A closer look
Despite what generations of targeted advertising have told you, diamonds are an absolutely terrible financial investment. Unlike gold or real estate, a diamond engagement ring has virtually no secondary market value. Because retail jewelers mark up the stones by 100% to 200%, the moment you walk out of the store, the ring instantly depreciates to its wholesale price. Trying to resell it later will net you pennies on the dollar, making it the only 'investment' worse than driving a new car off the lot.
