how do i sell vintage jewelry reliably?

[jinxcats]

Hi everyone, i’m new here!
i’m searching for some info on what the best way is to sell vintage jewelry.

i’m interested in selling my grandmothers antique jewelry, specifically rings. i got some great advice before about selling them but unfortunately, ive hit a dead end. i contacted several local and national auction houses, none of who were interested in the rings. went to about 10 local jewlers, a few who were interested in buying outright but offered me a fraction of what i knew they were worth. right now they’re with a local jewler who does consignment and showed them to several diamond dealers who only offered about 1/4 the price of what im looking to get for them. they’re in the showroom at this local jewler and have been for about 6 months with no interest/no one wanting to buy.

so my question is what can i do to get rid of these rings and make a semi-decent profit? i was advised getting appraisals wouldn’t be worth it for the value of the rings, but yes they are all real diamond/gold, been looked at by several jewelers who have all given me reliable estimates on how much they’re worth. i went to a gia appraiser who said it would be $200 an HOUR for appraisals on rings with multiple stones, which mine do. i know selling privately will get me the most money but i have no idea if there’s anyone genuinely interested, not to mention how not to get scammed selling them on a site like Etsy or Ebay. How do i sell there without a reliable certification on cut and clarity of the diamonds and how do i avoid someone saying it’s a fake diamond??

if anyone is truly interested in purchasing any of these, feel free to dm me.

 

[luckygreen317]

Welcome! How lucky are you to inherit some nice pieces. My first question is, are you sure you want to sell them?

I would recommend having the large diamond ring graded by GIA if you want to get the best return on it. The stone can be removed by a trusted jeweler and sent in. I want to say the cost is $200 for the grading and it’s absolutely worth it. As long as there are no issues with the stone, a $200 investment could help you sell it probably at a higher price.

There are many very knowledgeable people on this forum and I look forward to seeing their advice.

 

[jinxcats]

Welcome! How lucky are you to inherit some nice pieces. My first question is, are you sure you want to sell them?

I would recommend having the large diamond ring graded by GIA if you want to get the best return on it. The stone can be removed by a trusted jeweler and sent in. I want to say the cost is $200 for the grading and it’s absolutely worth it. As long as there are no issues with the stone, a $200 investment could help you sell it probably at a higher price.

There are many very knowledgeable people on this forum and I look forward to seeing their advice.

Thank you for the advice!

I am set on selling, there’s 2 other rings i’m saving for myself or for insurance purposes, these ones i’ve decided to get rid of.

Yes i looked into getting each ring appraised at a gia appraiser near me however the cost for multi diamond rings was $200 per hour (much more than i’m willing to spend). the large diamond ring worth the most i definitely may be able to get appraised, if i knew someone was interested in buying. The issue i’m facing is i don’t know much about the rings beyond what ive been told and have no documentation sadly

 

[Bron357]

Unfortunately with pre loved jewelry they are only worth what someone is willing pay for them.
Without appropriate documentation ie details on diamonds carat weight and clarity, no one will pay what you expect because they don’t know what they are buying. It may also be that your expectations arent realistic. What rings sell for at retail or even what valued at for insurance purposes isn’t what you as a private seller can expect. Realistically it’s about 1/3 of retail.
Yes, it costs money to get a proper appraisal but it’s the only way to attract a serious buyer.
Auction houses will certainly sell for you but their fees are high and buyers also pay a fee so while that method is quick it depends who is there at the time wanting to buy. You need two or more keen bidders to push up the price.
So I think it would be in your best interest to find an appraiser and get the rings assessed so potential buyers will be comfortable with offering a good price.

 

[newtojewels]

Thank you for the advice!

I am set on selling, there’s 2 other rings i’m saving for myself or for insurance purposes, these ones i’ve decided to get rid of.

