The death of a loved one can be a trying period filled with grief, anxiety and heartbreak. The recently departed often leave behind valuable jewelry that is steeped in sentimental value. In many instances, the items are also worth a great deal of money. Whether you are willed your grandmother’s favorite pearls and diamond earrings or your late father’s Rolex watch, there are a several ways to sell your estate jewelry and make big money.
An appraisal is immensely important to find out what the jewelry is worth. Since most estate jewelry was made decades ago, it should be assessed by a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certified gemologist to establish its fair market value. GIA-certified gemologists are available at most jewelry stores, wholesalers and buyers. They will inspect and test all diamonds, gemstones and precious metals in the piece. The gemologist will identify the quality of the stones and determine their rarity. After the assessment, they will set your antique item’s fair market value. You will receive an appraisal certificate and detailed information about the estate jewelry. These documents will be used to certify the items’ authenticity and value to perspective buyers.
Many auction houses deal in estate jewelry. Auction houses are frequented by well-heeled buyers with a taste for highly original pieces that are unlike anything on the market. High quality, rare and unique estate jewelry fetches more at auction. Therefore, auction houses are recommended when you have a high-end piece that will appeal to a wealthy audience of jewelry lovers. Additionally, auction houses take a percentage of the sale and have listing fees that will cut into your profit margin.
Local jewelry stores also buy estate jewelry. Take your estate jewelry and appraisal certificate into your local jeweler. The item will be inspected and an offer will be made on the spot if they are interested in purchasing it.
Online auctions such as eBay give you the ability to sell your estate jewelry to a global audience. The process is advantageous because you can set a reserve price near the item’s appraisal value. Therefore, the jewelry cannot sell for lower than a designated amount. This process may take longer, but it will guarantee that you get fair value for your item.
Several mail-away services buy estate jewelry. It’s a straight-forward process: they send a postage paid envelope and you mail them the estate jewelry along with a copy of your appraisal. Your item(s) will be inspected by their team of GIA-certified gemologists and jewelry buyers. They will compare their findings with your appraisal and set the item’s fair market value accordingly. At the end of the process, they will make an offer for your jewelry. If you accept the offer, you will receive a check and an itemized list of items in the sale. If you decline, they will return the items to you by mail, at no additional cost.
Mail-in services are lauded for paying top dollar and providing complimentary insurance coverage during the transit process. They also work with an extensive network of buyers and liquidators that pay handsomely for estate jewelry. Visit GemsTrust to sell your estate jewelry today!
