By definition, estate jewelry is any pre-owned piece of jewelry. It could be a ring made over 100 years ago, or it could be a necklace bought last week. If it is not being sold as a newly manufactured item, then it is estate jewelry. Understanding estate jewelry value starts with that definition.
Types of Estate Jewelry
You can break estate jewelry down into three categories. First, there are antique pieces, which are items made over 100 years ago. Next come period pieces, such as Art Deco or Retro, which were made in the 20s through the 40s. Finally, there is pre-owned contemporary jewelry, meaning items made within the past 50 years.
Experts can easily tell these apart by the workmanship, the style and the cut of the stones. There is no comparison between the workmanship on jewelry made 75 to 100 years ago and today. Many designers create high quality pieces now, but not to the extent of the handmade work from years ago. As the years go on, antique and period pieces get harder to find. So when you own an antique, there is a good chance it is a unique, one of a kind item.
Where Estate Jewelry Value Comes From
We are always looking to buy high end antique and period pieces, but we also buy pre-owned contemporary jewelry. Many of those pieces may not be salable as they are. Still, if they are gold or platinum, they have precious metal value. We do buy a lot of contemporary pieces and try to sell them. If we cannot, we break them apart, so those items sell at very low prices.
At the same time, we are selling many pre-owned contemporary, antique and designer pieces at incredible values. Many of them sell for 40% to 75% off the suggested retail replacement value. That is the heart of estate jewelry value: you get the workmanship and the materials without the new retail markup.
Work With Someone Who Knows the Market
Not many experts have the experience to properly buy and evaluate estate jewelry. Because of that, you need to work with someone who understands this market. I have over 35 years of experience and a strong reputation for honesty and fairness. I will make sure you get the value you deserve.
To see some of our selection, visit our estate jewelry for sale page.
I am a full service personal jeweler. I will work with you to find the perfect piece of jewelry or diamond, and I will get you the best value on jewelry you want to sell. I can also appraise your items so you are properly protected, and I can repair or custom design pieces for you.
Because I do not have the overhead of a typical jewelry store, I pass the savings along to you. You will be amazed at how much you save compared with traditional jewelry stores. Please call us today for all your jewelry needs. We work by appointment only.