Yes i looked into getting each ring appraised at a gia appraiser near me however the cost for multi diamond rings was $200 per hour (much more than i’m willing to spend). the large diamond ring worth the most i definitely may be able to get appraised, if i knew someone was interested in buying. The issue i’m facing is i don’t know much about the rings beyond what ive been told and have no documentation sadly

An appraisal from a random GIA appraiser isn't worth much to most buyers, it's the GIA report mentioned by @luckygreen317 that you would need for the large diamond. The difference between a J/SI2 and an H/VS2 in value is huge and buyers want to know what they're getting.

It's hard to know from your post if you're being unrealistic about the value or if you haven't found the right buyer or venue yet. With more specifics people might be able to advise you more.

 

[jinxcats]

An appraisal from a random GIA appraiser isn't worth much to most buyers, it's the GIA report mentioned by @luckygreen317 that you would need for the large diamond. The difference between a J/SI2 and an H/VS2 in value is huge and buyers want to know what they're getting.

It's hard to know from your post if you're being unrealistic about the value or if you haven't found the right buyer or venue yet. With more specifics people might be able to advise you more.

Thank you for the info. I’m a jewlery newbie and before this have owned nothing worth over $100 in jewlery so pardon if i sound uninformed. I haven’t sought out any private buyers as i have no info on the rings which i know would be requested, also the cost is quite a lot to me as a part time student :/ The only estimates i have for value are that i know how much the rings were originally bought for at action, and i know the estimate my jewler gave me for how much they’d sell each for. So those are my only points of reference sadly.

 

[newtojewels]

Thank you for the info. I’m a jewlery newbie and before this have owned nothing worth over $100 in jewlery so pardon if i sound uninformed. I haven’t sought out any private buyers as i have no info on the rings which i know would be requested, also the cost is quite a lot to me as a part time student :/ The only estimates i have for value are that i know how much the rings were originally bought for at action, and i know the estimate my jewler gave me for how much they’d sell each for. So those are my only points of reference sadly.

You don't need to apologize! And that's helpful context.

Many users here have consigned with Jewels by Grace (https://jewelsbygrace.com/). Part of the consignment process with her is often an abbreviated appraisal from a trusted appraiser named David Atlas. He lives in Maryland if that's at all helpful to you. I'll let people who have sold their jewelry weigh in more, but perhaps that's an option.

If you have the auction prices, do you have any other auction documentation? Or do you literally have only the prices?

 

[elizat]

The second and third rings look really pretty!

With Grace, they either go very fast or very slow in my experience. Do you have a baseline idea of what you have? Hopefully yes, if they are for sale at a local vendor. If you have that information you could do some comparison shopping. Do you have carat weight of stones, measurements, metals?

Where are they listed? Are they online? I would try to look up comparable specs, with similar pieces if I wanted to sell them on my own. You could try Loupe Troup. Reddit has sales I think.

I have consigned with Jewelry Consignment Network in Savannah. They are great. But, things go fast or slow. Consignment and second hand sales are really that, no matter who the seller is, many times.

If you are a part time student, I highly highly recommend Jewelry Consignment Network. Mitch is the owner. He's great. He loves old pieces. They offer a stress free process. They will tell you what the max they think they can get is and you agree on what your minimum price is. They are in downtown and get loads of foot traffic. Call them if you are interested, and let them do a shipping label.

Lang does consignment. The fee is hefty.

I have consigned with Grace, Gilded Lane, Sin City finds ( when she did it) and others, but I have done the best with JCN.

ETA: I really really like the 2nd and 3rd rings. They are lovely!

 

[Tinytreasurers]

May I ask what part of the county you are in? That may help us link you up with a reasonable reseller. It would be valuable to send the big ring to GIA directly (not a Gia trained gemologist) though most jewelry store can confirm things like estimated carat weight and gold type, some even have ability to test lab diamonds vs natural.

Are there any hallmark stamps in the ring shank?

 

[LightBright]

These are all rings that are popular styles. They look beautifully and well made. I love the eternity. I’m actually not sure how you would value any of these items, because you can’t validate metals and diamonds independently. You can look for jewelry hallmarks and stamps and include photographs of the stamps with your listings. All of these look like antiques with no alterations. People looking for true antiques would be interested and buy at the right price point. But I don’t know how you get people to trust that you will actually send these items to them. I wonder if Gilded Lane could consign for you? She’s very knowledgeable. I’ve also talked to “Denver Appraiser” and he was at some point willing to validate and help with transactions for a fee, not sure if he still does though.

