I am not unduly attached to any of my pieces. I love them and I enjoy them but I keep it in perspective.

Even my Cartier Black Opal which is a piece of art IMO. I would be sad if something should happen to it but it wouldn't destroy me or even affect me for too long. It is an opal and they are delicate so I wouldn't be completely shocked if something happened to it. I would be sad but not devastated.



Adding a photo for visual interest.


Material things can make life more pleasant and enjoyable that is true.
But material things can be replaced but my loving relationships and the well being of my loved ones is what is precious.
Give me peace, happy times and good friendships and loving relationships. That is to me everything.
Anything else is gravy so to speak.

Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
Democritus

Best things in life aren't things.
Mike Ness

Missy, I would be devastated if something happened to my favorite opal piece on this forum!

 

[jordyonbass]

@nala
Even my Cartier Black Opal which is a piece of art IMO. I would be sad if something should happen to it but it wouldn't destroy me or even affect me for too long. It is an opal and they are delicate so I wouldn't be completely shocked if something happened to it. I would be sad but not devastated.



Adding a photo for visual interest.

You're insane (in the best possible way), I think I would be more heartbroken if that got broken then you would be and I've only seen the pics and vids.

This is too much for my anxiety, just send it here so I can care for it and make sure it stays shiny forever

 

[LilAlex]

Replace your jewelry collection for the same amount as you paid?

No -- they are all unique/one-offs. Not super-rare but not replaceable in the conventional sense. Most of the (retail) appreciation has not been inflation-related. There was a huge run-up in pricing after the Financial Crisis and then again (oddly) during COVID. We bought a couple things "at the bottom" in 2010 or 2011 and they were decent "values." Inflation has been maybe 2% annually until this year when it's ~ 5%.

Insurance appraisals are a bit of a racket. Going through some relatives' things, I saw that for a few decades in the '60s, '70s, and '80s, they got new appraisals every five years or so -- from the original seller of the jewelry. There must have been a lot of pressure to keep raising those numbers because they became quite ridiculous -- probably on par with current valuations for estate/vintage jewelry. And this was decades ago.

 

[LilAlex]

I surprised myself in a fire alarm by dashing out of the house without stopping for a single piece of jewelry

Same! Our neighborhood almost went up and spouse grabbed the photo albums (remember those?)

 

[Missy]

Missy, I would be devastated if something happened to my favorite opal piece on this forum!

You're insane (in the best possible way), I think I would be more heartbroken if that got broken then you would be and I've only seen the pics and vids.

This is too much for my anxiety, just send it here so I can care for it and make sure it stays shiny forever

@lambskin and @jordyonbass aww thanks!

and @jordyonbass and right back at ya. You are a sweetheart and the best of us are insane (good insane haha) in some ways right? So, I am going to share my thoughts but I hope that it doesn't come off as sanctimonious or pious or anything awful like that. Cause I only want to share my hard earned "wisdom" if I may. I am sharing from the heart and hope it doesn't sound preachy in any way.

Ten years ago I would have felt like you. It's just that so many (more important) things have transpired since then that I can put bling into a new perspective if you will. I hear you and yes I was you lol. But honestly when life hands you challenge after challenge you realize what is truly important in life. And bling, even the most gorgeous piece, maybe even a masterpiece, isn't up there in terms of importance.

Anyway enough seriousness. Here is another photo just as a reward for reading my boring comments.

Wow, I tried sharing the photo and she broke my computer lol. I got her photo up and my computer crashed. That's the power of my black opal
OK let's try this again.


This time she's at the beach house.
Sorry about the reflections.



What is amazing to me is how much of a chameleon she is...her personality changes almost dramatically depending on her environment. I did no color editing only cropping. And a different environment, different state and city

just Saturday passed on my jewels to my niece. She received them yesterday and is going through them now. She will divide them for her sister and my grand niece. I am anxious to hear her comments.

I already sent her my paintings, which were my real pride and joy. She loved them. It makes me happy that now she loves them too. She will share them with her sister. They are irreplaceable.

Annette, what a wonderful thing to do. Now your nieces will enjoy and love your pieces just as you have and always keep you in their hearts.

 

[lambskin]

Same! Our neighborhood almost went up and spouse grabbed the photo albums (remember those?)

Yep photo albums! always said that as victims of flood, fire and other damage said phots are irreplaceable.

 

[GreenPapaya]

Mine are totally replaceable lol I don't have anything of real value. Money or sentimental. In fact I think the aca diamonds current prices are cheaper than the hearts on fire engagement ring my husband bought in 2001.
As to investment, I probably won't get anything worthwhile for any of my jewelry. Maybe a fraction of what I paid, if that.
So yes I can probably replace my collection for what I paid or close, especially if lab diamond prices gets lower. Especially since i only started buying things when i joined this forum.

 

[nala]

I never answered this question myself. After browsing at all my pieces and shopping around for estate pieces just for fun —I came to the realization that I can’t even touch many of my pieces for the prices that I paid and that makes me feel somewhat savvy about my collection. The downside is that it is getting so hard it find a good deal these days!!! But I guess that is what makes the hunt even more thrilling!