We all look to make a little extra money these days. So many of us have to work a side hustle of one kind or another to pay the bills. It’s always smart to look for ways to cash-in.

“One way to make extra money is to sell your old, unwanted, and unworn jewelry. How many of us have a box full of tangled ornaments that we never wear? How many of us have various pieces of jewelry in a drawer that haven’t seen the light of day for years? How many of us have jewelry that was inherited from family members that had never been worn? This is the time to look for antique stores near me in your area or online, and know how much they are worth.”

You never know; your unwanted jewelry might just net you a windfall. In this post, we’ll look at how and where you can sell your antique jewelry without getting scammed.

The First Step- Appraisal

The first, and perhaps most important, step in selling your jewelry while getting a fair price is having it appraised. This is an important step because you never know what your jewelry might be worth.

A piece of jewelry that you think is just costume jewelry might actually be worth something. A piece of jewelry that you think is valuable might not be worth anything. Professional antique jewelry appraisers will tell you that sometimes even old appraisals are wrong.

They are sometimes able to perform more detailed appraisals that reveal details indicating a piece is even more valuable than previously estimated. It is always a good idea to have your jewelry appraised by a professional before selling it.

Where/How Can I Find an Appraiser?

Once you have decided to have your jewelry appraised, the search is on for a professional appraiser who can accurately assess the value of your jewelry. When you search for an appraiser, you want to look for a certified expert in order to avoid being scammed. The American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers are all good places to start. Members of these groups have extensive training and experience. They follow a set of standards and ethics that ensure you won’t get scammed. Look for an appraiser who is certified by one of these groups.

Places That Buy Antiques Online

Today, everything is for sale online. It seems obvious that you would want to find antique jewelry dealers online. Once you have your piece appraised, the next step is to look for a place online where you can get the best price. Tread carefully when you go online. You run the risk of dealing with antique jewelry buyers who will try to offer you a lot less than your jewelry is worth.

You might send a piece to someone and then find they don’t return it after you reject their offer, or they don’t send the payment when you accept it. It is best to shop around and find an antique jewelry buyer with a good reputation who offers a price that matches your appraisal. If you do wish to work with online jewelry buyers, make sure you work with very reputable players or through renowned auction houses and very well-established online websites that allow you to pick and choose among a variety of dealers that have been vetted.

Finding Local Antique Jewelry Dealers

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If you feel more comfortable selling your jewelry in person, there are still plenty of antique jewelry buyers out there. There are a wide variety of antique jewelry stores, consignment shops, and pawn shops that will buy your vintage jewelry. The American Gem Society has a store locator on their website that helps you find a list of reputable local jewelry buyers. Whether you are selling online or looking for someplace local, it is always wise to check the website review before selling to anyone in order to avoid being scammed. Always shop around and get offers in writing. You can also check with your appraiser. They can often connect you with reputable antique jewelry dealers and vintage jewelry buyers. Selling your jewelry to make extra money is a great idea, but always proceed with caution in order to avoid getting scammed.

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