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How to Sell Rare Antique Jewelry

Contributor
By Larry Parr
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Many pieces of rare or antique jewelry can fetch a good price depending on where you sell them. If you are looking for the best possible price, do not sell your antique jewelry at a pawn shop. You will need to have your jewelry appraised to determine its value and to determine if it is "estate" or collectible quality jewelry. Getting a good appraisal may cost a few dollars, but if your jewelry is of estate or collectible quality, the cost of the appraisal will be money well spent.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • List of local certified jewelers
  • Auction houses that specialize in rare and antique jewelry
  1. Step 1

    Look in your local phone book for a certified jewelery appraiser and make an appointment. Ask up front about any fees, which are common and vary.

  2. Step 2

    Contact auction houses for an estimate, especially those that specialize in selling antique or collector jewelry. Either take in your jewelry or send in good photos and descriptions. The auction houses do not necessarily have to be in your local area, as most auction houses can give you estimates based on photos. Remember, estimates are only estimates, and you may receive more or less than the estimate.

  3. Step 3

    Choose the auction house that offers to do the best job of advertising your jewelry. This includes not just newspaper and/or radio advertising, but contacting their list of clients who are always looking for the type of jewelry you are offering. Compare listing or selling fees when choosing the auction house.

  4. Step 4

    Help spread the word about your up-coming auction. Depending on the value of your jewelry you may want to take out a small newspaper advertisement regarding the up-coming sale. Tell all of your friends about the auction and ask them to spread the word. Attend the auction if possible and collect the cash due to you.

  5. Step 5

    As an alternative to auctions, sell your jewelry yourself and save the auction house commissions and fees by advertising your jewelry (with photos if possible) in local media and through word-of-mouth. Meet prospective buyers in the lobby of your bank or in a public place. Accept only cash and use caution when leaving any sales appointment.

Tips & Warnings
  • Let the jeweler who does your estimate know up front that you will not be selling your jewelry to him or her.
  • If an estimate of how much you could get seems "too good to be true" or if one estimate is considerably higher than another, exercise caution. Money orders and certified bank checks are frequently forged and should never be accepted as payment for your antique jewelry.
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