Despite long-time efforts of the jewelry industry to make consumers believe otherwise, with rare exceptions, jewelry should not be purchased as an investment. Both mined and lab-grown diamonds have decreased in value in recent years, and recycling your gold and platinum generally recovers only a portion of the purchase price. The better opportunity is to save money with a lab-grown diamond upfront and invest the difference in a more proven investment vehicle. You will come out much further ahead down the road. Think about your engagement ring purchase as an investment in your happiness and an heirloom to pass down, rather than a financial investment to turn around and sell for a profit.