How to sell your unwanted Jewelry, Diamonds or Gemstones

A lot of people who are thinking of selling some of their jewelry ask if they should get it appraised.  My answer is maybe, depending on how you’re planning to sell it.  Basically, there are two ways to go about it with advantages and disadvantaged to each way.  Let me explain…

FINDING YOUR OWN BUYER   The advantage to selling this way is you’ll realize the most amount of money.  The disadvantage is the brain-damage you’ll suffer finding the buyer and safely making the sale.  Clearly you have to be careful because you don’t want a stranger coming to your home looking at your jewelry.  You’ll need to arrange to meet in a safe neutral location such as your bank.  If you choose to sell it yourself then having an appraisal done would be helpful to show the piece’s value.

SELLING DIRECTLY TO A DEALER  The advantage to selling this way is you’ll get paid immediately and you’re done.  The disadvantage is you’ll get the least amount of money.  If you choose to sell to a dealer then there’s no reason to waste money on an appraisal.  They will figure out what they’re willing to pay and an appraisal will make no difference.

Now it’s up to you to decide which way is the best option.  There’s no right or wrong here, you choose if you want to spend the time and effort it takes selling privately, or take less money and be done with it.