Learn How To Sell Your Jewelry Without Being Scammed.
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
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.
What’s The Difference Between Fine Jewelry And Fashion Jewelry?
Reputable Antique Jewelry Appraisers Near Me
Whether you have been gifted your great-aunt’s antique jewelry, have been collecting and are ready to sell, or have another story behind your selling, it’s a smart move to get an antique jewelry appraisal. There is a myriad of reasons why going with a professional appraisal from someone who specializes not only in antiques, but antique jewelry. Here’s how to find the best reputable antique jewelry appraiser and why you should get one.
Why Do You Need an Antique Jewelry Appraiser?
The process of appraising antique jewelry is a thorough one that will tell you many things about your treasure. Your appraiser will determine the quality, the age, hopefully the location the piece hails from or at least what country or vicinity. Values will be assigned for the item based on the quality of various elements. They will also weigh it. A document will be created which will describe what was determined during the appraisal.
It takes a skilled appraiser who is knowledgeable in jewelry and in antiques to assess the value of antique jewelry. Anyone who is not trained will merely be guessing.
Imagine if you take your valuable antique jewelry to someone who is a crook. They may switch your piece or even tell you it is fake and offer to buy it for next to nothing. Not only do you need an antique jewelry appraiser, you need an honest one.
Do keep in mind that an antique jewelry appraisal can take place for a variety of reasons other than for the purpose of selling. To have your jewelry insured, your insurance company will ask for it to be appraised. In addition, jewelry is sometimes appraised when there is a liquidation due to bankruptcy. Whatever the case, getting a dependable appraiser who is an expert in both jewelry and antiques is priceless.
Local Jewelry Appraisal
When you are looking for an antique jewelry appraiser, it’s a great idea to go local. Simply conduct a search online for “antique jewelry appraisal near me” and you’ll find a list of appraisers. Sift through them to find those who are experts in antique jewelry appraising.
Past that, you will want to check to see how long the business has been around. Ask for references and see if they have an online presence. What is their reputation with local business authorities and the Better Business Bureau? Once you choose the top contenders, contact each of them. If you are treated rudely, don’t pursue. Those who earn the privilege of appraising your jewelry will be trustworthy and courteous. Choose the best local jewelry appraisal offer and if you are ready, go ahead and sell.
Vintage Jewelry Appraisal Online Free
Acquiring a vintage jewelry appraisal online free of charge is a cinch. There are many sites that offer such a deal. You want to be sure the appraiser you are dealing with has an upstanding reputation that’s verifiable and a knowledge that is proven with certification. The more you can find out about the business or individual, the less risky your appraisal will be.
The way an online vintage jewelry appraisal works is that you usually contact the appraiser and are asked to create an complimentary account. You’ll answer some questions about your jewelry and upload some photos too. Antique jewelry experts will appraise your item and you’ll receive the written document stating the value and usually, you’ll be made an offer to sell your antique jewelry.
Ready to For Your Antique Jewelry Appraisal?
If you are needing a local jewelry appraisal and live in the Florida area, or an online appraisal for free, be sure to check out Antique Jewelry Buyers. In business since 1972, Antique Jewelry Buyers has some of the best expert antique jewelry appraisers in the industry. Their superior service is world renown and their integrity is unmatched. When you’re ready for your appraisal, you can trust the professionals at Antique Jewelry.
Learn about engraving and etching techniques from jewelry appraisal experts!
You must be wondering if these two terms, engraving and etching, are totally similar techniques of designing pictures or designs on jewelry pieces. And, when it comes to distinguishing between these techniques, we ordinary people are unable to do so. To acknowledge one, I went for a local jewelry appraisal for my precious piece. The appraiser appraised me about the real work of engraving and etching and how they make a major difference in jewelry design. Let’s find out…
What is engraving?
Engraving is a technique that is used for creating, i.e., cutting designs or texts on the soft metal surface of the jewelry with a sharp tool.
