3 Tips You Should Know for Selling Your Jewelry (2024)

3 Tips You Should Know for Selling Your Jewelry (1)

The diamond necklace from an ex, the gold watch that sits in your jewelry box, the ruby necklace that you loved—a decade ago. We all have jewelry that we no longer wear. Selling your old jewelry is an option, but it can be hard to know how and where to get started. Here are a few tips on getting the most from your rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

1. Know the worth

Start by getting your jewelry appraised by a certified jeweler. You may love your jewelry, but the emotional value you assign to your jewelry often has little to do with the current fair market price of your piece. Many factors go into determining the current value of a piece of jewelry, including fashion and style, current condition, designer (or not), and wearability or repair needs. Remember, that chain or gold watch is always worth its weight in gold, but may not be worth any more than that.

The best way to determine your item’s value is by due diligence. Start by getting certified jewelry appraisal. Let several jewelers evaluate it and ask for a purchase offer. Have an AGS trained Certified Gemologist® (CG), a Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (CGA) or an Independent Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (ICGA), recommend an accurate replacement value. Keep in mind that your used item will not bring the same price as a new comparable item.

It is important to know the new price in order to determine the selling price. You should expect low offers in comparison to the replacement value, because any jeweler who purchases it will try to resell it, and in effect becomes the middle-man who will sell it for a higher price to make a profit.

2. Be informed

Consider how quickly you want to sell your jewelry. If you want an immediate sale (i.e. cash in hand today), your options will be limited on where you can sell, and how much cash someone might be willing to pay immediately. Many jewelry stores offer a consignment option, where you leave your piece with them, and upon sale, they pay you. This is often the best way to maximize the money you receive.

If you are able to wait, researching some other possibilities could net you a better price for your jewelry, or provide other options, like re-setting gemstones from your jewelry into a new piece.

Visit an AGS jewelerwho buys jewelry (not all do; make sure to call ahead) and learn your options to sell your piece or work out another solution.

3. Be realistic

Have a range in mind of what you would accept for the piece and be willing to accept an offer in that range. Be aware you may get offers that are higher, or possibly lower, based upon all the factors previously mentioned.

If you are interested in selling your jewelry or if you want to explore the option of re-setting your gemstones into a new piece, find a jeweler near you.

3 Tips You Should Know for Selling Your Jewelry (2024)

FAQs

3 Tips You Should Know for Selling Your Jewelry? ›

Resale Value. Generally, when you sell pre-owned fine jewelry, you can expect to get around 20 to 50% of the original purchase price. There are a few exceptions to this range. For example, very rare and highly desirable pieces may fetch a higher price.

When selling jewelry, how much should I expect? ›

Resale Value. Generally, when you sell pre-owned fine jewelry, you can expect to get around 20 to 50% of the original purchase price. There are a few exceptions to this range. For example, very rare and highly desirable pieces may fetch a higher price.

How can I be a better jewelry salesperson? ›

A successful jewelry salesperson employs strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with customers. Engaging in sincere conversations with your customers, rather than asking them a list of questions focused around their price point, can be a more effective strategy.

What is the best day to sell jewelry? ›

Around Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Christmas are some of the best times to sell jewelry. People are usually more sentimental during these times. Therefore, they'll be more willing to pay a pretty penny for your valuables.

What is the easiest jewelry to sell? ›

Pieces like beaded bracelets, pendant necklaces, and simple hoop earrings can be both easy to make and highly marketable, and what's better, these designs require minimal skills but leave room for creativity in terms of color, texture, and arrangement.

Who pays best for old jewelry? ›

If your pieces are valued below $500, try your luck at a local jewelry store who may pay cash outright, consigning with a local resale boutique, or snapping some pics and uploading them to a Facebook or another online marketplace. Yard sales are great for costume and “junk” jewelry.

How can I sell my jewelry without getting ripped off? ›

Consumers can choose to part with their jewelry by taking the item to a reputable pawn shop or opting for a luxury buy-back program. Reputable pawn shops are often able to offer higher rates as they are in the business of reselling gold items.

How much can I sell my 14K gold chain for? ›

The purity of the gold (as a decimal) can then be multiplied by weight of the gold and the current market price. For example: if you sell a 14K gold necklace weighing 0.3 ounces at $1,700 per ounce, the calculation is 1700 x 0.3 x 0.583 = $297.33.

Can you sell a diamond ring you found? ›

Yes, you can sell a diamond you found as long as it was found on your own property or in a public area that allows for the collection of minerals.

What jewelry goes up in value? ›

Go for gold, platinum or precious stones

Rings, necklaces or earrings made of gold and platinum can very well have diamonds and colored gemstones (sapphire, ruby, emerald). This again significantly increases their value. Jewelry or semi-precious stones have a comparatively much lower value.

Is it better to pawn or sell jewelry? ›

If you are in a position to wait for the maximum payout, then selling may be more beneficial than pawning. On the other hand, if you need cash quickly with no long-term commitment, then pawning may be the better option.

What to know before selling jewelry? ›

Know your worth.

Separate your jewelry by karat value before selling, and be wary of dealers who weigh all jewelry together and pay you the lowest karat value. Ask the buyer what the melt value of your items is so you can make an informed decision.

What to say when selling jewelry? ›

Every piece of jewelry has a story, whether it's the history behind a vintage piece or the craftsmanship of a new design. When selling jewelry, highlight these unique qualities. Talk about where the materials come from, the inspiration for the design, or any interesting details about how the piece was made.

How do I get the most money from selling jewelry? ›

Consider Jewelry Consignment

If you want to get the most money when selling your jewelry then jewelry consignment is a fantastic option. At Diamond Exchange Houston we offer a jewelry consignment program. Customers will leave their jewelry with us to sell for them.

Is it better to sell your jewelry to a jeweler or pawn shop? ›

For pricing and appraisals, selling to jewelry stores is better than pawn shops. Pawn shops have high overhead costs and typically resell items at a lower price. Jewelry stores have in-house master jewelers who can provide accurate appraisals and higher prices for your jewelry.

Is selling jewelry on worthy worth it? ›

Pros of Selling With Worthy:

Diamonds and jewelry pieces can potentially get a high bid because of the competitive nature of the auction platform. Worthy's website is easy to navigate with lots of great education for sellers. The high-value and free insurance policy of Worthy makes sending jewelry to them safe.

Does selling jewelry count as income? ›

It depends on how long you own the asset (in this case, the jewelry). If you own it for less than a year, the gain is taxed at an ordinary income rate. If you own the jewelry for a year or longer, the profits are taxed at the capital gains rate. If you incur a loss on that sale, you owe nothing.

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