How to Sell Used Jewelry Online

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Maybe you just don’t enjoy wearing that diamond necklace anymore. Maybe you need the cash for other things. Perhaps your tastes have changed and you’re ready to cash in your old jewelry, or maybe you have inherited a jewelry box full of beautiful earrings and brooches that you’ll never wear. There are dozens of reasons why you might want to sell used jewelry online, and several different methods to do it. The one you choose will depend on how much jewelry you have to sell, and how much you want to get for it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet access

Selling Jewelry Online

Step 1

Have your jewelry appraised by a jeweler or a local buyer to get an idea of the worth of the pieces you want to sell. Keep in mind that most jewelry buyers will pay about 1/3 retail price for used jewelry.
Step 2

Choose a method of selling your jewelry. You can sell through an auction site like eBay, through a free auction site, or to a pawnbroker or estate buyer. If you’re only selling a few pieces, then any of those methods make sense. If you’re planning to make a business out of selling used jewelry, then consider opening an eBay store or creating your own Web site.
Step 3

Use your favorite search engine to find Web sites of companies that buy used jewelry.
Step 4

Read the terms and conditions carefully so that you understand what the company is offering to buy. Some companies only pay for the metal in your jewelry items based on their weight. Others will pay a "fair market value" for the entire piece. If the company is only paying for the gold, silver or platinum by weight, you should know that before you agree to ship the jewelry to them.
Step 5

Research the company before doing business with them. Check the Tips section of this article for ideas.
Step 6

When you’re satisfied that a company is legitimate, follow the instructions to request an insured Tyvek mailer from them. If the company gives you a receipt or tracking number, be sure to save it somewhere safe.
Step 7

When you receive the mailer, pack your jewelry item into it and follow the instructions for returning it to the company.
Step 8

The company will appraise your item within 24 hours of receiving it. Some will e-mail or call you with an offer. Others will send you a check for the appraised amount. Expect that amount to be about 1/3 the appraised insurance value.
Step 9

If you’re satisfied with the amount, cash the check. If you’re not, follow the instructions given by the company to reject their offer. The company will return your item to you at their own expense.

Check the Legitimacy of the Company You are Dealing With

Step 1

Make sure the company's physical location is marked prominently on their Web site.
Step 2

Check that the company's Terms and Conditions are clearly stated and that the company's liability in case of loss is included.
Step 3

Make sure that the company explains their appraisal and purchasing process clearly and in simple terms.
Step 4

Check the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints made against the company (see Resources).
Step 5

Check the Web site for a contact telephone number and then use it to talk to someone at the company (you don't need a specific reason, you are just checking that the phone number is real).

Comments

jameg said

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crazytikilady said

on 9/2/2008 I just had to give my input when I saw this article. I had a bunch of old jewelry items that I never wore and didn't know what to do with them. I also didn't know who to trust online, but after some careful research, I sold them to www.GoldPawnShop.com. My experience was awesome and referred them to all of my friends! Hope this helps!