Jewelry at an estate sale can vary from an old heirloom to a dated antique. But whether you’re at an estate sale as a buyer or a seller, you may be wondering how much those pieces of jewelry should cost.
Identification
Everything comes down to identification. Unless you are a professional jeweler, you might not notice distinct markings that characterize the stone. Minerals, insignias, and markings can dramatically change the value of a piece, because each has a history behind it. Some fake costume jewelry looks an awful lot like vintage jewelry, but it is not authentic, which explains the cheap pricing. Ensure that you or someone with you can identify a real stone from an imposter.
Consider the Details
Even if you identify a rare or expensive stone, there are other things to consider. Your items are only worth what a buyer will pay for them, so if your asking price is high, make sure you can back that up. The same goes if you are purchasing something, ensure that you consider every tiny aspect of the piece before you purchase.
Get the Stone Officially Appraised
If you’re the seller, remember that if you have your stone appraised properly, you can justify your asking price. This gives you the freedom to turn away low offers, because you know there is a ready and willing customer out there.
if you are getting something appraised, ask the appraiser for either an estate or liquidation appraisal which will be closer to a wholesale price. Most appraisals are for retail replacement which has little to do with its marketability or cash value. A retail appraisal will only give you an inflated idea of it actual value
As a buyer, always keep in mind that just because someone sells jewelry, it does not make that person an appraiser or an expert. You want to find estate jewelry through a reputable company, much like ours. Contact Frank Pollak & Sons today to learn more about our appraisal services.