10 Tips for Selling Inherited Jewelry: What to Know Before You Sell

Inheriting jewelry can be a mixed blessing. While some pieces may hold wonderful memories of a parent, grandparent, or other family member, others may simply not be your style. You may find yourself with a jewelry box full of things you will never wear and very little idea of what they are worth or what to do with them.

After many years in the jewelry business, I have helped countless families sort through inherited jewelry. Sometimes the hardest part isn't determining the value. It's deciding what to keep, what to sell, and how to feel comfortable with those decisions.

Here are ten tips that I hope will make the process a little easier.

1. Set Aside the Sentimental Pieces

Before you start thinking about values, identify the pieces that have special meaning to you. Maybe it's your grandmother's wedding ring or a necklace you remember your mother wearing. These are the pieces worth keeping, regardless of their monetary value.

2. Don't Rush Your Decisions

Separate the jewelry you're ready to sell from the pieces you're still unsure about. There's no reason to make a decision about everything at once. You can always revisit those pieces later, when you have had more time to think.

3. Find a Local Expert in Second-Hand Jewelry

Not every jeweler specializes in antique, estate, or vintage jewelry. Ask friends, family members, or someone you know who loves jewelry for a recommendation. You want someone who understands the second-hand jewelry market, not simply someone who sells new jewelry.

4. Schedule an Appointment to Learn What You Have

Set aside about an hour with a knowledgeable jeweler to go through your collection. The goal isn't necessarily to get a formal appraisal of every piece, but to gain a basic understanding of what you have. Knowing which pieces are gold, which contain valuable gemstones, and which may have collectible value is a good starting point.

If you have insurance appraisals, bring them along, but understand that insurance replacement values are very different from what a dealer can pay for second-hand jewelry. An appraisal may be helpful in identifying a piece, but don't be surprised if a purchase offer is substantially less than the appraised value.

5. Ask Where Your Jewelry Would Best Be Sold

Different types of jewelry have different markets. A vintage diamond ring, a contemporary designer bracelet, and a broken gold chain may each have a different best place to sell. A good expert should be willing to point you in the right direction, even if that means recommending another dealer.

6. Don't Assume Old Means Valuable (or Worthless!)

Age alone doesn't determine value. Some older jewelry is desirable because of its craftsmanship, design, or rarity, while other pieces may be worth little more than their gold content. On the other hand, something that looks outdated to you may be exactly what a vintage jewelry collector is looking for.

One word of caution: Don't clean, repair, or alter inherited jewelry before having it examined. Original finishes, settings, and even signs of age can be important to the value of antique jewelry. It's best to leave things as they are until you know what you have.

7. Get a Second Opinion When You're Unsure

Once you have found someone willing to make an offer, don't hesitate to get another opinion if you have questions or reservations. Jewelry dealers have different customers and different specialties, which can affect what they're willing to pay. A second offer may give you greater confidence in your decision.

8. Pay Attention to the Gold Market

If you have gold jewelry, it's worth having some awareness of current gold prices. Gold prices fluctuate, sometimes significantly. A quick Google search for today's gold price will give you a general idea of the market. Just remember that the quoted price is for pure gold, and the amount a dealer can pay for your jewelry will depend on its gold content and other factors.

9. Give Family Members One More Opportunity

Once you have received offers, consider circling back with family members before selling. Knowing the actual dollar value may change someone's perspective about keeping a particular piece. It also helps avoid misunderstandings or regrets down the road.

Of course, if the jewelry is part of an estate that hasn't been settled, make sure you have the authority to sell it before moving forward.

10. Be Comfortable With the Person You're Selling To

This may be the most important tip of all. You should feel that the person buying your jewelry is knowledgeable, straightforward, and respectful of what you're selling. You should understand their offer and never feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. If something doesn't feel right, there's nothing wrong with walking away.

A Final Thought From Krombholz Vintage

For full disclosure, buying and selling antique, estate, and vintage jewelry is what we do at Krombholz Vintage. We are always happy to look at inherited jewelry and make offers on pieces that fit our collection.

But we also recognize that not every piece of jewelry is right for us. Our buying reflects the jewelry we are most excited about, particularly pieces with interesting design, craftsmanship, and history. We aren't buying jewelry simply to melt it down. We enjoy finding new homes for pieces that deserve to be worn and appreciated again.

If we think another dealer or selling method would be a better fit, we're happy to make that recommendation.

One of the things I enjoy most about this business is helping people understand the jewelry they have inherited. Whether you decide to keep it, sell it, or pass it along to another family member, my hope is that you feel good about the decision.

And remember, just because a piece of jewelry isn't something you would wear doesn't mean someone else won't love it.

Thinking About Selling Your Inherited Jewelry?

If you're in the Cincinnati area and have antique, estate, or vintage jewelry you're considering selling, we'd be happy to hear from you. At Krombholz Vintage, we purchase jewelry by private appointment, giving us the opportunity to spend time with you and discuss what you have.

You can call or text us at 513-891-1930, email info@krombholzjewelers.com, or learn more about selling your jewelry to Krombholz Vintage.

We're always happy to have a conversation, even if you haven't quite decided what you want to do.