The Viral Story About Diamond Investment
People had been reaching out to me, asking for my take on the viral story about investing in diamonds.
In this story, a daughter recounts how her mother—a housewife—spent over 30 years meticulously building a “portfolio” of diamonds. She took great pride in it, believing that since “diamonds are forever,” they would appreciate in value. Her plan was simple and heartfelt: to invest in diamonds and jewelry for a rainy day.
Sadly, that rainy day came in the form of a medical emergency. Hoping to ease the financial burden, mother and daughter decided it was time to cash in on her diamond collection. Over the decades, she had spent around Php 2 million on those pieces, and had assumed these would have at least doubled in value at Php 4-5 million. But when they brought the collection to a pawnshop, they were stunned: the entire lot was valued at just Php 35,000.
The Heartbreaking Reality Behind Diamond Investments
It was devastating. Imagine the heartbreak—decades of careful saving and sacrifice, only to be met with such a crushing reality. The emotional weight of that moment must have been indescribable.
The post didn’t include photos of the actual diamonds, so I can’t comment on their quality or authenticity. We also don’t know the details of the purchases—how they were acquired or whether they came with certifications, as well as name of the pawnshop.
Possible Reasons Why the Diamond Value Dropped
As some commenters noted, the pieces may have been low-quality, uncertified, or even counterfeit. They were reportedly sold by door-to-door vendors (since that was the practice at that time), and the mother may not have been aware of the true value—or lack thereof—of what she was buying. There’s also the possibility that the diamonds were lab-grown, which can appear nearly identical to natural diamonds but typically have much lower resale value. Even with personal research and good intentions, it’s still possible to misjudge the value of a piece.
Diamonds vs. Gold: What Makes a Better Investment?
I always tell my clients, friends, and family: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying diamonds if you love the sparkle, the design, or the sentimental value. Wear them, cherish them, pass them on as heirlooms.
But when it comes to investing—gold is the safer bet. In most pawnshops, jewelry is appraised primarily for its gold content. Even if your piece has diamonds, its value will often still depend on the weight and purity of the gold. Some diamond pieces may maintain their high value if they’re from a luxury brand.
Final Thoughts: Gold as a Reliable Store of Value
Diamonds are beautiful for adornment and emotional significance. Gold, however, remains the more reliable store of value. If you’re buying gold as an investment, always buy from reputable sources or consult with certified appraisers. That extra layer of assurance helps protect both your purchase and your peace of mind.
