Where to get jewelery valued?

bees_2

Hi, hope this is in the right place!

I've just been given a 60+ year old Russian amber necklace to sell but I don't know how to go about valuing it! It could be worth thousands and I don't want to get ripped off! Can anyone offer any advice? I don't want to mess up or be taken for a ride!

babys*mum

Most jewellers offer a valuation service but they will charge for the priviledge.

To get a very rough idea You could ask a pawnbroker how much they would give you

WolfSong2000

To get a decent valuation, you'd be better off finding a high-end jewelry store that sells amber...your average highstreet store wont have the slightest clue, probably . I used to work for a jewelers, but am not an expert on amber, unfortunately...diamonds, yes, but amber no. lol. As a starting point, I'd imagine they'd look at color, inclusions and whether there are any insects trapped in the resin...if there are, then the value shoots up enormously. Not sure how bothered they are about inclusions, though? The origin may affect the price, but again, not sure...

Like I said, you really need to take it to an expert so take your time and do some research

Kavanne

I take my to my local independent jeweller. Once a week they have a qualified appraiser come in, who will then produce + sign a certificate for you. to give you an idea, on an item valued at £1000 they would charge £40. But it works as a % of the items value.

McKneff

Make sure its a valuation to sell. The difference between valuations to sell
and valuations for insurnace purposes are miles apart. As another poster says
take it to a pawnbroker and see what they offer to pawn it.

cestlavie

auction house?

Kavanne

cestlavie wrote: »

auction house?

No need, I'd say. Any antique pieces I've had the appraiser from the jeweller has recognised from hallmarks etc