This blog post is intended for you if you’re on the go and you just want some quick information about selling jewelry. So, here goes. In general, when you sell jewelry, you can expect to get a disappointing percentage of the original retail value. Disappointing. Yes. I know you aren’t used to hearing that from someone who buys jewelry but I would rather disappoint you with the truth than comfort you with a lie. You are typically looking at an amount that ranges between 20% and 50%. However, the amount you receive depends on several factors, including:
Condition: Jewelry in good condition, or that's an antique or current style, may sell for more. This is because the jewelry will sell as jewelry and not just as the raw materials (gems and metal) that go into jewelry. The better the condition, the closer you’ll get to a typical wholesale price.
Brand: Top brands like Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Cartier may sell for a premium. This is because the brands themselves make it highly likely the buyers will resell the items as is and not melt the metal down for parts.
Rarity: Very rare and desirable pieces may sell for more. It’s possible to get more than the disappointing percentage in very, very rare cases because of very, very rare items.
Metal: The value of gold and other metals can fluctuate. In fact, if you bought you item in the 1990s, you won’t get a percentage of the retail price. You’re likely to get more than what you paid for it given that gold has skyrocketed compared to then.
The most important factor when it comes to the amount you’re likely to receive is where you sell your jewelry. You can sell jewelry to a jeweler, pawn shop, gold buyer, or to a private party in person or online. Jewelers may pay more than pawn shops or gold buyers, but a private party sale will offer the highest price if you’re willing to do the work and willing to spend the time. My advice is simple. NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER go to a gold buyer who isn’t also a jeweler or a pawn shop. If you need quick money, a pawn shop or jeweler will get it to you. A jeweler is a better idea if you have intact jewelry you think may sell as it is. You have a better shot for that with a jeweler. If you’re willing to put in some work to list your items online or to sell them to friends and associates, you’ll get the most money.
There you go. Hope it’s helpful. If you have jewelry to sell, I’ll do my best to give you a fair deal. Give me a call or drop by my San Diego Showroom. You’ll be glad you did.
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