Honestly,
I don't see the hype about 'real' diamonds. Again, the good fakes serve the purpose from a jewelry standpoint. And I adore jewelery....just don't buy me diamonds. For me, they're a bore.
When it comes to investing, I'd rather buy something I can talk about, and really get into when I wear it....
"Oh, yeah, this is erm, a diamond and its, erm...clear and it sparkles and its from Africa."
Versus
"This is a Harlequin Black opal from lighting ridge! And it's not a doublet either! See all the different colors, and it's in it's natural shape."
Or finding a 100 old Alexandrite ring from Russia, or a pariba tourmaline uncut from the mines.....
Same with all the other stones....more stories to tell, more colors to flash...just way, way more interesting!
Sorta like comparing vanilla custard to chocolate raspberry cheesecake with real whipped cream. Both are desserts, but on is just way more fun to eat!
Diamonds are not really an investment. But at least they are worth something. Keep a car long enough (unless fabulous care is taken of them) they eventually end up in the junk yard. Diamonds will always be worth something. When people speak of their re-sale value the same can be said of a car. I purchased a new SUV this year. The price was right in line with the book value. Now just 9 months later I owe 3000.00 more on that vehicle than the book value.