How to Buy and Sell Antique and Estate Jewelry

I can still remember the first jewelry given to me by my mother-in-law. She gave my then-fiance and me a set of two gold wedding rings. They are simple wedding bands, but what made them extra special was that they were inherited and considered antique or estate jewelry. The simplicity of the jewelry was overseen because of its antique quality. There is something about antique and estate jewelry pieces that make them all the more interesting. That's the reason why they are also in demand in the market. Buying and selling antique jewelry has spread like wildfire in recent years. The market for estate and antique jewelry also has increased because these trinkets provide cheaper alternatives to those interested in investing in pretty and quality jewelry. If you are planning to buy or sell estate and antique jewelry, there are some points you have to consider. Here's a guide on how to easily buy and sell vintage jewelry.

When buying antique or estate jewelry, Research is essential to the search. Being informed beforehand can save you from being susceptible to con artists, and you can even score more for a specific price. An essential thing you can do is first learn as many things as you can about the background of specific antique jewelry. Look for reputable sources of information. Make the quest easier by looking for a jewelry dealer you can trust and build a relationship with. Choosing trusted dealers can even help you score better deals. Find these dealers on trusted internet sites. Also, if you know some dealers who always have jewelry displays or hold jewelry fairs, you can agree with them. They can help you a lot.

♥ Details should be checked at all times

The second thing you need to consider is checking the details of the jewelry you want to buy. For example, if a jewelry dealer tells you that the jewelry piece you are about to buy is from the 1950s, look for the mark. Look for details if the seller promises it is from the art deco era. Checking the details first helps you confirm that you are getting the best deal for your money. Aside from the authenticity check, also look thoroughly at the physical attributes of the jewelry piece. Sometimes, some marks and dents increase the value of the jewelry (frequently, there are stories behind them). Still, most of the time, these imperfections can tick you off, so you have to set your expectations beforehand and make sure you communicate this well to your dealer to avoid disappointment on your part.

♥ Have your criteria.

Before buying jewelry, set your criteria on what you want your jewelry; even though estate jewelry is already pre-designed, you can still specify what you want from a dealer to avoid being disappointed with the product you got. Setting criteria firsthand can also help you quickly find the piece you want. For a guide on how to establish criteria for your dream jewelry, Research is essential; that is why researching is what you should start with.

♥ Learn how to spot fake jewelry

Another thing that will convince you to do significant Research is that doing so can save you from buying fake jewelry. A piece of jewelry can surely lose value when it does not bear the specific marks and signatures the designers usually leave to seal its authenticity. When inspecting jewelry, use a magnifying glass to see the marks and signatures. The design of the jewelry piece is also one thing that you should take note of. Is its design similar to the ones produced during its stated time era? Although there are indeed jewelry pieces that can sometimes be left unmarked by designers, there are still some clues you can look for to know if it is authentic. If you have doubts about your jewelry, contact your dealer.

♥ Obtain the papers

When you buy jewelry, one of the things you should secure is paper. The papers will add value to the jewelry you are about to own, but it also helps you preserve the value of your jewelry. By holding official documents to the jewelry, you can confidently leave this jewelry as an inheritance. Also, these papers make antique jewelry pieces easier to sell! The following should appear on the official documents:

a. An original copy of the receipt with the name of the purchaser.

b. Proof of ownership from the previous owners or even a handwritten letter that signifies something about the jewelry.

c. Photograph of the jewelry with its original owner.

d. Documented Research on the jewelry's history

♥ Aesthetics are essential.

Remember that aesthetics are essential if you plan to sell a particular piece of estate jewelry. What do you mean by that? It means that when you sell your jewelry, the look is critical. The first thing you should ask yourself is if you are the jewelry owner, say a third party, will you still be willing to buy it? Always look at your jewelry from a third person's point of view. And since aesthetics are essential, ensure your pieces are still presentable. Consider the following factors, too:

a. Is it the trend for antique jewelry in demand today? (You can answer this by looking through the latest jewelry magazines.)

b. How is the condition of your jewelry? Does it look polished, or does it have dents and scratches that can diminish your jewelry value?

♥ Appraise, appraise, appraise

You know the value of your antique and estate jewelry more than anyone else. Before selling your pieces, always remember to appraise your jewelry, for you could be selling it for less than its actual value! Make sure that enough paper works and Proof come with your selling pieces. Appraising your trinkets can help you in the long run, like showing evidence that your jewelry is legit and has increased in value. Sometimes, people may not honor the appraised value, but it pays to keep one.

♥ Give your jewelry a good cleaning

As I said earlier, the look of the jewelry is essential. Sure, we might own a very high-class and invaluable piece of estate jewelry, but there's no good use to it if it looks like something you can get from a junk shop. If not taken care of properly, especially those not often worn, some antique accessories can accumulate dust and grime and, sometimes, look a bit mossy and rusty. Before you put it up for sale, please give it a good clean-up. Silver and gold pieces should look sparkly as new. Gems should be free from scratches and dents, and pearls should still have intact nacre. When cleaning your trinkets, be particular about the materials since some can bring more harm than good. You can hire a professional jewelry cleaner if you want to get a good cleaning out of your money. Again, if the jewelry looks A , you can strike a good deal out of it.

♥ Choose where to sell.

Next, decide now where to sell your jewelry. There are a bunch of places you can choose from. You can either trade them in jewelry stores or sell them online (or through an online jewelry store). Before selling, consider your audience. Who will be interested in buying your jewelry? Do you target older adults or want to cater to millennials? Do you find it easy to sell through the virtual dealership, or do you prefer to do it in person? You can consider setting up a jewelry fair or joining one hosted in your town. Exposing your jewelry to people using these media can help your selling process!

♥ Visit a pawnshop!

Lastly, consider visiting a pawnshop! Stores like these can tell whether what you have is authentic or not or if other people would genuinely buy it from you. Also, if you want to practice your trading skills, visiting a pawnshop (and pawning one of your unique pieces) is not a bad idea!

There is something special about classic jewelry that modern jewelry can never imitate. There is a story in jewelry wherein an origin tested through time cannot be easily copied if you enjoy antique or estate jewelry, it's time to delight other people by buying and selling them. This guide to buying and selling authentic jewelry, you are on your way to acing it. Don't sit there waiting. Keep sparkling, darling.