 

[LightBright]

You could also use the local dealer to consign, if you list somewhere for them.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think you need help from a local jeweler to sell these. Look around near you there may be a place offering consignment.

 

[lulu_ma]

Jewels by Grace has stopped accepting consignment (except for some signed pieces).

 

[newtojewels]

Jewels by Grace has stopped accepting consignment (except for some signed pieces).

Wow, that's a change! Can't believe I missed that. Thank you for letting me know!

 

[elizat]

These are all rings that are popular styles. They look beautifully and well made. I love the eternity. I’m actually not sure how you would value any of these items, because you can’t validate metals and diamonds independently. You can look for jewelry hallmarks and stamps and include photographs of the stamps with your listings. All of these look like antiques with no alterations. People looking for true antiques would be interested and buy at the right price point. But I don’t know how you get people to trust that you will actually send these items to them. I wonder if Gilded Lane could consign for you? She’s very knowledgeable. I’ve also talked to “Denver Appraiser” and he was at some point willing to validate and help with transactions for a fee, not sure if he still does though.

Gilded Lane no longer does consignment.

 

[newtojewels]

So wait......where can people consign these days if not locally?

 

[elizat]

So wait......where can people consign these days if not locally?

The only one I know of is Lang, but that is for higher end vintage and antique. There are smaller Etsy shops that do it, that are mostly brick and mortar.

I no longer use Instagram, but maybe some smaller vendors offer it.

 

[athenaworth]

I think Jewels with Stories on IG does consignment now but I don't know what her terms are.

 

[winnietucker]

It’s so disappointing that JbG has stopped accepting consignment.

OP - I’d get a GIA cert for the biggest stone and then try to sell in the preloved forum. Maybe David Klass can send it to GIA for you and then examine the ring to make sure everything is in good order? You’d need to create a listing somewhere like eBay or LoupeTroop and then post in the pre loved forum.

Once you have the cert, find comps online and list it lower. No one wants to pay a premium for a private sale where there are no returns/ little recourse if you’re unhappy with it. You have to list it attractively so someone will bite.

 

[lulu_ma]

So wait......where can people consign these days if not locally?

I think Jewels with Stories on IG does consignment now but I don't know what her terms are.

I have consigned with Jewels with Stories and had success. She doesn't have Grace's reach, but she is a very nice person.

 

[luckygreen317]

Thank you for the advice!

I am set on selling, there’s 2 other rings i’m saving for myself or for insurance purposes, these ones i’ve decided to get rid of.

Yes i looked into getting each ring appraised at a gia appraiser near me however the cost for multi diamond rings was $200 per hour (much more than i’m willing to spend). the large diamond ring worth the most i definitely may be able to get appraised, if i knew someone was interested in buying. The issue i’m facing is i don’t know much about the rings beyond what ive been told and have no documentation sadly

Sorry for the confusion, I would send the diamond into GIA for grading. It will have documentation that is acknowledged and respected globally. You would probably have several people on this forum interested (myself included) in the diamond (and ring) with an appraisal on the diamond. Although the setting looks to be original and very nice, the value is in the cut and quality of the center stone.

An appraisal by a GIA graduate jeweler is a professional opinion. $200 an hour assuming that you would be charged the full hour would be better spent on sending the diamond in.

• GIA Certified Diamonds or Gemstones: The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a highly respected, independent organization that certifies diamonds and other gemstones, providing grading reports on qualities like cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
• GIA Trained or Accredited Jewelers: Jewelers can attend GIA’s educational programs and earn credentials such as:
  • Graduate Gemologist (GG)
  • Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP)
  • Graduate Jeweler

These credentials indicate that the jeweler has undergone rigorous training from the GIA.

