How to Sell Antique Jewelry

Wondering how to sell antique jewelry? This is the guide for you.

Maybe you have some old jewelry sitting around and want to clear out some space. Or perhaps you’ve inherited a jewelry collection and are looking to sell it.

In any case, this guide will go over what you need to know about selling antique jewelry, including:

• Figuring out how much antique jewelry is worth
• Finding where to sell antique jewelry in your area
• How to avoid scams and lowball offers
• How to make sure you get the most for your items

Let’s get started!

How to Sell Antique Jewelry: At a Glance

Here are the basic steps to sell old jewelry:

1. Evaluate what you have, and determine if there’s anything you’d personally like to keep.
2. Check items for any relevant markings, which may indicate the brand, metal content, or even date of manufacture
3. Research jewelry buyers near you to find a trusted option
4. Bring your items in for a professional evaluation
5. Sell your items (or a portion of them), or visit another buyer to get a second opinion

Is Old Jewelry Valuable?

Before you go about selling antique jewelry, you may wonder if it’s even worth your time. Is antique jewelry valuable?

It certainly can be! The main drivers of value for a piece of jewelry are:

• The precious metal content (gold, silver, platinum, etc.)
• The gemstone content (diamonds, rubies, etc.)
• The condition of the item
• The rarity or collectability of the item*

In most cases, selling antique jewelry will mean getting a quote based on the item’s intrinsic value. “Intrinsic” refers to the value of the precious metals and gemstones, and doesn’t necessarily include any value for the piece of jewelry itself. For example, a gold wedding band would simply be measured for gold purity and weighed, and a value given based off the “melt value” of that item (the value of the gold should the ring be melted down).

Unless you have a lot of experience with jewelry, the only way to know for sure if your items are valuable is to take them to an expert.

Where to Sell Antique Jewelry

So, where should you take your jewelry to be evaluated? For many people, the best option will be a trusted local coin shop or jewelry shop. These businesses will have trained staff that are ready to examine your items and provide a fair offer based on market value.

In the greater Seattle area, the best place to sell antique jewelry is Bellevue Rare Coins. We’ve been serving the Seattle community since 1979, and have built a reputation for fairness, transparency, and the highest payouts in the area. Selling jewelry to Bellevue Rare Coins is fast and easy – simply stop by one of our convenient locations (Bellevue, Issaquah, Tacoma and Lynnwood).

If you’re not in the Seattle area, do some online research to find trusted coin shops and/or jewelry shops in your area. Read customer reviews and check ratings on the Better Business Bureau website to make sure they are a trusted buyer. Then, call ahead to make sure they buy what you’re hoping to sell, and stop by for an evaluation.

How to Avoid Scams and Lowball Offers for Your Jewelry

Avoiding scams is fairly simple – just inly work with a trusted local buyer that is a genuine, licensed business. It’s best to avoid private buyers, selling antique jewelry online, and marketplace apps like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. While you can sell on these platforms, there is a higher risk of potential scams.

To avoid lowball offers, there are a few strategies. First, you can always shop around and get an offer from 2 or more buyers. Second, you should generally avoid pawn shops and “we buy gold” type businesses, as they generally offer lower payouts for your items.

Again, focus on finding a trusted business that buys valuables. Jewelry stores and coin shops are generally your best bet.