Sell Gold Antique Jewellery and precious Gems

Customers on the look out for possible best prices for gold regularly make enquiries regarding antique jewellery usually, Victorian, art nouveau, art deco or even retro and of course precious gemstones such as beautiful diamonds! For whatever reason they are sometimes unsure what to do with these items especialy when they are not particularry needed. Well here are some basic tips on what to do if you have you have items worth more than perceived scrap value..........

 

           

 

1. Have a good idea of what you have

For example “Granny” may have said her old diamond ring was worth a few bob but this does not necessarily make it so. It does not ensure that it is a diamond either. So prior to you even thinking of selling, get an accurate précis of its quality and authenticity.

Popping into a local jeweller and/or perhaps a pawn broker will give you a good idea of an items value. Add an additional 20-30% on and you may have the market value to work on. 

2. Set a representative price

Having unrealistic price expectancies for your “diamond ring” is the quickest way to disillusionment with any sale. 

Generally speaking, members of the public pay more for diamonds than say jewellers for re-sale, as they’re looking to save on retail prices. eBay is a good platform, especially if you have previous knowledge or conduct some research but watch out for underhand traders who may attempt to knock your price down so they can sell on via their own businesses.

As mentioned If you have the time then research say the prices of completed eBay sales for diamond jewellery with similar characteristics to your jewellery, check out comparable new diamonds in retail stores online, the current selling scrap gold prices and factor in a discount for your pre-worn jewel. At the end of the day remember that in most cases, perhaps the only reason anyone will buy your diamond or jewellery piece is because they’re either going to make a profit from it or because it’s a good bargain, Otherwise, they would buy new unless of course it is an extremely rare item.

3. Investigate your options

Generally speaking you can sell to the jewellery industry, gold buyer or to the public via eBay for instance.  If you are lucky enough then choosing a buyer is arguably not always about obtaining the best price, but maybe if it were me how quickly you can settle a deal as this may have an impact as to whom and when you sell. The best advantage of selling direct to the jewellery industry is time.  If you want to sell quickly and safely then contact a jeweller, diamond dealer or pawnbroker.  The downside to going to a shop is that you’re unlikely to get a top price, since they intend to make a profit from your item, they have no reason to pay the retail value. 

Also it is worth considering asking high street jeweller shop or dealer to sell on your behalf. You might fetch a better price than selling to an industry insider because the diamond will be sold to the public, but the dealer will take a commission. If you choose this option, always obtain a reference or go by your gut instinct when leaving your jewellery with another person, you should trust them absolutely or as much as you can. Best price for gold can offer this service and expertise so do call us for a chat.

 4. Are you emotionally ready to sell?

Because for instance diamonds are often symbols of passion or love, they can be more difficult to part with than any other item of jewellery. Nonetheless, you have to try and leave emotions out of selling. Sentimental value may raise the price of the diamond in your eyes, but a potential buyer won’t look at it in this way.

More important, selling before you’re ready could bring long-lasting regrets. A customer of mine grew quite panicky when living in these austere times were becoming too much as cash was low and subsequently she hastily sold her grandmother’s platinum and diamond ring for next to nought really to a rather unscrupulous buyer. A couple of years later when I saw her, it was still a painful topic.  “It was crazy to sell it for so little,” she said.  “I should have willed it to my daughter.”

Whatever you decide, best of luck!

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