tips, please...how to list diamonds or gemstones, if not a jeweler

Hi Pat,
I usually go to a jeweler that I have done business with before. I have never just walked in to a strange jewelry store. I had a 1920s engagement ring with what I thought was a pale ruby, turns out to be a pink diamond and what I thought was platinum was white gold. The 200 dollars I thought turned out to be 6 grand.
greg

 

Thanks Komokwa!
Thanks Pat P, I really don't know. The first place wanted to buy mine and gave me a low ball offer. The 2nd place didn't want to buy it, but she had a few spare minutes to try and help me out. I tried to pay her, but she wouldn't take it. So, I will definitely go back there or recommend them if I know someone looking to buy jewelry, just because they were so helpful & kind.
Also the verbal appraisal didn't give me all the info that I would've hoped for (like if I was paying for it), but it truly was appreciated.

 

Wow, that's wonderful! What a nice surprise, huh!!

 

Hi,
It came at a most needed way. I really needed 5k to settle a horrible mistake I made on my taxes 4 years before. I was buying my present house and when the
mistake came up, it was holding up the sale of the house. It was settled and I had an extra grand to spend or save. Oh, of course I spent it on another Oriental rug.
greg

 

Greg, that's a good idea 'cept I haven't dealt with a jewelry store in many years, and never had a relationship with one.

Tyeldom, how did you ask for the jewelers' opinions? I can't quite picture what I'd say.

 

With both of them the first thing I said was "hi, do you offer verbal appraisals If I pay for it?", And both said yes, but there's no charge for it. I really hate to ask someone to do something for free, and I truly meant that I'd be happy to pay for it.

 

Now that really is wonderful Greg! I'm so glad it all worked out for you.

 

There are many places that advertise, encouraging you to bring in your gold, silver and jewelry for "the best price in Town." One I visited gave me an oral value, walked to his desk wrote on "something", turned back and handed me a check. I apologized for the confusion (((((HIS!))) and told him I would come back when ready to sell.

But I have a big advantage. I look my age, which is, I believe, more than a few years beyond the average member here. So when I walked into the last three jewelry stores I had never previously visited, I.......shuffled..........over... to.....the....counter, stood there with a hound dog face and intimated I might have to use the rest room. When they turned and asked how they could help, i said I was just trying to find the value of an emerald ring. "I think it's one carat, maybe Colombian, with just a slight inclusion; the side diamonds are probably less than 1/2 each; and the gold is 18K -- I think.

Two of those jewelers were exceptionally polite. One took me in the back to show how they weighed, measured, etc. The other introduced me to a coworker who, she said, was more experienced. She proved to be.

The third was the owner who did have another person behind the counter - likely his wife - who kept interrupting with unrelated questions, etc., but he was still very cordial and helpful.

All three gave me facts, expert opinions and a "ballpark" value. The "more experienced" one, a lady, told me it might be best to sell it on eBay. "No jeweler was going to add another piece to the thousands already in the store and offer me as much as they would pay any of their wholesalers."

None could confirm origin of the emerald.

 

Funny....that's pretty much what we all do here !!

 

OMG, you're so right!! LOL

 

Thanks for your story, Old Guy, you have a great way of writing.

 

Yeah, but I didn't know you guys were around back then. About two years ago. YOU should have let ME know sooner.

 

I haven't sold fine jewelry for quite some time but when I did, if it had a value like the two pieces you have, I would pay for the appraisal and include it with the auction. I think it helped me get the higher prices. The jeweler that I used gave me verbal appraisals for free. If I decided to go ahead and get a written appraisal, it was $50 per piece.

 

YAAAAAY!!!!! GOOD for you!!! I was going to say just what TOG said......most jewelry stores won't charge for an appraisal!!! And when you pursued them, AND one offered to buy, you KNOW he was going to go for 100% markup anyway.......so YOU did your homework and it will pay off in the long run!!!

 

Agreed Millcove, thanks so much! I'm pretty sure that's what the place charged that helped me out, $50., per page, she said.
Aquitaine, thank you, that's very kind!

 

As an art dealer , I'm very willing to talk about the art I love so much, and freely give my expertise to anyone needing help.....but putting my signature on an appraisal with values .....that brings a fee !!

 

Komo, you deserve a "best answer" for that reply.

 

please feel free to click on that !!!

& thanx !

 

Y'now TOG ...a couple of folks have mentioned to me that the hard work & expertise put in by the core members here, on the serious side of this sight ...is damn near invaluable ....and also tremendously valuable .

And it's all free.....& while not a signed document .....for the most part , right on the money !
We've helped so many & been helped so often that I sometimes wonder where else so much free ...credible & diverse information ...is otherwise available .

Oh....& did I mention it's not only free ....but served up with a slice humanity !

 

KOMO,
This is about the tenth group I've joined. Most open, some invitation only and very private. And, how do I make it clear.......... I am in awe at what is offered on this site. The expertise and the effort put into answering calls for assistance on so many subjects.

My antique specialty is very narrow and it was strictly a hobby. I was a group member often called on for my specialty and I was happy to give advice. That often required my consulting with experts.

My opinion is that the members here enjoy offering help. Taking part, and interacting with others of diverse expertise, provides camaraderie.That's pretty obvious. And you even tolerate (most of the time) someone like me with the desire to join in, but with not a heck of a lot to offer.

To the best of my knowledge - and you may not know to whom I'm referring - but this group is comparative to Ivo Hanstra, Giesleberger, Chiarenza, Shirley Smith, Glen Thistlewood, Helen Liveten, and others forming a group to offer advice and assistance. They are my gurus who have been as accommodating and willing to help as this group.

Komo, you and several others are here to help because you like doing it. I LOVE to help people BUT have only one subject in which I excel, and it does not involve antiques. So many here are volunteers rendering free advice. I can not imagine you wanting to build a website to sell your words of wisdom.

I will refrain from even thinking of adding my specialty to what's here. Nor will I join my fellow experts and offer service for a fee. I really think you feel similar.