Hey Lykkers, have you ever heard someone say, “Diamonds are worthless”? Let’s break this down together. Many people feel this way because when they try to sell their diamond rings, they’re shocked to find that they get far less than what they paid.

But that doesn’t mean diamonds have no value—it just means we need to understand where that value really comes from.

Diamonds Still Have Market Value

We should first realize that the value of diamonds is driven by the market. As long as there’s demand, diamonds will continue to hold value. In many countries, especially in the West, diamonds are even considered a form of tradable wealth—similar to gold. High-quality diamonds are collected by the wealthy, not just worn.

In regions like China, most people buy diamonds for wearing, which explains why there’s a wide price range—from tiny stones to large, luxurious ones. With living standards rising, many of us are now able to buy larger diamonds, keeping the demand strong.

Diamond Prices Are Stabilized Through Monopoly

Unlike many other gems, diamonds are one of the few stones that can actually be monopolized. A stable market exists because of high demand and a controlled supply, which helps support steady price increases over time. But here’s the catch: in places where the second-hand diamond market is underdeveloped, like in China, resale prices often disappoint.

In fact, small diamonds are sometimes not bought back at all. That’s mainly because what we’re buying isn’t just a diamond—we’re also paying for the brand name.

Brand Premiums Don’t Stay with Resale

Let’s be honest. When we buy from big-name jewelry brands, we’re also buying into their status and presentation. But when it comes time to sell, those brand premiums vanish. Buyers only care about the diamond’s actual qualities: its cut, color, clarity, and carat—commonly known as the 4Cs.

For example, a one-carat diamond ring might sell for over $30,000 at a well-known store, $15,000 at a local jeweler, and just $7,000 if it’s custom-made. But when we sell it? Its resale value might be only $4,000–$5,000. That shows just how much of what we paid was really brand value.

Should We Even Think About Resale?

Here’s a fresh perspective: if we’re buying a diamond ring from a luxury brand, maybe we shouldn’t even think about reselling it. Instead, we can treat it as something timeless—something to pass down. If we’re only thinking of value retention, gold might actually be a better option. But the truth is, wearing a diamond feels very different from wearing gold.

Jewelry brings us both beauty and a sense of wealth. A one-carat diamond we buy today might be a precious gift for our child’s future wedding, especially as quality stones become even rarer over time.

Diamonds Can Be Long-Term Wealth

Jewelry is a form of long-term wealth. Because of its durability, a diamond can be passed down for generations. But when we shop for diamonds, we need to be clear about our purpose. If we’re thinking of diamonds as a long-term asset, then high-quality natural stones do hold scarcity value. For diamonds under 0.3 carats, though, it might make more sense to buy gold, since resale value for such small stones is often close to zero.

Also, unlike houses, diamonds don't gain value with market trends. While second-hand houses are common purchases, people rarely buy second-hand diamond jewelry for daily use.

So, Are Diamonds Worth It?

In the end, we need to be rational when buying diamonds. The idea that “diamonds aren’t worth anything” mostly comes from brand premiums and heavy advertising that pushed diamonds as a must-have for marriage. If the second-hand market were more developed and more people were open to buying pre-owned diamonds, then their value would be easier to see. But the truth is, every day, people are still buying diamond jewelry for weddings. That constant demand is what keeps diamonds valuable.

Let’s Rethink Diamonds Together, Lykkers

So Lykkers, what’s your take now? Maybe diamonds aren’t as simple as being “worthless” or “valuable.” Their true value lies in how we connect with them—through moments, memories, and meaning. If we understand what we’re paying for and what matters most to us, diamonds can still be a smart and sentimental choice. Let’s keep exploring, questioning, and making thoughtful decisions that bring beauty and value into our lives.