If you’ve either inherited or picked up jewelry as part of an estate sale, there is a chance you may be interested in selling some or all of it. Estate jewelry can be incredibly valuable, and if you know how to sell it properly, you can make a lot of money doing so. Understanding how to prepare your jewelry for sale increases the likelihood that you’ll receive what your estate jewelry is worth.
Clean Your Jewelry
One of the key ways to set yourself up for success when selling your estate jewelry is to make sure to clean and polish it thoroughly. This helps buyers see the beauty of the piece as well as how it has been maintained over the years. A jeweler can clean it for you, but it’s also easy enough to do yourself.
Include Original Packaging
You may not have ever had the original packaging that came with your estate jewelry, but if you do, you should include it as part of the deal. Including the box increases the value of the piece, however, it’s not entirely necessary either. That said, some antique boxes are collectibles in and of themselves.
Make Necessary Repairs
While it may not always be cost-effective to invest money in jewelry just to turn around and sell it, sometimes minor repairs may significantly increase the value of your estate jewelry. Speak with a jeweler to find out how much it will cost to repair flaws to determine how much of an investment in the piece is worth your while.
Consider Melt Value
Understanding the melt value of your jewelry is an excellent way to develop a baseline expectation of what your piece may be worth. If a piece lacks any hallmarks but is made of solid gold, you can get a general sense of what the raw material is worth, which gives you a place to start when it comes to price. Sometimes jewelry may hold more sentimental value than it holds melt value, so you’ll have to seriously consider whether or not it’s worth selling.
Attain a Gem Grading Report
A gem grading report will give you all of the information about gemstones in your estate jewelry, including clarity, type, cut, color, as well as other important features. The grade of the stones will play a significant role in determining the price of your piece. Including a gem grading report with high-quality gems will allow you to ask for a higher price.
Take Photos
If you plan to sell your estate jewelry online from home, you want to put your best foot forward. This means taking high-quality photos to showcase the beauty of each piece. You’ll want to choose photos that convey all of the piece’s intricate details, hallmarks, and gemstones so that prospective buyers understand exactly what it is they’re buying. It’s also important to document the quality of the piece in the event that you are shipping them out to be appraised by a professional.
Research Reputable Buyers
There is quite a broad range of jewelry dealers and buyers, and it’s important that you do your research to find a reputable buyer for your estate jewelry. Online reviews are a very helpful way to weed out untrustworthy buyers, and it’s worth taking the extra time to ensure that you find someone you can trust.
Seek Multiple Appraisals
To make sure that you get the highest price for your estate jewelry, it’s important to seek multiple appraisals. You may feel pressured to take advantage of the offer that comes your way, but that can often lead to regret down the line when you realize you could have found a buyer willing to pay a higher price. The best way to approach selling jewelry is by taking your time.
