There are numerous factors that can affect the purchase price you’ll receive for your pre-owned jewelry. Below, we’ll go over each of them. When assessing your jewelry, consider how all of these factors combined may impact the value of your unique pieces.
Brand
There are certain luxury brands that tend to hold their value better on the second-hand market. Some fine jewelry brands that tend to fetch a higher resale price include Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. For example, a solitaire diamond engagement ring from Tiffany & Co. will generally have a higher resale price than an unsigned solitaire diamond engagement ring with the same qualities.
Then, additionally, certain collections from luxury designers may also hold their value better due to their high desirability. For example, pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection tend to have a higher resale value, as this collection is consistently in demand.
Market Value
Whether a piece of jewelry is from a well-known brand or is unsigned, it’s salability in the current market has an enormous impact on its resale price. Simply put, if an item is currently considered more desirable in the eyes of consumers (due to its design, materials, or brand), it will have a higher resale value.
Raw Materials
An item’s raw materials will always impact its resale value. An appraiser will assess a piece’s precious metals and gemstones (including assessing the carat weight and qualities of the gemstones) while determining their buying offer. The quality and carat weight of the stones in gemstone and diamond jewelry can dramatically affect a piece’s value.
Condition
If a piece of jewelry has been well cared for and is in good or excellent condition, this has a positive impact on its resale value. On the other hand, if a piece of jewelry is in poor condition and may require repairs, this has a negative impact on its resale value. For example, if you have a piece of gold jewelry, like a gold and diamond ring, that is covered in scratches or has structural damage, it will fetch a lower price than that same piece would if it were in pristine condition.
Box and Papers for Designer Jewelry
Designer jewelry comes with a box and papers from the designer brand. Collectors often consider a designer piece’s box and papers valuable, so having these items can increase the price you get for your pre-owned jewelry. This is especially true for luxury watches. Generally, a luxury watch that comes with its original box and papers will sell for a much higher price than it would without its box and papers.
FAQs
Elements that help define the worth of any estate piece of jewelry include authenticity, historical relevance, purity of materials, rarity of gemstones, and market demand.
How to tell how much jewelry is worth? ›
We recommend taking the piece to a jeweler to be tested. They will have professional tests that will determine whether your jewelry is real as well as the purity of the metal itself. A certified appraiser will be able to provide the value of the piece as well.
What is the value of second hand jewelry? ›
Generally, when you sell pre-owned fine jewelry, you can expect to get around 20 to 50% of the original purchase price. There are a few exceptions to this range. For example, very rare and highly desirable pieces may fetch a higher price.
How do you evaluate old jewelry? ›
How To Assess the Value of Antique Jewellery
- Do you trust your source? ...
- What does your instinct tell you? ...
- Is it in good condition? ...
- How high is the quality of the stones? ...
- Is the design attractive? ...
- What is its historical context? ...
- Are there any hallmarks? ...
- Which metal is it?
ALL ABOUT THE APP
Diamond Valuer was created to explain the process of valuing a diamond ring to you and give you an estimated value of your ring based on that information.
How is jewellery valuation calculated? ›
How is jewellery valuation calculated? The valuation can be described as the sum of all its parts it can also be described as a figure generated from market-based research of the item as a whole. It may or may not include allowances for defects or wear and tear depending on the nature of the valuation completed.
What old jewelry is worth money? ›
One such piece to look for is Art Deco jewelry from the 1920s or 1930s. “Pieces from this era, especially those with geometrical designs and vibrant gemstones, can fetch high prices,” said Claver. “For example, an authentic Art Deco diamond bracelet might sell for several thousand dollars.”
What type of jewelry holds its value? ›
High-quality materials, such as gold, platinum, and precious gemstones, not only retain their value but may also appreciate over time, making for a solid long-term investment.
Are diamonds worth anything second hand? ›
The answer is a resounding yes. Whether it is an engagement ring, diamond family heirloom or even a loose diamond, they all have value. There is always a market for selling diamonds quite simply because there is always a demand for diamonds.
Should I sell inherited jewelry? ›
It is not wrong to sell the jewelry inherited from your loved ones. No one would want their belongings to burden their family once they've passed away. However, if the jewelry is sentimental to someone in your family, allow them to keep it. You may also consider holding on to a couple pieces of jewerly as a keepsake.
Jeweler issued appraisals are notoriously variable and not audited by any third party. As such, these grading's cannot be considered accurate but should instead be treated as a guide.
How do pawnshop appraise jewelry? ›
An experienced appraiser visually inspects the jewelry when it enters the pawnshop. They check for indications that indicate the purity of the metal, such as stamps that say "14K" for gold or "925" for silver. In addition to this, they consider the gemstone's color, clarity, and carat weight.
How can I tell if my jewelry is worth anything? ›
How to Tell If My Jewelry Is Worth Anything
- LOOK FOR HALLMARKS. One of the first things you can do when you acquire a new piece of jewelry is to look for hallmarks. ...
- LOOK FOR WEARING. Fake chains feel fake. ...
- TRY THE MAGNET TEST. Genuine gold will not attract a magnet. ...
- INSPECT THE PRONGS. ...
- CONSULT AN EXPERT.
However, you can generally expect to get between 50% and 90% of the current gold price for your jewelry. If your jewelry is older or has historical significance, you may be able to get even more for it.
How to appraise jewelry yourself? ›
1. Assess Your Jewelry
- Look for stamps: The stamps, or markings that indicate the metal content and the manufacturer or designer, are the best hint as to your jewelry's true value. ...
- Test the metal: Gold reacts a certain way to specific tests, and if you have a piece that's yellow in color you'll want to try this out.
Using state-of-the-art image recognition technology, JewelryID can match any jewelry piece to a participating vendor you've connected with.
How much is a 14K ring worth? ›
Since the price of gold is currently $2,013/ounce (April 18, 2023), that would make the value of your ring $167. This means that: 14k gold wedding bands (2-10 grams) are worth between $83 and $414. 18k gold wedding bands (2-10 grams) are worth between $106 and $533.
How do you find a good price on jewelry? ›
- Tip 1: Everything in a jewelry store is negotiable. ...
- Tip 2: Always research and don't buy on the spot.
- Tip 3: Know when to buy - March is the best month! ...
- Tip 4: For Diamonds, Look for Just Under The Quarter Mark.
- Tip 5: Sell or Trade old Jewelry to Bring Down Your Cost.
Carefully pour some vinegar onto the gold, or use a dropper to put a few drops onto it. If the gold changes color, then it is not pure gold. However, if the gold remains the same, or stays shining, then the gold is real.
