when returns in the stock market decline aggressive investors often seek out alternatives that may hold more promise of increasing returns on invested capital roic than traditional investment types or some investors might want to consider tangible assets simply as a way to diversify their holdings even during good market conditions investing in gemstones in particular those that are rare or of exceptional quality likely would at least retain and probably increase in value 
however unlike other types of investments gemstones may not be as easily liquidated if you have an urgent need for cash this drawback is especially founded for rare precious stones and jewelry that would appeal to elite buyers only gemstone investing can seem exciting to those who want to make quick returns but it is highly speculative and should only be undertaken by experienced professionals investing in the precious metals sector however is different because there are standards as well as specific investment vehicles for them in the financial markets the term investment grade is often tossed around by those who want to sell gems or try to convince other people to invest in them however this practice is frowned upon in financial services because there are no formal standards for what constitutes investment grade gemstones as there are for investment grade bonds for example careers in gemologywith advances in gemstone synthesis gemology has become an important field of study a credential in gemology can offer numerous career paths 