When You Don’t Want to Sell

I’m a third-generation jeweler. To be honest, I don’t really remember any time in my life when jewelry wasn’t an ever-present part of things. I learned from my grandfather and my father, and I learned a great deal about why jewelry is the industry that it is. Jewelry means something more than most purchases. A good way to illustrate that is to think about an engagement ring.

Most people will be more distressed if they lose a modest engagement ring than they will a much more expensive item. That’s because the jewelry isn’t about the materials but about the emotions and the relationships involved. The same can happen with inherited items, birthday presents, and other special events. We’re taught that it’s the thought that counts. I think that’s nowhere more evident than it is with jewelry, and the thought behind things is what makes jewelry so important.

But sometimes, you have to sell jewelry even when you don’t want to. There may be financial issues that require you to drum up cash quickly. In some cases, there’s an inheritance and jewelry has to be liquidated in order to divide the estate. Perhaps there are legal issues requiring the cash. Whether you have to sell your grandfather’s gold watch or your mother’s platinum engagement ring, the whole situation can be painful and sad.

I have a great deal of experience in these circumstances, and I won’t try to offer you words of comfort other than my confidence that things feel less sharp with time. I know how painful parting with something special can be. I can tell you that when you’re in that situation what you need is someone who will treat you kindly and honestly. You need someone who would rather disappoint you with the truth than comfort you with a lie.

Make sure you deal with a licensed jewelry buyer. They use certified scales and they should weigh your items right in front of you. Make sure they tell you how they arrive at the price they give you. Make sure you feel like they’re the kind of person you would want to buy jewelry from if you weren’t selling. More than anything, you’re under enough pressure. You want to deal with someone who eases that burden and doesn’t add to it with sales tactics.

If you need to sell, I’d love to help and I can promise you I’ll treat your memories with respect.  You can call me, email me, or just drop by the showroom.

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