Have some vintage jewelry? There are several ways you can sell collectible or vintage costume jewelry. How much your vintage jewelry is worth depends on several things. First and foremost, you need to know what you have and the condition it is in. Refer to our first article for helpful tips on old jewelry research. You may consider taking your jewelry to a dealer. If so, first you need to find a dealer, preferably one with experience in old jewelry. Look in your local phone book and get on the phone. Investing time by calling ahead and talking to them will give some idea on who you are dealing with and how comfortable you will be. Don't expect appraisals over the phone, a dealer usually needs to see and touch it. Here are some other things you should know about dealers:
Dealers
When taking your jewelry to a local dealer, keep in mind there are important considerations about dealers:
1. Be respectful of their time and knowledge.
If you are only interested in information and not planning on selling your vintage jewelry, tell them upfront (ideally on the phone). Offer to pay them for an hour of their time. Some will politely refuse compensation, others will charge you a nominal fee. It depends on the individual. Remember, they have most likely spent years collecting knowledge and expertise. And sadly, too many people expect them to "share" that information openly. Good manners and building relationships will reap far more rewards for you in the long run!
2. Dealers seldom pay more than 30% of market value.
An honest dealer is going to give you a fair appraisal, they are not trying to take advantage of you. Remember, not only do they have business costs but they are taking risks too. It may not sell right away, it may not sell for a long time. It may not sell at all. They are often more willing to give you more if they think it will sell quickly. Retail must "turn" their inventory within certain amounts of time to stay profitable. Consider you own expectations. Know who you are dealing with and the reputation of their shop; if you can't agree on a price, don't sell your vintage jewelry or ask about consignment options. Consignment can be a "win-win" arrangement for all. The dealer limits their risks and you get closer to the price you want.
3. Take notes.
Even if you only bring in one piece of jewelry, you are probably not going to remember everything you learn. It's ok to jot down information and ask questions.
4. Have fun!
Researching old vintage jewelry can be fascinating! You never know what you may find out and it's quite possible you just may be hooked for life!
This is second in a four part series entitled "Don't Sell Grandma's Vintage Jewelry at a Yard Sale". All copyrights are owned by Junky Jewelry at http://www.junkyjewelry.com
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Online auctions are now the new gold rush on the... Read More
After I started selling on eBay, I was approached by... Read More
Q: I want to start an online business. Since I... Read More
Why sell paper piecings on eBay?eBay is a great way... Read More
POWERSELL Status, the secrets revealed.If like thousands of people you... Read More
This is my second article about trading royal memorabilia on... Read More
There are many ways to start a home business online,... Read More
Are you having trouble finding a great deal on a... Read More
The Internet is the fastest-changing marketplace on earth. Million-dollar ideas... Read More
I don't know if you've ever noticed, but it seems... Read More
If you want to earn a full-time income selling on... Read More
Online auctions continue to grow in popularity as an easy... Read More
If you have dabbled at all in the world of... Read More
Do a quick search on Google, Yahoo, or your favorite... Read More
The way some auction sellers approach their auctions, it's clear... Read More
Internet auctions are relatively new having been around since the... Read More
Inexperienced auction sellers, or those lacking in confidence, often want... Read More
Many people who decide to make a living selling collectibles... Read More
Q. I hear so much about people who started selling... Read More
One of the most difficult things to do when looking... Read More
Ever since I sold my first item on ebay I... Read More
You can find good deals on almost everything you need... Read More
This is the most boring stage of the process and... Read More
eBay and Dropshipping go together like a hand in a... Read More
Buying on eBay can be very rewarding, either in terms... Read More
Many of you will probably remember the days when the... Read More
Selling on eBay can be very profitable and a great... Read More
Have you ever been delighted after a huge sale on... Read More
Remember back when selling online was a new experience? Dealers... Read More
The Internet SHOULD be "the place to shop" for low-carb... Read More
Being an active eBayer, I am often being asked about... Read More
The following may be the most important information about dropshipping... Read More
One of the most valuable things in life is the... Read More
eBay trades in more than 33 international countries with over... Read More
When I talk about feedback to new Ebay sellers, I... Read More
Many of you will probably remember the days when the... Read More
You can find good deals on almost everything you need... Read More
Like many folks, you have heard of online auctions. Heck,... Read More
Now, are you ready for the REAL TRUTH about selling... Read More
A Dropshipper is someone who will anonymously send the goods... Read More
For just a moment, try to comprehend the power of... Read More
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be "the... Read More
This question has become one for the ages. There are... Read More
eBay sales may have grown 51% last year over the... Read More
Taking some pride in my one hundred percent positive feedback... Read More
In 1995, when Pierre Omidyar introduced an online business venue... Read More
Unfortunately for those just breaking into the wholesaling business, drop-shipping... Read More
Have you thought of using the online auction site eBay... Read More
I began selling on eBay in 1999 and have found... Read More
The Internet SHOULD be "the place to shop" for low-carb... Read More
If you are looking for traffic to your e-commerce site,... Read More
One question that always seems to pop up is, "Where... Read More
If you have not heard of Foamtemplates.com yet, home of... Read More
I just received an interesting email from eBay and it... Read More
Remember back when selling online was a new experience? Dealers... Read More
Just about everyone alive today has heard of E Bay.com,... Read More
Are you having trouble finding a great deal on a... Read More
If you were to look through eBay, or any other... Read More
Many people just getting started on eBay have reservations when... Read More
Dropshipping is an attractive marketing technique, but when you take... Read More
Inexperienced auction sellers, or those lacking in confidence, often want... Read More
Most people do not succeed on the internet because they... Read More
I flew back to New York from Atlanta a few... Read More
The activity chart is an ingenious way to find, in... Read More
Three billion dollars (that's billion with a "B") in revenues,... Read More
Have you ever dealt with a salesperson or a waiter... Read More
Online Auction |