If you are searching for a reputable buyer to sell estate jewelry at the most competitive price, you have landed at the right place. Antique and vintage jewelry usually have complexities that make it quite a challenge to sell them. Add the changes in the luxury jewelry market and you’ll be navigating through numerous selling methods that can take you forever.
Finding a trustworthy estate jewelry buyer is an important step in securing the money you need from your heirloom or luxury piece. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selling estate jewelry and hopefully help you get a better understanding of the market.
What is estate jewelry? 
It’s a no-brainer that in order to sell estate jewelry, you have to know how they are classified. Technically, estate jewelry can be anything that is pre-owned, however, the industry usually refers to it as part of a deceased individual’s overall estate. They are typically pieces that have distinct designs from decades ago. It is common for estate jewelry to be passed down from generation to generation. Many of these were crafted in the 18th and 19th century. Experts define them as one of these two:
Antique
Antique jewelry pieces are the most collectible, generally, ones that are least a century old. Rarity, age, design, and provenance are the common deciding factors for its price. What makes them truly captivating is that they were crafter over a hundred years ago.
Vintage
These jewelry pieces are made within the last 100 years. What the industry considers as vintage are 20 years or older. These are not mass-produced items, which makes them highly sought after. The most popular vintage jewelry that many stores look for come from the 30s and the 80s.
Where To Sell Estate Jewelry 
Whether antique or vintage, the best place to sell estate jewelry is still with a reputable jeweler. However, you should look for one that specializes in the field. You may come across numerous jewelers in the United States, but not all of them will have a good eye for these old luxury items. As long as you take your time to research the company, you won’t have to worry about getting ripped off. To put it simply, your buyer should know how to appraise the estate jewelry, repair and clean it, and then buy it at a competitive price.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Safety is your number one priority when selling your jewelry. Never agree to meet your unknown buyer at your house. You have to set boundaries to protect yourself and your property from a potential robbery. If you can’t find a way to meet a buyer at a public place, then do not list your jewelry to the general public. The bank is a safer place to finish the transaction because you can get your cash immediately. It also has security if something ever goes bad.
Fraud should be the next thing on your mind. It’s better to settle with cash than a check because this can be faked. You should also be on the lookout for con-men that try to switch jewelry.
In addition, make sure to notify a friend or relative of the time and place of your meeting. Tell them to expect your call just to check in. Even better, go with someone else and have him or her stand in the background, watching. Sometimes criminals work in teams and having someone looking at the whole situation should realize if something is amiss.
Of course, you can avoid all of these if you choose a known company with a secure location. A jeweler that has been in the business for many years and has all the documentation to prove their legitimacy will always be your best bet.
How To Know If Your Estate Jewelry Is Antique Or Vintage
It is common for people to inherit jewelry without any kind of information. It can be extremely difficult to assess its value on your own, even if you go through multiple sources online. You might not even be sure if what you have is vintage or antique. Take your jewelry to an expert for examination. There you will find out all the facts you need to know about your vintage piece and the factors that will determine its price.
Why Choose Biltmore 
With over 30 years of experience, Biltmore has become one of the most trusted jewelry buyers in the country. We have built an extensive network of dealers and collectors, which provide us with a significant edge over our competitors. We are so confident you will get top dollar for your items that we even encourage you to get a second opinion. Our goal is to make lasting relationships with every person that comes through our doors, whether they are hoping to buy or sell luxury jewelry.
Biltmore is a one-stop-shop for luxury items, making the selling process easy by giving you all the information you need in one place. You can visit our Chandler or Scottsdale office or fill out our free online appraisal form. Our gemologists are always on staff so you can get precisely what your estate jewelry is worth.
From cleaning and fixing up issues on the jewelry to buying your vintage item for cash on the stop, you will experience a professional, no-nonsense service from our crew. With an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, you know you are in the right hands. Pay us a visit and our expert staff would be happy to assist you.
Final Thoughts
Selling your estate jewelry is not an everyday occurrence. Enjoy the experience and learn some new things. Keep our tips in mind to take the frustrations out of letting go of your heirloom. Remember that you don’t have to be a gemologist to get the best price out of it. Research and look for the right people. In this journey, you will gain an insight on how experts evaluate jewelry and hopefully make you wiser on your future transactions.