I decided to "downsize" my jewelry box and since I had bunch of items that got either broken or never worn, I decided to sell it for scrap(most were silver, with couple of small gold items). I took it to reputable long in business jeweler in my area.

Since silver prices are at all time low, I was not expecting large amount of money for it(it came to just over $100). Jeweler told me that if all that stuff was gold, I would get over a $1000.

While there, lady next to me wanted to see if her old engagement ring was worth money-she had simple gold band, with .25 carat diamond that appeared to be good quality. You know how much she was offered? $75. I was blown away.

She was shocked as well and asked him why is it worth so little since original price was over $1700. He told her that diamonds are never worth what you pay for it(I knew that already). He also advised us if you want to get your money worth and use jewelry as investment, buy either gold or platinum. Even if you pay thousands of dollars for diamond, you will not get even a quarter of that price.

I have a friend who is geologist by trade and he pretty much confirmed it. He said that only items are worth money would be gold, platinum and rare stones.(and silver)

Knowing that, I don't think I would ever be buying diamond anything again-unless of course, I had the money and knew that it was not going to be worth that much in the end.