Don’ts of Selling Estate Jewelry: The Big 3

Over the years, you’ve collected countless pieces of jewelry. Some may have been handed down to you from your mother or grandmother, while others were given to you by your significant other for various occasions or just because. You even have a few pieces from your children, which Dad paid for and put their name on. While every piece of jewelry may have sentimental value, there may come a time when your jewelry becomes so stuffed to the brim that you need to sell some. To get a monetary value that is as great as your jewelry’s sentimental value, there are a few things you should NOT do when you go to sell estate jewelry in Atlanta.

Don’t Attempt to Sell Without Educating Yourself First

Not all rubies and sapphires are created equal, and a smaller stone may be worth much more than a larger one. For instance, certified diamonds have a higher market value than uncertified, and natural gems are worth more than their lab-crafted counterparts. By knowing where your jewelry came from and whether or not any papers came with it, you can estimate its worth and be prepared for price negotiations when the time comes.

Don’t Enter Negotiations With Outrageous Expectations

If you want to sell estate jewelry in Atlanta to a reputable jeweler, do not go into their establishment with outrageous expectations. While it is one thing to know what your item is worth, it is another entirely to expect full retail value for your used piece. By entering negotiations with outrageous expectations, a good jeweler will just turn you away on the spot, likely be assuming that you two won’t be able to come to a fair agreement.

Don’t Forget to Prep Your Piece

When you’re ready to trade in your old vehicle for a new one – want to sell an article of clothing to a consignment shop – or are getting your belongings ready for a garage sale, you don’t just present them to the buyer "as is"—you prep them! For your car, this means detailing and washing it. For your clothes, it means running them through the laundry cycle one more time. For your garage sale belongings, it means cleaning, buffing, and mending. Show the same courtesy to your jeweler as you would to any other buyer and they’ll be more inclined to work with you.

If you want to sell estate jewelry in Atlanta, educate yourself, keep your expectations in check and don’t forget to prep your piece. By doing each of these things, you can sell your precious metals and gems for as close to your perceived sentimental value as possible.

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.