In this new era, a new advanced technology has emerged. The laser engraving, which has become easier for engravers to burn out, heats up the laser to make cavities to reveal the image or text easier on the jewelry or silverware pieces.
What is etching?
Etching is also a technique that is traditional and is used to make incisive markings on the silver of a gold necklace, i.e., printing of content consistency. In this process, metal is prepared to draw markings with acid-resistant wax. Once the acid settles down, it leaves a touchable mark on the surface of silverware.
Antique jewelry appraisers are informed that a new laser etching technique has been invented in which the surface of metal gets wiped without cutting the surface and can draw incisive markings on it.
Major differences between engraving and etching.
From a vintage jewelry appraisal, I got to know that the main distinction between these techniques is that engraving is a physical process and etching is a chemical process. An engraver cuts down the surface with a cutting tool to make a mark, and an etcher burns out the surface to make a mark.
If talking about laser technology, here are a few major points to discuss in depth:
Marking shape-
When processing creates a shallow-shaped marking,
It discerns canonical-shaped markings.
Durability-
Etching, when done, doesn’t have a deep mark as compared to engraving. That’s why engraving is more durable than the etching process and lasts for a longer duration of time.
Versatility-
Etching can be done on every type of metal, which also includes plastics, lead, glasses, wooden or papers.
But, engraving is done only on plated metals, ceramics, steel, aluminum, and stones, etc.
Innovative Techniques—An important need for the jewelry industry!
According to an old jewelry appraiser, whether it is etching, engraving, or a standard marking technique, they all serve the same purpose, but the material, durability, versatility, and design requirements differ, giving them great importance in the jewelry industry.
In the world of innovation, everyone wants a new invention every minute that can happen in our environment and provide us with a huge benefit in our growth cycle. Every industry is trying its best to create a new world of great innovation for every living being’s needs and requirements.
Qualities To Look Into A Reputable Antique Jewelry Appraiser
Antique jewelry buyers aren’t all cut from the same mold. Some operates their jewels dealing service with the utmost integrity, others are not. It’s imperative to know the difference. And, these practices can make you knowledgeable and will protect you from getting tricked by scammers.
Read on to learn what qualities an reputable jewelry appraiser should have to be honest and reliable which is so important.
How to Identify Reliable Antique Jewelry Buyers
There are certain traits that separate reputable antique buyers from crooked scam artists, including:
#1. Reputation is everything to upstanding antique jewelry dealers
Legitimate buyers should be very well-known and have good honor by making their living through buying and selling vintage and antique pieces honestly.
They should be reliable and honest and be respectful when rubbing shoulders with other antique jewelry dealers in the industry, oftentimes on a regular basis, so that they can stand out with a pristine reputation.
They also have to build a clientele and have to work hard to secure it over the years. When you do business with an antique jewelry buyers who has the following benefits, you can feel sure they have a good reputation in the industry.
#2. The Best Antique Jewelry Dealers are Well-Established
When looking for a fine jewelry buyer worthy of your jewelry appraisal. Be sure to check to see how long the dealer has been in the area or online. Shady jewelry appraisers tend to creep around when they sniff an opportunity to rip you off and vanish as quickly as they can.
Also, those who use the internet to scam co-sellers are able to disappear more easily than those with brick and mortar stores, but be cautious of both types.
So, do your homework to be sure that your prospective antique jewelry dealer has been in the industry for enough time and has established their business with other dealers and with clients too.
Ask other buyers and sellers if they have heard of the dealer. Do research about jewelry appraisers by doing an online search for them, and if they have a physical shop, ask the local authorities about them.
You can also see if there are any complaints about the dealer registered with the Better Business Bureau.
#3. Your gut feelings are worth a fortune
“If I had only listened to my gut instinct”… How many times have you looked back with regret for not following your instinct? If you feel the ancient dealer is not on the up-and-up, then chances are that he/she isn’t the right dealer to trust.
