A Practical Guide to Selling Your Jewelry

How to Maximize Value and Stay Safe

Jewelry often carries both emotional and financial value. Whether you’ve inherited a family heirloom, are downsizing your collection, or simply want to turn an unused piece into cash, selling jewelry can feel overwhelming. The good news? You have options. Each method comes with its own pros and cons, and understanding them will help you make an informed decision that protects both your wallet and your peace of mind.

The Jewelry Appraisers of Portland
does not buy or sell anything directly.

Here at Jewelry Appraisers of Portland, our role is to evaluate jewelry and provide a written, detailed description of each item. An appraisal can often help you sell by offering a qualified, unbiased description and establishing a credible idea of value for buyers to base their decisions on.

We do not make offers or purchase jewelry ourselves. Instead, our goal is to equip you with the information you need and help direct you toward the most appropriate selling avenue—whether that’s a direct sale, consignment, or an auction house.

1. Selling Directly to Individuals

One of the fastest ways to sell is by listing your jewelry directly.

Craigslist or Local Marketplaces: These platforms are free, but safety is key. Always meet in a public location with security cameras (a police station lobby or a buyer’s bank are excellent choices). Never go alone, and insist on cash.
Community Boards: Workplaces, schools, and churches often have bulletin boards (physical or digital). This can be a good way to reach buyers who trust a familiar connection.

⚠️ Keep in mind: Selling directly can maximize your return since no middleman takes a cut, but it also carries the most personal risk.

2. Selling to Jewelry Stores

While it might seem convenient to sell directly to a jeweler, most jewelry stores aren’t eager to buy from the public. Why? Jewelers can access nearly any piece they want from wholesalers—often without spending cash upfront. Buying your piece requires tying up money in inventory that might sit unsold for months.If they do buy, they need to pay a price low enough to leave room for profit.This makes it one of the least lucrative options for sellers, though it can be fast and straightforward.

3. Selling Online

Selling jewelry online broadens your audience significantly. Success depends on presentation and transparency.

Documentation: Original receipts, appraisals, or grading reports build trust.
Photographs: Multiple angles, close-ups, and good lighting are essential.
Full disclosure: Be upfront about lab-created gems, soldered rings, or other details. Surprises at the last minute can kill a deal.

💡 Tip: Mention small but important details—like ring size, whether resizing is possible, or the type of earring backs. These matter to buyers.

4. Consignment Sales

For those who prefer to hand off the selling process to professionals:

Online Consignment: Services like The RealReal or I Do Now I Don’t can market your item to a broad audience. Expect commission fees and possibly insurance or handling charges.
Brick-and-Mortar Consignment: Local jewelry or consignment shops will display your item in their retail case. Commissions can be high (up to 50%), but a trusted retail environment may fetch a higher selling price. A Portland-area example is Consignments Northwest in Beaverton.

5. Auction Houses

Auction galleries bring your item to competitive bidding, often resulting in strong final prices.

Fees: Expect seller commissions (10–20%).
Value Add: Auction houses may suggest enhancements—such as gem grading reports or minor repairs—to improve your final outcome. These costs are usually deducted from your proceeds.
Strategy: Low auction estimates encourage bidding wars, which often drive prices higher. For items above $3,000, you can often request a reserve price to ensure it won’t sell below your minimum.

Some notable auction houses for jewelry include:

Sotheby’s – High-value jewelry ($20,000+)
Freeman’s | Hindman – Jewelry, watches, and collectibles
Heritage Auctions – Jewelry, fine art, and luxury items
Bonhams – Jewelry starting at $1,000+

6. Know the Terms Before You Sell

Whatever path you choose, always review:

Commission rates
Payment timelines
Return policies (if an item doesn’t sell)
Additional fees (photography, insurance, lab reports, etc.)

Get everything in writing, and don’t hesitate to ask if fees are negotiable.

Final Thoughts

Selling jewelry is part art, part strategy. By approaching the process with documentation, transparency, and realistic expectations, you can maximize your return while minimizing stress. Whether you choose a direct sale, consignment, or auction, knowing your options puts you in control.

For professional appraisal guidance before selling, contact:

John W. Higley, G.G. (GIA)
Jewelry Appraisers of Portland
📍 5200 Meadows Road, Suite 150, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
📞 (503) 707-5527
📧 John@GemsAndSilver.com
🌐 www.GemsAndSilver.com