So you’ve got a piece of jewelry that you just aren’t that fond of anymore. Or it was a gift and you never really did like it. Or it’s just time for a change. Whatever the reason, selling unwanted jewelry is a great two-birds-one-stone solution, since you’re basically getting paid to minimize clutter.
Just as long as you bear in mind that there are both smart and not-so-smart ways to part with your trinkets and the latter will see you not getting the money you deserve, having to wait a ridiculously long time or, worse, having to deal with people who may be untrustworthy or even dangerous.
Research is key. You may know a few things that you learned about your piece when you first got it, but it’s important to know what it might be worth now as opposed to then. Technology has made it super easy to at least get an overview of your piece, especially in the areas of stone identification and interpreting jeweler’s or stamp marks (found on the inside or backside portions of jewelry).
What the internet can’t tell you is the quality of your stone, how “gently used” your piece may or may not be or, with the help of that information, your piece’s current market value for your area. For that, you’re going to need an appraisal from a certified gemologist (preferably more than one).
Just as you researched your jewelry online, you can find trustworthy appraisers by going to their websites and checking their credentials, which should include a certification from a reputable gemological school like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). Also, check their Better Business Bureau rating, customer testimonials and read any reviews you can find on Google.
Once you know what you’re jewelry’s worth, you’ll probably be anxious to get started, but proceeding with caution is now more important than ever. Remember, in almost any arena, the internet runs the gamut from the good to the bad to the ugly.
Selling anything successfully on eBay is possible, as long as you know what you’re doing. And you really need to know what you’re doing when it comes to jewelry, as is evidenced by eBay’s own Jewelry Selling Guide.
This 2700+ word resource does a great job outlining all the things you’ll have to learn and prepare for, but there’s so much there that you may feel it’s an option better left to people who are eBay pros, are professional dealers or have lots of jewelry to sell.
There are other reputable sites dedicated to selling used jewelry, but it’s important to note that they do take a percentage and the wait time can be lengthy.
Be sure to understand what the fees will be upfront, as well as what their process is (e.g. when and how your jewelry is delivered, when and how you get paid, etc.) Also, be sure to check BBB ratings and read reviews, especially reviews from sellers rather than buyers (they can be very different.)
The word “caution” can’t be emphasized enough if you’re considering any of these options. Sure, there’s a possibility you might find a buyer fast and you won’t have to pay a percentage, but you run the risk of dealing with scammers, thieves or other types of criminals you might regret ever having met.
Not only that, but if your piece is one of particularly high value, your chances of getting compensated for it fairly on this platform are nil, since most serious, knowledgeable jewelry buyers aren’t spending their time trolling these types of sites.
Selling your jewelry to a reputable dealer or jewelry buyer can be one of the fastest, most straightforward ways to ensure you’re getting a fair price while doing business in a safe, secure atmosphere.
They are most likely to know the fair market value of your piece, will pay fairly (their reputation depends upon it), and are generally able to make an offer at the first meeting.
As always, check credentials and reviews before you let anyone handle your jewelry and, although it’s OK to get an appraisal from the certified gemologist who will be buying your jewelry, it’s still a good idea to have more than one appraisal before you sell.
If you live in Arizona or are planning on visiting in the future and have jewelry to sell, Southwest Jewelry Buyers of Scottsdale is an award-winning, BBB Accredited jewelry, diamond and gemstone buyer. Our clients are among the happiest anywhere and all of our buyers have Graduate Diamond Degrees from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Call or email us anytime with questions or to schedule an appointment.