Jewelry.
Bling. Symbols of Love & Affection. Most women love jewelry
and thousands of books have already been written on the subject.
My intention here is not to write another jewelry book. Nor am
I a jewelry expert. Rather, I am an Auctioneer, Appraiser, and
Home Downsizing Specialist and my goal here is to help you obtain
a better understanding of how to best sell your jewelry without
being taken advantage of.
So,
when you are ready to sell jewelry, here are some important points
to consider:
First,
you need to understand that there are various types of jewelry
including:
- Precious
Metal Gold, Silver & Platinum Jewelry: This is usually
the better jewelry, and its higher value will be based upon
the workmanship, precious metal value, gemstone value, and level
of desirability.
- Estate
Jewelry: This is generally more desirable jewelry having
some age, perhaps early-mid 20th century and prior. Its value
will be based upon the workmanship, precious metal value, gemstone
value, and level of desirability. However, not all Estate
Jewelry will have precious metal or gemstone value.
- Costume
Jewelry: Costume jewelry is generally inexpensive
jewelry made to look expensive.
The
value of your jewelry will be based upon several important factors:
- The
Type of Precious Metal: Is it gold, silver, or platinum?
- Its
"Fineness": Is it 18k, 14k, 10k, Sterling, or
some other "Fineness"?
- Its
"Weight": Usually the heavier the precious metal
weight, the better.
- Today's
Precious Metal "Spot Price": The "Precious
Metal Spot Price" will fluctuate as often as the Stock
Market.
- The
Dealer's "Spot Price Payment Factor": Dealer "Payment
Factors" will widely vary and these are extremely important
to the price you will receive for your jewelry.
- The
Value of "Gemstones" in the Jewelry: "Gemstones"
can vary from fine diamonds to valueless "paste".
Value will vary based upon type, size, fineness, condition,
etc., and should sometimes be analyzed by a "Certified
Gemologist".
The
Jewelry's "Fineness" is usually, but not always,
impressed into the item. A 10x jeweler's loop or magnifying glass
will often be helpful in locating the marking. However, if a piece
of jewelry appears to be unmarked, this doesn't necessarily mean
it is not real. Unmarked jewelry can be tested to determine whether
it is precious metal or not, and the degree of fineness in that
precious metal. (We can help you to test your unmarked jewelry).
You
should also understand that not all jewelry is marked 18k,
14k, 10k, or Sterling. Jewelry from different
countries can have varying degrees of fineness and different markings,
especially older jewelry. (We can help you to identify international
jewelry).
Jewelry
often contains "Gemstones". Some such as diamonds,
emeralds, rubies, etc. can be extremely valuable. Other gemstones
such as cubic zirconias, synthetic moissanite, faux and paste
stones will have nominal value. Diamonds often need to be seen
by a Certified Gemologist who can access the Color, Clarity,
Cut, and Carat.
When
selling your jewelry you need to understand that most dealers
and buyers will usually offer widely differing amounts
for
the same merchandise. Most dealers will tell you that "They"
pay more than anyone else when in fact they do not. Dealer "Percent
of Spot Price Payment Factors" can vary widely, and most
will never reveal their "Payment Factor" if you
don't ask.
Here
Is a Real Life Horror Story. A woman passed away and her children
came to town to deal with her belongings and prepare the Real
Estate for sale. They decided to hold a garage sale, and made
the major mistake of selling mom's $10,000 diamond ring
for
$10
because they thought it was costume jewelry. Moral:
You should never sell your jewelry until you know what it's worth.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
In
summary, calculating the value of jewelry can be quite confusing
and a simple mistake could cost you thousands of dollars. The
key to selling jewelry for the most money possible is to understand
its value
before you sell it. If you feel that you could
use our help when selling your jewelry, give us a call.
|