If you have old or unworn jewelry you’re looking to sell, it can be hard to know where to start. Where do you go to sell your jewelry? What is it worth? How do you know you’re getting a fair price?
Here are five things to consider when selling your jewelry.
1. Work With A Reputable Jewelry Appraiser
The first thing to consider is finding a reputable jewelry appraiser to help you through the process. Taking your jewelry to a professional gemologist who has been certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) can help put your mind at ease and assure that you are getting an accurate appraisal. Becoming GIA certified takes years of study and hands-on training in areas such as identifying and valuing gems. A good appraiser follows market trends and can help you understand the potential resale value of your jewelry. Working with someone who has that level of training and experience means you can have confidence that you are getting the true value for your jewelry.
As an alternative, if your jewelry isn’t worth paying an appraiser’s fee, you can analyze it yourself by comparing the prices of similar pieces on eBay and other resale websites. You can also check local stores and online jewelers. Keep in mind its age and rate of wear before settling on a price.
2. Dos and Don’ts For Selling Your Jewelry
Do keep your expectations in check. Rarely will your jewelry resell for its original value. Also, keep in mind your jewelry likely has sentimental value to you, which creates more value to you than it would to someone purchasing it from you. This may skew your perception of its worth.
Do clean your jewelry before taking photos or taking it in for appraisal. The condition will play a factor in how much your jewelry is worth. Making sure it is clean before bringing it in will help in determining its value.
Don’t use the wrong cleaning material on your jewelry. Using the wrong cleaning products can damage or destroy your jewelry. Never clean gems or gold with chlorine. While ammonia-based cleaning products are used throughout the jewelry industry, it can damage some types if gems. To be safe, you can use a mild soap with warm water and a soft toothbrush for most jewelry.
Don’t act on an impulse. Carefully have each piece evaluated before selling. If your jewelry holds sentimental value, be sure the price outweighs that emotional attachment before getting rid of your jewelry.
3. Where To Sell Your Jewelry
When it comes to the act of selling, there are several routes you could take. You could list the item for sale online, sell it to a friend or family member, take it to a consignment shop, or work with a jewelry store. Consider the pros and cons of each option before settling on how you want to sell. While selling online can provide a wide audience, there is the danger of meeting up with a stranger or falling victim to a scam. Selling to a friend or family may result in you receiving less than the piece is worth. However, it may be important to you that you keep it in the family. This leads us to our next point to consider — shop around.
4. Shop Around When Selling Your Jewelry
When you purchase a car, you typically don’t decide without driving a few models and testing them out. When you buy a home, you usually don’t do so without taking a tour first. When it comes to selling jewelry, you don’t have to take the first price offered to you. Don’t be afraid to shop around and seek multiple opinions before selling your jewelry.
5. Be Cautious Of Scams When Selling Jewelry
Shopping around and getting multiple offers will help prevent you from falling victim to a scam because it will help you get a fair price. If you decide to sell your jewelry online, there are more possibilities of being scammed. Never have a prospective online buyer meet you at your home. Arrange to meet in a public space during the day. It’s also a good idea to bring another person with you or alert someone of the date and time you are meeting and when you expect to be home. If you are going to negotiate with a potential buyer, it is recommended to get the jewelry appraised and to do the negotiations before meeting in person.
If you’re looking to sell your unwanted or unworn jewelry, you can trust Biris Jewelers. The family-owned business has been serving the Canton community since the 1940s and is your destination when looking to sell high-end jewelry. John and Judy have the training and expertise to evaluate your jewelry and watches against current market price trends to help you get the best price. With decades of experience in appraising jewelry, working with Biris Jewelers will also take the stress out of the selling process because you can be assured you are working with a trustworthy and reputable business. For more information, call 330-494-8182.