It could be worth much more than you think.

With the current global economic outlook looking bleak, you may be looking for alternative ways to preserve your capital. Jewellery is often a good way for you to retain the value of your capital and in many cases, increase it.

Five years ago in 2004, the price of gold hovered around the £7 per gram mark - in early 2009, the price had risen to over £21 (see www.goldprice.org for the latest data). Similarly, the price of silver has more than doubled between 2004 and 2009 (see www.silverprice.org for the latest data).

Aside from gold and silver, the stones within your jewellery also hold their value, and can often become very valuable, depending on the nature of reserves. For example, current estimates suggest that Tanzanite reserves will have been extinguished in the next ten years, making this most desirable of stones a real investment. Similarly, the rarity of Paraiba Tourmaline means that unless more deposits are found, prices are likely to remain very high.

‘It is important to remember that your jewellery has a monetary as well as an emotional value,’ says Gaynor Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager at Catherine Best.

‘In these times of financial uncertainty, it is good to know that quality jewellery retains its value and often increases in value over time.’