If you are above 50, is it wise to buy fine jewelry?

[Anonymous]

I understand you, OP. I bought a few very nice necklaces in my twenties and have worn them for over twenty years. I realized that I would get to more for my money if I bought all of my jewelry as soon as possible. In my thirties, I purchased a broach and my husband got me a wedding set. In my forties, I bought a bracelet. I’m not sure if I’ll buy more jewelry. I let my holes close in, so no more earrings. I have two bracelets that I like, a half dozen necklaces, and two rings. I only wear fine jewelry once or twice a year. I adore big gemstones, but I can’t justify spending that kind of money. What’s left to buy? I can only wear so much at once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's shocking that you assume people over 50 have one foot in the grave and shouldn't spend on anything "frivolous".

Once you get to that age, I'm sure you'll be ashamed of yourself.

+1

[Anonymous]

I don’t buy super expensive jewelry. My grandmother always had fakes made of her real jewelry and she admitted it was silly because no one could tell the difference. I also like pretty simple jewelry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t buy super expensive jewelry. My grandmother always had fakes made of her real jewelry and she admitted it was silly because no one could tell the difference. I also like pretty simple jewelry.

I always wonder about this when it comes to things like tennis bracelets for instance. Fake and real look the same.

[Anonymous]

As my dazzling looks fade my jewelry reminds me and strangers that I an not a bag lady.

[Anonymous]

I am finding in my early 40s I can finally afford nice jewelry but all I want are classics. A set of pearl studs, gold hoops, a nice ring, a daily necklace, a strand of pearls, a nice watch. Working up to this and then I’ll be done.

[Anonymous]

Recently a relative passed away and I was the happy recipient of a few pieces that I associate with her. Wearing them is a fond memory of her. It make me think about what pieces of my own jewelry my loved ones might like to have. Now in my 60s, and not previously in a position to buy fine jewelry, I am now thinking about aquiring a few classic pieces that I can wear and enjoy and that my children and grandchildren would treasure when I am gone many decades from now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand you, OP. I bought a few very nice necklaces in my twenties and have worn them for over twenty years. I realized that I would get to more for my money if I bought all of my jewelry as soon as possible. In my thirties, I purchased a broach and my husband got me a wedding set. In my forties, I bought a bracelet. I’m not sure if I’ll buy more jewelry. I let my holes close in, so no more earrings. I have two bracelets that I like, a half dozen necklaces, and two rings. I only wear fine jewelry once or twice a year. I adore big gemstones, but I can’t justify spending that kind of money. What’s left to buy? I can only wear so much at once.

You sound like a bore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 75-year old Indian mother has been buying 22k gold jewelry her entire life and isn’t slowing down.

Ha ha. I bet she has also been given family heirlooms built over generations by her parents and ILs. Indian weddings are typically a big transfer of wealth in the form of gold jewelry to DDs and DILs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As my dazzling looks fade my jewelry reminds me and strangers that I an not a bag lady.

So true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I buy what I want but I never consider resale for physical objects, I just figure the cost is gone. Stuff gets lost and stolen, selling things is hard. If I need an investment, I use a bank. Anything object I buy I consider the money gone.

+1
In recent years, I have been giving gold and silver bars/coins instead of gifts or money to my relatives and friends for weddings etc. Those are not as liquid as cash is and I know that they are just keeping it. I am so happy that the value of these metals are going up.

[Anonymous]

As someone who just lost a family member in her 60s, please just spend your money and have fun. I don't want to feel like people aren't living their lives. I would much rather she had spent every penny.

[Anonymous]

Indian-American here. I have a good amount of gold jewelry and silver artifacts that my parents and ILs have given me over 35 yrs of my marriage. Out of fear of being targeted by criminals, I now mostly wear fake jewelry at weddings and parties and my gold is locked up in safe deposit boxes.

In my culture, gold and silver jewelry was primarily given to the new bride from her parents, ILs, relatives, friends etc. It is really not an investment - more like acquiring an asset for insurance purposes. Gold jewelry of the woman-folk was not the first thing that got sold in a family crisis. It was the absolute last thing.

[Anonymous]

I am 60. I am still buying fine jewelry.

[Anonymous]

Please tell us what classic pieces to buy! I’m over 50 and can afford it now.