Where to sell my rare vintage ring?

[catherineLewis]

I bought my latest upgraded vintage engagement ring a few years ago from Estate Diamond Jewelry. It's a beautiful ring and I'm in love it, but I'm ready to move on to the next ring. They've offered me almost the same price that I purchased it, but my friend told me that I can get more than full value for this ring. Is that true? Are there people who know the worth of rare vintage rings who will pay a premium for my ring?

 

[foxinsox]

It may be true if you bought your ring for a low price, it's a particularly rare combination of old cut, colour or clarity, diamond prices have risen since you bought it or it's a particularly good example of that type of ring or diamond. Is it certified by GIA or AGS?
Does your friend have any experience to back up their belief you could do better with respect to sale price or are they assuming that if the original vendor would buy it back with minimal loss, that it must be worth more on the open market?
If you're looking to sell a vintage ring, try Jewels by Grace or Love Affair Diamonds as they are old cut specialists and both buy for resale and offer consignment services. You could also try other reputable old cut specialists like Old World Diamonds or antique vendors like Langs Antiques.
If you have a GIA or AGS cert, you could try selling it yourself using LoupeTroop or DiamondBistro but you'd need to be realistic about the pricing if you're selling privately. Luckily if you do have one of those certs, you can work out what the market is actually supporting in terms of pricing for diamonds and settings like yours. You may find that, although it's rare, it might not be in fashion or be something that appeals to very many people so it might be a difficult sell.
Do you have any pictures you could post?

 

[Bron357]

Hi, selling vintage jewellery can be a bit tricky. With most sale venues there is a fee/ commission that you have to pay out of the "sale price". Auction houses for example charge the seller around 20% (and the buyer also pays a commission fee). Places like eBay charge sellers fees around 10% as well. A vintage piece can have greater value beyond its gem and precious metal content if it has a "brand hallmark" ie Tiffany, Cartier etc or unique characteristics ie a stunning mount or a beautiful OEC diamond BUT such vintage pieces don't appeal to everyone. Market forces drive prices, if you ring is very attractive and appeals to a number of people you can expect a better price.

 

[GabrieleM]

Hi there,

What kind of ring is next on your wish list? What is the price range?
Do you like Harry Winston?

 

[missy]

Ooh sounds lovely. Can you please post a photo of this ring?

Generally resale is tough in terms of getting what you paid (or more) so if they are willing to offer what you paid for it that might be worth exploring. Hard to say without more details on the ring in question. Alternatively, you can consign with one of our vintage dealers here. They take a percentage but they might be able to get a higher price for you than you can by yourself. A piece of jewelry is worth what someone is willing to pay for it so there is the unknown factor there. All you need is one person willing to give you what you want for it.


ETA: Just read foxinsox's reply and they provided great links. Perfect.