Selling My Estate Jewelry: How To Tell What’s Valuable

Most of us own a drawer in our closet or at least a box full of different type, sizes and shapes of jewelry pieces that we hardly ever wear.  They could be jarring to the eyes but possess some sentimental value, making it difficult for us to let go, or they could just simply not be suitable for any of the special occasions that we frequently attend. You could have estate jewelry, old jewelry that you had passed down to you from relatives and friends, that you never wore and are now saying “Hmm, maybe I should sell my estate jewelry”  Either way, what we don’t realize is that the same old jewelry box, which is rarely opened, could possess items worth thousands of dollars. An item that you feel has the shine and appeal that only an expensive jewelry piece could have, can actually turn out to be a cheap costume jewelry, whereas a tarnished piece of jewelry could be worth just as much as your car.

It is important to remember while selling your estate jewelry, antique, or vintage pieces is that it is very different from selling any other product. There is no one set number on your piece and the price varies depending upon the global economy, the market and the credibility of the seller.  Items can rise and fall in price during the process of selling your estate jewelry if you take too long, so it is important to be quick and decisive about where and how your sell estate jewelry.

You should know that while selling your estate jewelry, it is common to get prices below your expectations. Many times buyers will not have the resources and means to estimate the best value on your jewelry piece and make lower offers in order to ensure they don’t overestimate and overpay on your estate jewelry. If you find a reputable buyer with knowledge of luxury markets, commodity prices and gemstone values, you can capitalize on your newly rediscovered estate jewelry treasures, allowing you to make a bundle when you sell your estate jewelry.

So, if you want to sell your great grandmother’s necklace or a bracelet that you stumbled upon in your collection but have no memory as to how it got there, then the first thing you need to do is evaluate the value of jewelry items.

How do you determine the value of your estate jewelry?

Following the steps below, you can begin to sort out which jewelry has value. It will allow you to create a pile to keep, having more sentimental value than actual value, and a pile of estate jewelry to sell.

The first thing to do when you have that bejeweled bracelet or that inlaid ring in your hand is to check if there is any hallmark on it.  All fine jewelry have a stamp or hallmark. You could find it on the clasp of the necklace, the post of the earring or the inside of the ring or bracelet. If your jewelry piece looks new but doesn’t have any markings at all then it most likely is costume jewelry. One marking would usually tell you the metal content and the other would either be the country of origin, the signature of the designer or the Common Stamps:

Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Zydo, Versace, Omega are among the many jewelry manufacturers who have their marks on their pieces.

However, don’t completely rule out the worth of your estate jewelry if there is no hallmark. There is still a slim possibility that the stamp could have worn off. It is better to get it evaluated to be double sure of its worth. Gold and silver are generally heavier metals and definitely weigh more than their fake counterparts like brass or pewter. A piece of  fine jewelry is much heavier. A fake gold chain will feel fake even if it looks thick.  Such pieces are not made of gold but are likely gold plated or not gold at all.  Compare the weight of a piece of fine jewelry in your hand with the estate jewelry you want to sell that you’re not sure of. You’ll have a good idea as to whether the piece is genuine or fake. The authenticity of estate jewelry can easily be checked by looking at the color of the jewelry item. Usually fake jewelry has a coating of silver or gold on top of a metal like copper, brass or aluminum. When the color wears off some parts appear dark while some appear lighter.  A genuine gold, silver or platinum item would still show the same color once it wears down and will be consistent with the original color. A fine jewelry piece will have the prongs holding up the stone in an intricate setting, whereas a costume jewelry item will have the stone simply glued to its setting.Consulting an expert can not only make you aware of the value of your estate jewelry, but it will also help you get the best possible price for the same.  You can then determine what you want to do with the item once you know its current worth.

Again, keep in mind that when it comes to selling your estate jewelry,  there are innumerable factors that come into play. Being strategic about selling can get you a great deal.

Vasco Assets can evaluate and help people sell their estate jewelry.  Based in Newport Beach, CA, it is the premier private international financial firm dealing in luxury assets. Vasco Assets is active in the marketplace, so they keep abreast of  the fluctuating market conditions.   Backed with substantial resources, by virtue of their global distribution networks, they provide their clients with professional evaluations and highest overall value by applying their in-depth knowledge of the global luxury, jewelry, and diamond markets.  This provides  their  clients  the best valuation for their jewelry.  Your complimentary consultation with a Vasco consultant will detail  the entire process of evaluating your estate jewelry and educate you about your pieces.

Vasco Assets is a member of a number of jewelers’ associations, underscoring their  experience and agility to help you get the best possible price on your estate jewelry. Vasco is very conscious of the importance of their client’s time,  so we make sure to expedite the process while never compromising on integrity or professionalism.  So if you wish to sell that gold ring or diamond bracelet that you feel just lies around in your jewelry box and has never been a part of your wardrobe,  then please reach out to to contact Vasco Assets to get a complimentary valuation and discuss your options.

Vasco Assets believes that a knowledgeable consumer is a better consumer.  We are proud to present the straight-talk about luxury commodity assets of all types, including diamonds. If you have any questions or would like more information about anything you’ve read, please reach out to us.

About Vasco Assets:

Vasco Assets is a private licensed, fully insured, and bonded financial firm with business interests worldwide, specializing in luxury commodity assets. Located in Newport Beach, CA, Vasco Assets provides Financial Flexibility and Security by buying and lending against luxury assets, unlocking the inherent value and converting the assets to funds, offering a variety of innovative collateral loan programs to both individuals and businesses. Vasco also provides Access to Luxury by making luxury available to their clients well below wholesale and manufacturing by virtue of diamond production in India and Israel, jewelry manufacturing in Los Angeles and worldwide networks.  Vasco offers programs to Build and Maintain Wealth, through diamond commodity investment programs, taking advantage of the hedge opportunities inherent in commodities.  By virtue of their diamond production, these investment grade stones are offered at commodity pricing, eliminating the mark-ups of wholesale and retail pricing.

For more information or to inquire about any of Vasco Assets’ high-value services, please call 855.285.7059 or email info@vascoassets.com