How Do I Sell Unwanted Jewellery?

Fashion trends fluctuate all the time, consequently certain jewellery will have a greater appeal to potential buyers than others, depending on the current market demand. As jewellery tends to be relatively easy to store away, it is not uncommon for pieces to be put away and forgotten, going unworn for some time.

^{A spectacular Cartier Kashmir sapphire and diamond flower brooch}

^{Sold for £340,000}

A declutter session can reveal inherited or gifted adornments that have never been worn by the current owner due to any number of reasons, most often the piece is not fashionable, admired or suited to their tastes. The inherent purpose of jewellery is to be worn, indeed if you’re not getting any pleasure from your treasures, it is probably time to consider selling them.

Before parting with your jewellery, it is essential to take stock of what the item is and what characteristics it possesses that could make it valuable. Selling jewels without any knowledge of what they are can place you in an incredibly precarious scenario, whether it is a piece of costume jewellery or an antique heirloom, research is the most pragmatic approach.

^{A rare 11.03ct diamond three-stone Kutchinsky ring}

^{Sold for £51,000}

Precious metals are rare, and as such they will always appreciate in value, they may fluctuate from day to day depending on the current market prices, but long term they hold a growing value. Jewellery made from gold, platinum, palladium, or silver will for the most part have hallmarks present. If there are no hallmarks and the piece is relatively young in age, then it is probably not of considerable value.

We would always advise that you contact an expert Valuer for an accurate appraisal. Local jewellers or a reputable auction house (like Dawsons) will have the expertise and knowledge to advise what an item is, whether the gemstones are authentic and if there is a thriving market for that particular jewellery. These informal assessments are usually free of charge and there is no obligation to sell.

Once a piece of jewellery has been valued you can make an educated decision about how you would like to sell it. There are numerous scrap dealers who will purchase jewellery according to its respective weight and gold composition, which offers a quick turnaround transaction, but little consideration of the actual work of art. Dealers, jewellers and pawnbrokers can also assist, their buyers pool will be considerably larger than selling directly to individuals; it is worth obtaining several offers before selling to ensure you have accepted the best price. Marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, Vinted and Facebook offer sellers the opportunity to obtain a price that they have pre-determined, while this could potentially be more lucrative, it could be a lengthy process and makes unseasoned vendors vulnerable to scams.

^{An Art Deco style diamond cocktail ring}

^{Sold for £41,000}

Auction houses like Dawsons can be a rewarding and financially beneficial option to prospective sellers. Reputable firms will have inhouse experts who will take responsibility for the entire process of selling your unwanted jewels – for the best possible price. From certification, authentication, descriptions, and photography; to marketing to a large international base of collectors and enthusiasts who may be prepared to pay more than local buyers, the auction process is one of the most seamless options available.

When it comes to selling jewellery, there are many pros and cons to each avenue of sale. Here at Dawsons our friendly team of gemmologically qualified Valuers can provide sound advice and expert guidance to ensure the most positive experience when you are ready to sell.

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Do you have any unwanted jewellery that you are considering selling?

With a global audience of over 10 million active bidders, Dawsons can secure the highest price for you.

Get in touch with an expert jewellery Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk