Selling diamond jewellery

mogwai

Does anyone know what the best procedure would be to sell a few pieces of diamond jewellery?

I have a couple of diamond necklaces, one of which was bought for £1000, and a ring and some earrings that I'd like to sell. Where can I sell them to get a good price, and do I have to get them appraised or valued anywhere first?

Also, what is the depreciation in second hand diamond jewellery?

Appreciate any help - thanks!

dragonsoup

I am afraid you are likely to be very disappointed at the values you are quoted especially if it's fairly recent stuff. There is a huge mark up on retail purchases. The insurance/purchase value bears no relationship to the amount you get if you try to sel.l

Jewellers tend to quote on the scrap value and if it's 9ct gold that is next to nothing. The value of the diamonds will depend on their quality. For "chips" again that is next to nothing.

If the jewellery is "special" ( eg Faberge of Tiffany or another well regraded designer, collectable vintage ) it may be worth more than the scrap value.

I'd take it to a couple of independent jewellers and see what you are offered. Once you have an idea of what you might get you could look at selling by auction.

mogwai

Thanks ds - thats really disappointing to hear! Still, every little bit counts, and I won't miss those bits of jewellery..

LilMissEmmylou

if they are in good condition and they dont offer you much, you could always try to ebay them or sell them privately?

mishkanorman

take them to be valued by an independent jeweller who DOESNT sell used jewellery, they will normally offer different levels of appraisal ie for insurance purposes it will be measured, photographed etc but they also offer a verbal estimate. (This will help if you are selling them so you know a rough value)

gold value is rising quite well at the moment but if its not broken, selling as scrap seems a waste !

mishka


ps whilst dragonsoup has given good advice, my husband has told me several stories recently where people have found a small fortune in their unwanted jewellery so please have a professional look at it !

bengal-stripe

If the item was bought for £1000 in Edwardian times, it might be worth a fair bit. If it was bought only a few years back, it never was a quality item in the first place and there will be very little interest.

Most auction houses do appraisals for members of the public, they will tell you if they are interested to offer your stuff at one of their forthcoming auctions. Some will even do it by internet.

But if the item is less than fifty years old (and comes from Ratner‘s), they are unlikely to be interested.