There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding how to sell old jewelry, and value is at the top of the list. Worthy provides accurate estimates of each item’s market value, enhancing buyer trust while ensuring that you receive the best value possible once you decide that you do in fact want to sell your vintage jewelry. Before it is put up for auction, a number of factors are evaluated. These include:

Scarcity – The rarer an item is, the more it is likely to fetch at auction. This means that scarcity is among the most important factors in selling vintage jewelry. It’s good news for sellers who have items that are in fair condition rather than mint; the value can still be surprisingly high if the item is an uncommon one. Our team of professionals have amassed priceless knowledge in their years in this field, and are easily able to provide a good estimate while determining whether your vintage jewelry is rare or easy to find. This is just one step we take when determining market price.

State of Repair – After determining whether an item is scarce or not, our appraisers take a close look at your item’s state of repair. Is anything missing, or have any of the diamonds or other stones been replaced? Vintage items in poor condition or missing original components are often worth far less than those which are both intact and original. The level of wear plays a role here, too; if an item has been “loved” too much, then it is generally considered to be of less value than identical item in mint condition. Your vintage jewelry will be treated to a thorough cleaning during the pre-sale process, but any foreign matter that we cannot remove will adversely impact the jewelry’s value. Other imperfections such as pitting, greening, moisture damage, etc. can also impact the value. 

Originality and Overall Quality – The components of your vintage jewelry piece, i.e. the metals and gemstones that it’s made of – also play an important role in its fair market value, as can any damage caused by previous adjustments. Collectors prize vintage jewelry in its original state, and this makes unaltered items worth more than those that have been changed in any way. If you plan to sell vintage jewelry, it is important to leave it in its original state if possible. Any repairs should be conducted by a proficient professional jeweler.