How important are karats, really? 5 questions to answer before investing in

From Cleopatra to Kim Kardashian, people throughout history have loved showing off their style through jewelry. While fine jewelry has historically had a reputation for being rare and reserved for nobility or the upper class, today, it’s possible to find quality pieces at brick-and-mortar and online stores—and at various price points. With so many choices, figuring out what makes jewelry high-quality and durable can be overwhelming and challenging, especially if you’re investing in pieces that can be passed down through generations.

For that reason, Jewel360 consulted jewelers’ guides and reports to unearth the important things to look for when buying jewelry.

People have worn jewelry for tens of thousands of years, and different ancient civilizations had their own take on jewelry styles. Ancient Egyptians used jewelry such as amulets and talismans to show off their personalities with colored gemstones. Greeks incorporated their belief in gods through jewelry and to showcase their prosperity. Romans were famed for their complex jewelry designs and they had access to semiprecious and precious stones as they conquered territories that were part of extensive trade routes like the Silk Road. Byzantines used vibrant colors and oriental symbolism in their designs, influenced by a melting pot of cultures coming from Greece, Egypt, Russia, North Africa, and Asia.

Trends evolved with the ages, and as jewelers became more adept with stonecutting techniques, people emphasized a gemstone’s quality, number of cuts, and ability to sparkle. Diamonds showcased these new techniques especially well, making the stone a favorite of artisans and their customers. The advent of machinery created more affordable jewelry, bringing it back to the masses.

Tastes have changed throughout the decades—different precious metals have fallen in and out of fashion depending on price point—but jewelry is a must for most adults today. According to a study by the jewelry association Plumb Club, those aged 25 to 60 are responsible for 7 out of 10 jewelry purchases.

As people continue falling in love with the splendor of jewelry, here are some things to consider when choosing an investment that could last many lifetimes.