Southwest Jewelry Buyers FAQ Page
Can you give me an exact price before seeing an item?
Unfortunately we cannot. This is because there are too many variables that affect values. Also, we must physically inspect each item to formulate our offer.
What is a diamond certificate?
A certificate is a diamond grading report issued by an independent laboratory. It shows in detail the diamond’s weight, dimensions, color, clarity and cut. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and AGS (American Gem Society), who have the strictest standards in the diamond industry, are the authorities on diamond grading. When someone is in need of a diamond certificate, they are the ones to turn to.
Is a certificate the same thing as an appraisal?
No. A diamond appraisal is the opinion of an individual appraiser as to the quality of a diamond and his opinion on the retail replacement value of the item. An appraisal is useful only as a tool for the insurance industry when someone needs an item replaced due to damage, loss, or theft.
Jewelry appraisals are typically far above the actual retail cost of a diamond or jewelry item. A certificate is a document issued by an independent laboratory that evaluates the diamond or jewelry item for its specific qualities. A certificate does not show a dollar value, bur rather is the assessment of the lab as to the exact quality of the diamond. This is important when getting the best appraisal on your jewelry.
Can I feel confident that I will be receiving the best price for my jewelry?
With our strong financial backing, along with an extensive network of national diamond and jewelry dealers, we consistently pay the highest possible prices.
Why not send my jewelry to one of those internet sites?
Unfortunately, the internet is littered with “get rich quick” companies that pay next to nothing for your jewelry. From what we’ve seen, we have paid over 15 times (1,500%) more than certain internet sites. In our opinion, it’s simply too dangerous to “send your gold in a bag” and hope for the best.
Is a certificate the same thing as an appraisal?
No. A diamond appraisal is the opinion of an individual appraiser as to the quality of a diamond and his/her opinion as to the monetary cost of replacing the stone. It is usually a high retail replacement value. A jewelry appraisal is useful only as a tool for the insurance industry when a customer needs something replaced due to loss or theft.
Appraisals of jewelry are typically far above the actual retail cost of a diamond. In contrast, a certificate is issued by an independent laboratory that has had one or more staff members evaluate the stone for its specific quality. A certificate contains no price estimates; it is simply the assessment of the lab as to the exact quality of the diamond you are selling.
What about broken jewelry or items missing stones?
Selling these jewelry items is not a problem. Many items sustain damage during years of wear. Southwest Jewelry Buyers consistently pays top prices for broken and damaged jewelry.
Is all solid gold jewelry melted down?
If a piece of gold jewelry is rare or very desirable,or is a designer item, then it will be valued as jewelry. If a piece of gold jewelry is not rare or not a name designer item, then it will be valued at the melt down value of the gold or platinum. With the high prices of gold, even your broken jewelry will be valuable.
Do you provide written appraisals?
We do not provide written appraisals, only verbal offers. It’s important to note that offers are different from appraisals. Where an appraisal is a high retail replacement value, an offer is a cash price for the item today.
What about selling to a pawnshop?
Selling to Southwest Jewelry Buyers will give you the highest prices and the best overall experience. We buy jewelry at 300% or more on average than your local pawn shop would give you, and up to 10x more than internet dealers.
While we have buyers nationwide, a local pawnshop is limited to small number of local customers. For this reason, they have to resell many items to a company such as ours. So by coming straight to us, you eliminate the middleman and don’t have to have an unpleasant experience. This is why we have so many repeat customers. Listen to what they have to say here.
