When it comes to selling your jewelry, you have options. From big and small online shops to your best friend’s husband’s mom, to the pawn shop down the street– there are many people who might interested purchasing your valuables.
The question is, which one is best?
There are a number of factors you should consider when deciding where to sell your jewelry, but there are only three you should focus on:
- Safety
- Price
- Convenience
Below we’ve compiled a list of the most common places people sell their jewelry. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of each, as well as how they rank on the above three factors.
Reputable Local Jeweler
The best place to sell your jewelry is to a reputable jewelry buyer. An experienced jeweler has the knowledge, experience to give you the best price. You’ll also be comfortable with the assurance you are working with a trusted buyer in your community.
When you sell to a trustworthy local jeweler, you can expect:
- A thorough explanation of what the jewelry is worth and why
- Specialists on staff to accurately and fairly price your item
- Staff members who will listen to your needs and concerns and not be pushy
- A worldwide network of buyers who will be interested in your item, giving you the best price
When choosing a jeweler, pick an experienced buyer who is well-known and trusted in the community. Additionally, standing at a jewelry counter to have your jewelry evaluated is not a safe practice. Instead, choose a private office, by appointment only jeweler. A one-on-one consultation ensures your safety. Plus, you’ll have your buyer’s undivided attention and you won’t be interrupted.
Safety– HIGH
Price– HIGH
Convenience– HIGH
eBay
If you’ve ever shopped on eBay, then you know everyone on this site is looking to:
- Find something very specific
- Get it at a low price
Many people like eBay because they believe there’s a chance someone will pay an exorbitant amount of money for their item. While this might be the case for a very small percentage, you are much more likely to lose money and waste a massive amount of time.
There are a number of risks to be aware of when selling on eBay:
- You may face a dispute with the buyer who doesn’t think you accurately described the jewelry.
- You probably won’t get a fair price for your jewelry.
- The buyer may want you to get a note or certificate verifying the jewelry’s authenticity.
In a worst-case scenario, a buyer will maliciously alter your piece of jewelry (for instance, take out a gemstone and replace it with a fake), and send the now worthless item back to you saying it wasn’t what they expected.
Safety– LOW
Price– AVERAGE
Convenience– LOW
Craigslist
Like eBay, Craigslist is a popular platform for selling jewelry. Craigslist operates under the assumption that someone in your local area will be the buyer. This often gives a false assurance of trust.
While Craigslist is a great site to get some cash for your old couch or sell off some other random house items, it can be dangerous if you’re using it as a way to sell your valuables.
The reality is, you won’t know who the buyer is. Never invite a stranger to your house to look at your jewelry for sale. This can be dangerous. Even meeting in a public place to conduct the transaction can be risky.
Your safety should always be a number one priority, so always avoid selling your jewelry through Craigslist.
Safety– LOW
Price– AVERAGE
Convenience– LOW
Friends
Selling your jewelry to a friend or family member is a simple and safe way to get rid of your jewelry. You’ll feel confident that your treasured item is going to someone who will care about it, and you won’t be worried about whether or not you’re putting yourself in an unsafe situation.
However, you can’t expect your friends or family members to understand how to correctly evaluate the value of your item. Plus, most acquaintances will assume you’ll give them a good deal. For this reason, those who sell their jewelry to a friend often lose out on a big amount of money.
Safety– HIGH
Price– LOW
Convenience– AVERAGE
Cash for Valuables Online
Do a quick Google search and you’ll find hundreds of online sites claiming they will buy your valuables for a great price. The promise of a big payout of cash has caught many jewelry sellers in a long and complicated process.
Unless you’re working with a reputable, experienced jeweler who offers a trustworthy mail-in service, it’s best to avoid these online “cash for valuable” sites. There types of “cash for valuables” websites usually involve:
- Fees– Many of these websites will charge you fees along the way. This can really add up.
- Complicated process– Many of these sites have a long and confusing process.
- No sale guaranteed– After all the time and energy you spend, the sale may not be guaranteed. Even worse, you might feel pressured to accept a bad offer just to get the process over with.
Safety– LOW
Price– LOW
Convenience– LOW
Estate Sales
When you’re faced with a death in the family, there are a lot of emotions involved. You may find it difficult to sell the items of your loved one. Or you may not want their lingering memories and want to sell possessions off as quickly as possible. Either way, many people decide to hold an estate sale.
Estate sales tend to be relatively safe, overall. However, they do require a lot of work. Plus, without getting your item evaluated by an experienced jeweler, you can’t hope to know how to price your items correctly.
The biggest risk on an estate sale is not getting paid the true value of your items. People love to barter at estate sales, and in the moment with everything else going on, you’ll be much more likely to give in to a low-ball offer.
Safety– HIGH
Price– AVERAGE
Convenience– LOW
Sell Your Jewelry to Samuelson’s Buyers
Samuelson’s Buyers has been serving the Baltimore community since 1922. We care about our customers and want to give you confidence when selling your valuables. Our integrity is always on the line, which means you can trust that we will provide a great selling experience.
Our team is dedicated to your safety and security. We offer private appointments at our office and there is never any pressure to accept an offer. Plus, we’ll always pay you on the spot.
If you are interested in selling your jewelry, contact us to schedule an appointment. Or call us at (301) 718-4825.