What Is Not Accurate:

• There is no such thing as a “GIA certified jeweler” in the sense of an official endorsement by GIA. The GIA does not certify or license jewelry stores or individual jewelers.

 

[luckygreen317]

Thank you for the info. I’m a jewlery newbie and before this have owned nothing worth over $100 in jewlery so pardon if i sound uninformed. I haven’t sought out any private buyers as i have no info on the rings which i know would be requested, also the cost is quite a lot to me as a part time student :/ The only estimates i have for value are that i know how much the rings were originally bought for at action, and i know the estimate my jewler gave me for how much they’d sell each for. So those are my only points of reference sadly.

You are wise to question what a store or jeweler will offer you as many will offer a fraction. Unfortunately, some play on the lack of knowledge to their advantage. I do agree with other responses on setting realistic expectations. Something is only worth what others are willing to pay for it.

 

[lulu_ma]

Anecdotal story: I sent two rings into The Real Real. They ended up rejecting the blue zircon ring. I was miffed so I pulled the zircon and the opal ring that I sent in. But it was an interesting exercise. I ended up sending the opal ring to Jewels with Stories. She sold it for me.

 

[luckygreen317]

Anecdotal story: I sent two rings into The Real Real. They ended up rejecting the blue zircon ring. I was miffed so I pulled the zircon and the opal ring that I sent in. But it was an interesting exercise. I ended up sending the opal ring to Jewels with Stories. She sold it for me.

In my experience, the TRR is not consistent in appraising value versus listed prices, which has worked to some PSer’s discerning eye.
I asked for quotes on some pieces before sending them in to list, which I recommend. I felt it was an acceptable return (less their fees) I sent it in. They listed it for significantly less than quoted. Thankfully, I was watching and immediately emailed them to pull it and honor the quote. The items sold quickly at the original quoted price.

 

[newtojewels]

In my experience, the TRR is not consistent in appraising value versus listed prices, which has worked to some PSer’s discerning eye.
I asked for quotes on some pieces before sending them in to list, which I recommend. I felt it was an acceptable return (less their fees) I sent it in. They listed it for significantly less than quoted. Thankfully, I was watching and immediately emailed them to pull it and honor the quote. The items sold quickly at the original quoted price.

Good thing you caught that! I always wondered how the pricing approval for sellers works, sounds like it doesn't even when it's meant to!

 

[lulu_ma]

In my experience, the TRR is not consistent in appraising value versus listed prices, which has worked to some PSer’s discerning eye.
I asked for quotes on some pieces before sending them in to list, which I recommend. I felt it was an acceptable return (less their fees) I sent it in. They listed it for significantly less than quoted. Thankfully, I was watching and immediately emailed them to pull it and honor the quote. The items sold quickly at the original quoted price.

Wow-I never got that far-thanks for the heads up!

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

IGI appraised a 10 stone diamond ring for me a couple years ago, ~$100. Nice report with photos, grading, etc. Didn't have to remove the stones.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

jinxcats, I like your photo.
The 3rd ring appeals to me, the one with the good-sized white rounds around the main stone. Is the main stone warm? Brown? Modern or old cut? Carat size? Any idea of the clarity? Is the setting yellow gold or rose? 14kt or 18? Size of the ring? Is $2,500 the consignment price? You see where I'm headed.
There are places you could sell this without paying consignment fees but you'd have to have this info on hand.
ebay is not a terrible idea, they have an authentication process although I'm not sure how items qualify for it. But I think you'd keep more money than with a jeweler.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Thank you for the info. I’m a jewlery newbie and before this have owned nothing worth over $100 in jewlery so pardon if i sound uninformed. I haven’t sought out any private buyers as i have no info on the rings which i know would be requested, also the cost is quite a lot to me as a part time student :/ The only estimates i have for value are that i know how much the rings were originally bought for at action, and i know the estimate my jewler gave me for how much they’d sell each for. So those are my only points of reference sadly.

please be sure that you will not regret selling grandma's jewellery in the future, tastes and fashions change over our lifetimes