Editor’s Note
This article explores how seemingly forgotten or overlooked gemstones can hold significant, often surprising, value, using the rediscovery of a historic diamond as a starting point. It serves as a reminder that personal collections may contain hidden treasures.
In autumn 2025, news that the legendary Habsburg diamond ‘The Florentine’ (137 carats), missing for over a century, had been discovered astonished the world. This rediscovery of a long-lost gem symbolizes the enduring value of precious stones across time.
This event is not just a distant tale. It is not uncommon for gems forgotten in the back of drawers to later be appraised as high-value assets. In fact, at the specialized purchase shop Omoio (operated by Tieel Inc., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo), inquiries regarding gems and jewelry have been increasing towards the year-end.
Inherited or gifted jewelry, old-fashioned engagement rings, and other gems stored away and unused for a long time can harbor ‘hidden high value’ that their owners are unaware of. Two typical examples are:
Example 1: Old-fashioned prong-set diamond rings
It’s not uncommon to receive consultations like, “I found an old prong-set engagement ring I received long ago in the back of my drawer.” While prong-set rings are often thought to be “unsellable in today’s market,” what is appraised is not the design but the inherent quality of the diamond itself. With the recent surge in precious metal prices, cases resulting in appraisal values exceeding expectations are increasing.
Example 2: Gemstone jewelry inherited from mothers or grandmothers
Many consultations also involve statements like, “I inherited this from my mother, but the design is old and I don’t wear it.” Jewelry with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, etc., is often thought to be low in value due to old designs, but what is evaluated is the “quality of the stone” and its “origin,” not its appearance. Older jewelry often uses:
– High-quality natural stones that are difficult to obtain today.
– Rare rough stones with better transparency or color than those available now.
This can sometimes lead to unexpectedly high appraisals.
In recent years, the appraisal values of gems stored in chests have shown an overall upward trend. This is influenced by the following three major social changes:
① Soaring Gold and Platinum Prices
The prices of precious metals like gold and platinum have multiplied over the past few decades. Even for old jewelry, the metal component alone can now lead to high appraisals.
② Appreciation of ‘Domestic Gem Value’ Due to Yen Depreciation
The cost of importing new gems has risen, making the value of second-hand (reuse) gems already in Japan relatively higher.
③ Increased Scarcity of High-Quality Natural Stones
Globally, the output of high-quality natural diamonds and colored stones has decreased, and market circulation is limited. Consequently, the value of “high-quality gems” that circulated in the past is being reassessed.
These overlapping factors mean that gems stored at home are increasingly being appraised higher than before.
Omoio employs specialist appraisers with the GIA-GG (Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist) qualification, who comprehensively evaluate the “inherent value” of each gem. Appraisals are conducted using multifaceted criteria, including precious metals like gold and platinum, as well as color, clarity, carat, cut, treatment status, design, and brand value.
The shop has handled over 30,000 purchase transactions and has received high ratings on Google reviews, with over 400 reviews and an average of ★4.8 (as of November 2024). Many first-time users and those bringing inherited jewelry have provided positive feedback.
Appraisals are also possible for diamonds and gems without certificates, as well as broken jewelry. While many purchase shops often determine prices based “solely on weight,” Omoio properly evaluates the quality and rarity of diamonds and gems, carefully assessing value that cannot be determined by weight alone.
A wide range of items are handled, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, other gemstones, as well as gold/platinum products and brand jewelry. All appraisal-related fees and cancellation charges are free, so you can use the service with peace of mind just to verify value.
Now is the perfect time to reassess the value of jewelry sleeping in your home.
– In-store purchase (Ginza / Shinsaibashi)
– Mail-in purchase (nationwide service)
– LINE appraisal