Any red flag you encounter, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time, should be worth paying attention to. It’s easy to get swept off your feet by a charming buyer or seller, and those who are up to no good thrive.
Even feeling rushed to make a decision is not alright. Reputable jewelry appraisers have no problem with you taking your time.
They are sensitive to your wants and needs. They realize selling isn’t always easy—emotionally or otherwise. If you don’t have a good gut feeling about a dealer, just walk away, and be sure to take your jewelry with you.
The Antique Jewelry Appraisal Process
Once you have done your own research and now is the time, how to get your jewelry appraised. Finding an appraiser you feel is reputable, the next step will be to go through the process of an appraisal to sell fine jewelry.
This is when you present your jewelry to the buyer. You will not only want to be assured that the dealer won’t take off your piece. You’ll want to be certain that he or she will be honest so that you’ll be offered a fair price for your treasure.
While there is no full-proof method to ensure the antique jewelry appraisers’ integrity, credibility, which is listed above. This will certainly narrow down the chances you’ll be taking and will increase the probability.
Hence, you’ll walk out of the appraisal session with a smile on your face and, hopefully, a little knowledge about how to appraise jewelry yourself & some expected amount or a check in your pocket as well.
What Factors You Need to Get the Best Deal on Antique Jewelry
Did you just inherit your great aunt’s vintage jewelry? Maybe you’ve been collecting antique jewelry for years and have decided it’s time to sell. Whatever the case, if you are planning to get an online jewelry appraisal, there are some important things you should know in order to maximize your selling price from antique jewelry buyers
Factors To Consider In A Vintage Jewelry Appraisal
Knowing what antique jewelry buyers are looking for will optimize your experience and will no doubt bring more profit to your pocketbook. Here are some vital considerations you’ll encounter when receiving an online jewelry appraisal or vintage jewelry appraisal from a brick-and-mortar store:
Content: What is your vintage jewelry made of? Is it 18 karat gold or is it sterling silver? The metal it’s made out of will greatly determine the price antique jewelry buyers are willing to pay you for it.
Quality: It’s highly recommended that you find out the value of your piece before having a vintage jewelry appraisal. That will ensure you go in having a good idea of what the online jewelry appraisal or in-person vintage jewelry appraisal will bring. You don’t want to be surprised, for better or for worse, when an actual offer is on the table.
Age: How old is your jewelry. Typically, the older the piece, the more it brings in but that isn’t always the case. Certain eras are more valuable than others so do your part and find out the exact age of your vintage jewelry. The age of your piece will also help determine the artistic and monumental value of it.
History: What was going on during the time period your antique jewelry was created? Was there a civil war? Who was president (or king)? Finding out as much as you can about the history of the era your jewelry is from will help add to the amount it will sell for.
Know Before You Go To Antique Jewelry Buyers
If you don’t know the information above, it’s time to find out. A little effort goes a long way. Doing your homework on your antique jewelry will pay off in the long run so take the time and do the research needed to approach a vintage antique jewelry buyer with confidence and knowledge. You can glean information online and also at the library and from local vintage jewelry buyers.
Ready For Your Online Jewelry Appraisal Or In-Person Vintage Jewelry Appraisal?
When you are ready to have your vintage jewelry appraised, you’ll need to decide if you want a jewelry appraisal online or to check out antique jewelry buyers in person, or both. Once you’ve made you decision, make sure you are equipped with the knowledge about your antique jewelry when you go.
Be confident and never hesitate to turn an offer down or to say you need some time to think about it. If the antique jewelry buyer you are dealing with isn’t alright with that, consider it to be a big red flag and cease doing business with them. Anyone conducting a vintage jewelry appraisal should be respectful of your wishes.
With the information you now know about what antique jewelry buyers look for in pieces, you can proceed with your online jewelry appraisal or in-person vintage jewelry appraisal. Good luck with getting the best offer on your treasured vintage piece and keep in mind the worst that can happen is that you decide not to sell and then…you get to keep it which might not be such a bad thing after all.
