Take a look inside your jewelry box — or even your junk drawer — and you probably have a few pieces of unidentified rings, bracelets, or necklaces rolling around in there. Sure, they could be costume jewelry made with fake diamonds or cheap plastic. But they could also be valuable heirlooms or precious pieces picked up at an estate sale — and, when sold, could bring in some serious cash. Here are some tips for determining whether your vintage jewelry is valuable before putting it up for sale.
1. Test the Jewelry’s Material
Some jewelry might look like gold or silver, but there are a few ways to tell whether you’ve got real, precious metal on your hands. One way is to use a magnet test. Real gold isn’t magnetic — if your jewelry sticks to the magnet, then it’s likely made of some other material. Real gold also won’t react to nitric acid. Lightly scratch the jewelry’s surface, apply a small amount of nitric acid, and wait. If your jewelry turns green, that means it may only be gold clad.
2. Look for Metal Stamps
Take a peek at your jewelry to check for hallmarks or stamps. Real gold will have a small stamp with a karat number, such as 14k, 18k, or 24k. Platinum will have “PLAT” marked on it, while sterling silver will display a “925” hallmark, meaning that the piece is made of 92.5% silver.
3. Research the Brand and Designer
Brands like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and David Yurman carry heavy weight in the jewelry world and have a high resale value. If you come across a piece of jewelry that indicates the brand or designer, do your research. Even a lesser-known but still reputable jewelry company could add value to your treasure.
4. Figure Out the Age and Rarity
Once you’ve determined which company has made your piece of jewelry and what exactly it’s made from, you’ll need to figure out the age and rarity of the piece. Research the style of your jewelry to determine whether it’s antique or vintage, or models a particular style like Art Deco or Victorian. Today, a cursory Google image search might be able to help you identify the era in which your jewelry was manufactured — and just how rare it actually is.
5. Inspect the Jeweler’s Craftsmanship
Are the stone’s set in secure prongs? Are there any misalignments? Does the piece have any cracks or scratches that may have been sustained during production? Are the clasps or closures installed properly? Well-made jewelry crafted by a skilled artisan are a lot more valuable than mass-produced pieces.
6. Look at Online Marketplaces for Price Comparisons
While it’s true that anyone can set their price on online marketplaces, these sites are also a great way to get an idea of what your piece might be going for at the moment. Platforms like eBay, WorthPoint, and specialty jewelry websites can help you estimate your jewelry’s value before getting it appraised.
7. Get an Appraisal
At the end of the day, a professional appraisal is going to give you the clearest indication of whether your jewelry is worth something — and roughly how much you might be able to get for it. It’s important, though, to get appraisals from multiple sources so that you have a more objective, balanced estimate.
Looking for more stories about jewelry?
Marvel at diamonds and rubies in 12 Rare Pieces of Jewelry Worn on the Red Carpet, then check out 16 Gorgeous Photos That Showcase the Glamour of 1950s Jewelry. And if you’re looking for all-around fashion, don’t miss 15 Photos of 1980s Fashion That Oozed Wealth.
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