How the Estate Jewelry Buying Process Works (And Why We Love It)

Every day, people walk through our door with pieces that hold a little history, a little mystery, and sometimes a lot of emotion. Maybe it’s your grandmother’s engagement ring, a vintage watch tucked in a drawer for years, or a necklace that’s just not your style anymore.

Whatever brings you in, we’re here to make the estate buying process simple, respectful, and even a little fun.

If you’ve ever wondered what your jewelry might be worth – or you’re thinking about selling – we’ve put together this little guide to help you understand how it all works.

First Things First: What Is Estate Jewelry?

“Estate jewelry” is just a fancy way of saying “pre-owned.” That’s it. It doesn’t have to be antique (though we love those pieces too). It might be something you inherited, a ring from a previous chapter in life, or even a piece you picked up at an estate sale that didn’t end up being your vibe.

We're interested in a wide range of items, including:

  • Vintage and antique jewelry (usually 20 years old or more)

  • Diamond rings and gemstone jewelry

  • Gold, platinum, or silver pieces – even if they’re broken

  • Designer names like Tiffany, Cartier, David Yurman, etc.

  • Watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe

  • Unique or quirky pieces that tell a story

Even if you're not sure what you have, bring it in – we're happy to take a look.

Where These Pieces Usually Come From

You’d be surprised how many people have estate jewelry without even realizing it. A lot of times, it comes from:

  • Family heirlooms you’ve inherited but don’t wear

  • Unworn gifts sitting in the jewelry box

  • Divorces or life changes where jewelry no longer feels right to keep

  • Downsizing or decluttering efforts

  • Estate sales or auctions where you found a diamond in the rough (literally)

We’ve had people come in with an old brooch they found in their mom’s drawer, thinking it was costume jewelry, only to find out it was 18k gold. You just never know until someone takes a look.

What to Look For in Your Jewelry Before You Sell

You don’t need to know everything about your piece before you bring it in – we’ll walk you through it – but here are a few tips that can help:

1. Metal Stamps

Check for small marks like “14K,” “18K,” “PLAT,” or “925.” These usually mean gold, platinum, or sterling silver – real deal stuff. They’re often found on clasps, the inside of rings, or the back of pendants.

2. Gemstones

Got diamonds or colored stones? Don’t worry if they’re small or you’re not sure what they are – we’ll help you figure it out. Even a single diamond chip can add value.

3. Brand Names

Luxury pieces from brands like Cartier or Tiffany often have discreet stamps or engravings. These names matter (and can seriously boost the value).

4. Condition

If something’s broken or missing a stone, that’s okay. It still might have value for its materials or design. But if it’s in great shape, even better.

5. Original Packaging or Paperwork

Receipts, appraisals, or even the original box can help us verify details and may increase the value.

What Selling to Us Looks Like

We know selling jewelry can feel personal – sometimes emotional – and we never take that lightly. Here’s how our process works, step by step:

1. Bring Your Items In

No appointment needed. Just come by when it’s convenient and bring whatever you’d like us to look at. Whether it’s one ring or a whole shoebox full, we’re happy to go through it with you.

2. We’ll Do a Hands-On Evaluation

We look at your jewelry right there with you – no back rooms, no secrets. Using simple tools and a trained eye, we check metal content, gemstones, brand markings, and overall craftsmanship.

3. We Explain Everything

We’ll talk you through what we’re seeing and why it matters. Maybe the gold content is high, maybe that diamond has a unique cut, or maybe the piece is a sought-after vintage design. We want you to walk away knowing more than when you walked in – even if you don’t sell.

4. We Make an Offer

Once we’ve evaluated everything, we’ll make a fair, no-pressure cash offer on the spot. You can take it, think about it, or walk away – no hard feelings, ever.

Why People Choose Us

Selling to a small, family-owned jeweler like us is a different experience than a big-box chain or online buyer. Here’s why:

  • We take the time to educate you, not just make a sale.

  • There’s no pressure. You’re in control of the decision.

  • We value history and craftsmanship, not just scrap weight.

  • We care about your story. Seriously – some of our favorite pieces come with a backstory, and we love hearing yours.

Plus, when you sell to us, you’re supporting a local business that reinvests right back into the community. We’re your neighbors – and we treat you like one.

Don’t Let Your Jewelry Collect Dust

If you have pieces you’re not wearing, why not see what they’re worth? They might be just sitting in a drawer, but they could be someone else’s perfect vintage find – and put a little extra cash in your pocket at the same time.

We invite you to schedule an appointment with our estate buyer, Jacque. She’s happy to chat, answer your questions, and help your jewelry find its next chapter.

 

 


 

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