In his 1912 testimony before US Congress, American financier J.P. Morgan explained his true feelings on the value of gold, noting: “Gold is money. Everything else is credit.” While Morgan may have said it over a century ago, gold is as coveted today as it was then.

There are few constants in life, but one of them is: gold is valuable. With inflation and the rising cost of living, money can be unstable and confusing, seemingly based on nothing and yet deciding everything. Gold stands in opposition to this, never losing its value. In fact, the price of gold continues to rise. It is during times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty in particular that gold’s value goes up, as people are looking to invest in real assets as opposed to currency. As of July 2024, gold is forecasted to rise to 2500/oz by Q4 of this 2024, and up to 2600/oz in 2025 (predictions via J.P. Morgan economic forecasts).

And if you’re interested in buying gold but aren’t looking to purchase bullion, investing in gold jewelry is a smart step; it’s really an investment in yourself and your future.

Why is gold a good investment?

There are two main reasons why buying gold jewelry for yourself is a good investment. First, the basics: it’s a valuable metal that will stay consistently valuable, regardless of the direction of the economy, and has everlasting resale value. 

Second, buying gold jewelry is a way to empower yourself through your spending. You are purchasing something that will last and has a secure value, and that’s a way of saying: I’m investing in myself and my independence. Whether or not the piece of gold jewelry you buy is “your style” forever, you know it won’t be useless, even when packed away. It’s something that can act as a kind of security blanket; a small, shimmering peace of mind. 

As Investing Expert Writer David Rodeck noted in his Forbes article on gold investment, “When the price of gold goes up, so will the resale value of your jewelry. Plus, you also have an item that you or your family members can wear.”

When should I buy gold jewelry?

If you’re wondering when to buy gold jewelry, the answer is: any time! It’s an especially good time if you’d like to start considering your financial future and independence. Maybe you have a major life milestone coming up, or maybe not; either way, the continued rising value of gold means that there’s literally no wrong time to buy gold jewelry. 

Any moment is a good one to buy yourself jewelry, and the buying of jewelry itself can be seen as a special occasion. 

The great American thinker and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson noted that, “The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit.” Despite those words having been written some two centuries ago, they hold true today. While Emerson wasn’t referring to women specifically, securing jewelry has long been a way for women to ensure some modicum of financial independence. This is most obvious with the engagement ring post-WWII, which was seen as a means of security in case a man broke off his engagement to a woman, as she customarily would keep the ring.

As women’s ability to create wealth for themselves has grown, so too has their ability to buy their own gold jewelry, strengthening the knowledge that owning gold is a strong investment. 

Good as gold

While we may not live by the gold standard in our current economy, you can apply the gold standard to your own life. Investing in gold is a smart move, ensuring that your money stays where you can see it: in your jewelry box. 

Remember: all that glitters is goals. Buying gold jewelry is a personal investment that can be a celebration unto itself: the start of a lifetime journey towards financial growth and security, as well as self-love. Even if you’re not currently concerned with the financial aspect of buying gold, adorning yourself in something valuable and precious every day is an investment in yourself.