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VINTAGE JEWELLERY: THE BEST WAY TO SELL AND GET WHAT THEY ARE WORTH


The world of jewellery selling can be a confusing and somewhat daunting one to navigate. Where to start, what to do and who to go to are some of the primary unknowns, yet likely the most vital aspects in order to make an informed decision and ensure you get the best value for your treasures.

Whether you discovered a hidden gem in your late Grandmother’s jewellery box, have been gifted something that you just don’t love or you have a family heirloom you think may be a collector’s piece – we’ve put together 4 tips to help you unravel the mysteries behind reselling your jewellery.

The most exquisite selection of handpicked vintage brooches – One of a kind pieces that we love here at Keshett. View our collection here.

KNOW YOUR VINTAGE PIECE INSIDE AND OUT

When valuing a used car, you must know the make, model, year and mileage to start – and the same is true for jewellery. So before you rush to market it is important to ensure you have an accurate idea about what you actually have.

When it comes to vintage jewellery, it’s worthwhile remembering that just because it’s old doesn’t mean it instantly acquires more value. Antique jewellery usually goes one of two ways – it becomes a collector’s item or it simply falls out of style. The latter generally means that the value will diminish rather than increase.

Gorgeous vintage rings featuring bright Amethysts in our collection now. View here.

So, before you take your jewellery to get appraised we recommend you gather as much information on your item as possible as to where the piece came from. Look for things like original receipts, fitted cases, letters or notes that may indicate where it was purchased, when and by whom. Other things to keep an eye out for are hallmarks, date letters and purity marks which are usually stamped onto the item. We recommend that you research into your findings as you may discover more about the history of your piece, which may affect its selling price.

It’s also worth finding out the type of material your jewellery is made of. Precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum do come with a certain value depending on the size and weight so the minimum you should receive is the scrap value of the metal, if your jewellery includes gemstones it may be worth much more.

Vintage Diamond Rings available now online – View our collection here.

When it comes to gemstones there are several different types, most modern colourless gems such as diamonds will have precise cuts whereas older diamonds may be a little rough and less precise around the edges.

We’ve recognized an increased demand for coloured gems so keep an eye out for strong bold colours. If you think you may have a valuable gem, do some research to identify which gemstone your jewellery may hold, as some gemstones have similar shades and can easily be confused with others.

 

INVESTIGATE YOUR SELLING OPTIONS

We highly recommend that you take your jewellery to an expert jeweller, like Keshett. We offer complimentary appraisals, so you don’t need to worry about spending money on a formal assessment. Keshett and its staff have been in the jewellery business for over thirty years and pride ourselves on our knowledge and our authenticity.

 

We are always on the search for beautiful vintage pieces, so if you think you may have something special, we would be more than happy to take a look. Getting your jewellery appraised is the perfect place to start in order to gain an understanding of the value of your item as well as learning about your stones characteristics and condition. We can also highlight features that could affect its value and suggest ways in which you may be able to improve these for sale, or simply suggest you sell your item for other items instead.

It’s hard to resist these 1880’s to 1890’s locketts. We spend so much time sourcing them and always love seeing them go to a new home.

MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Having unrealistic expectations for the price of your item is the fastest way to disappointment with any sale, so it is important to ground your expectations. The actual amount you’ll receive is dependant on many variables – beauty, rarity, where it was originally purchased and of course the materials that make it up.

Appraisals are helpful because they give you an estimated value of your item, but it is imperative to remember that more often than not, this isn’t the actual dollar amount you’ll get from its resale. At Keshett, we also offer trade-ins for a more contemporary piece of jewellery, more suitable to your taste, if you simply wish to upgrade your piece.

 

Stand out Vintage Gemstones available now at Keshett. View our collection here.

PREPARE YOUR JEWELLERY FOR SALE

At Keshett we can also prepare your jewellery for sale with our maintenance and cleaning services. Regular cleaning and maintence every six months will best ensure your jewellery maintains its condition best. When it comes to selling, don’t underestimate the power of a good polish to get the sparkle back in your jewellery.

 

The artisans at Keshett will also make sure your stones are secure in their settings and advise you on any repairs if necessary.

Book a consultation with our expert jewellers at one of our stores or view our collection here.