Hard Assets: The Returns on Rare Diamonds and Gems

L.D.R. Renneboog, C. Spaenjers

Research output: Working paperDiscussion paperOther research output

Abstract

This paper examines the investment performance of diamonds and other gems (sapphires, rubies, and emeralds) over the period 1999-2010, using a novel data set of auction transactions. Between 1999 and 2010, the annualized real USD returns for white and colored diamonds equaled 6.4% and 2.9%, respectively. Since 2003, the returns were 10.0%, 5.5%, and 6.8% for white diamonds, colored diamonds, and other gems, respectively. Both white and colored diamonds outperformed the stock market over our time frame. Nevertheless, gem returns are positively correlated with stock market returns, suggesting the existence of stock market wealth effects.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationTilburg
PublisherTILEC
Volume2011-028
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Publication series

NameTILEC Discussion Paper
Volume2011-028

Keywords

  • Auctions
  • Diamonds
  • Gems
  • Hedonic regressions
  • Alternative investments

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hard Assets: The Returns on Rare Diamonds and Gems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this