Maximizing the Value of Your Utah Estate Jewelry

13 February, 2025

Jewelry can come to us for a variety of purposes, and when it’s passed on to us via family inheritance or a similar setup, it’s typically known as “estate jewelry.” For some, there may come a time where you want or need to sell estate jewelry – and in these cases, maximizing the value you receive in return is naturally very important.

At AAA Jewelers, we offer quality jewelry buying and selling quotes to Utah clients for any need, including those looking to sell estate jewelry for various reasons. What are some simple tips we regularly offer to clients on how to maximize their value when selling estate jewelry? Here are some basics to keep in mind.

Keeping Jewelry Secure

Both before a sale and while negotiating the sale of estate jewelry, it’s essential that the jewelry is kept safe and secure. Jewelry can be extremely valuable, and as such, it should be protected from theft or other risks.

Specifically, jewelry should be stored in a secure, non-public environment with limited access. Some people use safety deposit boxes, while others keep their jewelry in a secure location at home.

Additionally, any appraisals or other documentation should also be kept safe and secure – this can help buyers to more easily assess the value of an estate jewelry piece, which can lead to a higher selling price.

Original Packaging

If at all possible, estate jewelry should be sold with its original packaging, such as the box and any documentation. This can also help to establish authenticity and increase the perceived value of a piece.

If you’re unable to keep the original packaging, consider including a certificate of authenticity from a respected source to help buyers form an accurate assessment of your estate jewelry.

Getting a Legitimate Estimate

Having your piece(s) examined and appraised by an experienced, qualified and certified appraiser is one of the best ways to ensure that you receive an accurate estimate for your jewelry. In addition, it can be a good idea to get multiple estimates from different sources – this can help provide more insight into the value of the piece.

Specifically, you should find a reputable professional whom you can trust to give an accurate appraisal. Making sure that the appraiser is properly certified, experienced and qualified can help ensure this.

Ask About Melt Value

When obtaining estimates for the sale or exchange of estate jewelry, you should be sure to ask about the “melt value” – this is essentially how much the metal in a piece (such as gold) would be worth if it were melted down and sold as pure metal. This can help you to decide whether you want to consider a cash offer or perhaps even another type of exchange.

For example, some jewelry buyers may offer a higher price if you agree to keep the jewelry and take other items, such as gift cards or store credit. Keeping melt value in mind can help you make a more informed decision and get the most out of your estate jewelry sale.

Have Jewelry Cleaned and Polished

It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference this can make. Cleaning and polishing estate jewelry can help to restore its beauty and shine, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

However, be sure that the cleaning is done correctly; certain types of jewelry may require specific cleaning methods and products, so it’s always best to consult with an experienced professional in order to ensure that it’s done correctly.

Consider Selling on Consignment

One solid approach that many people take when selling estate jewelry is to look for quality jewelry stores that offer consignment services. This can help you to get a better sale price since the store will typically be responsible for marketing and advertising your piece to potential buyers.

For those unaware, consignment refers to a process where a store owner or buyer will typically agree to display the piece in their store for a period of time on the condition that the original owner will receive a certain percentage (usually around 50%) of any profits made from its sale. This setup often makes it easier for both buyers and sellers to maximize the value of estate jewelry.

Can You Sell Estate Jewelry Online?

As with most things, the answer is yes – online selling platforms such as eBay and Etsy offer an easy way to list and sell estate jewelry with minimal hassle. However, it’s vital to ensure that you’re selling to legitimate buyers, as there are unfortunately many online scams out there.

For this reason, it’s usually best to look for reputable sites that offer a secure payment system and buyer protection policies. Additionally, research the potential buyers before committing to any transactions – this can help you avoid any potential issues or scams.

You should also be looking for any signs that a buyer may be attempting to scam you. Here are a few possible signs:

Changing information: If a buyer is continuously changing their information, such as address or payment method, they may be attempting to scam you.

Unreasonable requests: If a buyer asks for something that seems to unreasonable or unrelated to the transaction (such as additional photos), this could be a sign of potential fraud.

Attempting to confuse you: If a buyer is using confusing language or attempting to distract you in order to get what they want, this can also be a sign of fraud.

When it comes time to sell estate jewelry, there are many important things to consider. By following the above tips and advice, you should have no trouble maximizing the value of your piece and getting the best price possible.

And at AAA Jewelers, we’re here to help you every step of the way if you’re selling estate jewelry in Utah. Our team of experienced jewelry professionals can provide expert advice and guidance throughout the entire process, from appraisals of your piece to connecting you with dependable buyers, ensuring that everything runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

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