The Secret to Finding Great Deals on Fine Jewelry

Were you left uninspired by the latest necklaces you saw at your local boutiques? Are you looking for something different, something with a bit more character? Well, West Seattle Coins and Bellevue Rare Coins have an outstanding collection of heirloom and contemporary jewelry—handpicked from the items we’ve purchased locally or from jewelers across the country. In addition, many items are rare or one-of-a-kind pieces that come from the huge estate liquidations we’ve handled for over 30 years.

Estate jewelry is particularly interesting because it sells at a significant discount to retail. But before you break out your checkbook for some vintage earrings, a unique bracelet or an antique diamond ring, check out our answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about estate jewelry.

What is estate jewelry?

It’s pretty simple. Estate jewelry is any necklace, ring, brooch, pendant, or other piece of jewelry that has been previously owned and sold as part of an estate liquidation. Estate jewelry can be vintage earrings from the turn of the century or a diamond ring that was just purchased a few years ago. Whatever piece of estate jewelry you’re interested in, though, you can be sure you’ll pay a lot less than you would if you were buying it new.

How is estate jewelry evaluated?

Times have changed since a master silversmith crafted that Edwardian brooch. Fashions have evolved since a Hollywood housewife first purchased that 1950s diamond clasp. Some things, however, stay the same. The experts at West Seattle Coins and Bellevue Rare coins can evaluate the purity and quality of the gold or silver in any piece of jewelry. We also staff G.I.A.–accredited professionals to judge the precious stones. And finally, we assess the intrinsic value of the piece based on today’s market.

What are some things to look for in estate jewelry?

As you’re examining pieces of estate jewelry—especially some of the older brooches, rings and necklaces—you’ll notice that they don’t look like what’s popular today. For many, that’s part of the charm. When you clasp that 1920s bracelet around your wrist, you may feel just like an elegant flapper about to stop by a speakeasy before hitting the city’s new jazz club to dance the night away. A few things to consider when you’re buying vintage jewelry:

1. Diamonds were cut differently back then, so the same stone might not reflect as much light or seem as brilliant. On the upside, cuts such as the rose cut are now in higher demand from jewelers who want to repair some of those old rings. So even if you’re not in love with the look of the stone, it could be a good investment.

2. Those earrings might be hiding a secret. Sterling silver used to be backed with a thin layer of yellow gold, so be sure to ask, because it might be the reason the earrings are more expensive.

What’s the most important thing to understand about estate jewelry?

Well, that’s easy: you should buy the piece that catches your eye. It’s good to have all the information in the world—and that’s where West Seattle Coins and Bellevue Rare Coins can help—but after you’ve got the facts, just follow your heart.

Browse our collection of fine jewelry at West Seattle Coins and Bellevue Rare Coins. Our largest selection by far is at our Bellevue location, with new items arriving every week. So when you visit, you’ll be sure of two things: You’ll always find something new, and there’ll always be some great deals on gorgeous jewelry.