How Can You Get the Most Money from Estate Jewelry?
There are times when you inherit a piece of jewelry or a watch that holds great value for you because it belonged to someone you loved. When that happens, you put it away somewhere safe and take it out and wear it on special occasions. You would never think of selling it.
Yet there are other times when you inherit something valuable that doesn’t hold immense personal meaning for you. As one woman said to us recently, “I just inherited a storage box that contained sterling silver table settings for 48 people. I will never use it. Plus, I don’t like polishing or using silverware and I would like to part with it. What should I do?"
Sometimes the answer to that woman’s question is complex . . .
If the tableware was made by a prestigious maker like Reed & Barton or Lunt, its value to collectors may well exceed the value of the silver that the set contains. If that is the case, the woman would do well to contact an antiques dealer who specializes in selling silverware. (An internet search will quickly uncover the names of such dealers across the country.)
If the tableware was not made by a prestigious company, its greatest value may reside in the silver it contains. Bear in mind, however, that with silver trading prices, it might not be worth recycling the silver at all – sad news, but true.
Similar considerations come into play with inherited jewelry. Some old pieces of jewelry have simply gone out of style. Even though the gold they contain might be worth $300.00, $500.00, or even much more, they look old-fashioned, and you would never think of wearing them. If that is the case, they could be worth selling. You can also have a precious metal refinery like Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners reclaim the gold they contain and pay you for it at current high trading prices.
Questions to Ask About Jewelry, Watches and Other Metal Items You Inherit
Does this item hold personal meaning for me? If it belonged to a beloved relative, is an important artifact in your family’s story, or if it is simply beautiful, you will want to keep it and possibly pass it on to your heirs.
Does it have special meaning for my children or other people in my family? Stop and think about this question. Just because you do not feel a personal connection to something doesn’t mean that others in your family will feel the same way. The idea of owning “a watch that belonged to grandpa” can be especially appealing.
What is the appraised value? If the item or items could potentially be valuable collectibles, find a qualified appraiser through the Appraisers Association of America, which has a searchable online database of qualified professional appraisers who can establish the potential value of watches, jewelry, silverware, and other items.
Is it a liquid or illiquid asset? In other words, how difficult will it be to sell the item in question? Curiously, even items that have high appraised value may be difficult to sell – and if they are, that is something to factor into your decision of whether to try to sell them or not. It could be a good idea to hold onto certain items until their value increases.
How to Unlock the Value of the Precious Metals in Estate Jewelry
For years, our precious metal refiners have been helping people like you understand the value of inherited estate jewelry made of gold, silver, and platinum. Why not call our specialists at 800-426-2344?