“Do you appraise jewelry?" This is a question I often hear when someone calls me. I say, “Yes, I do. Why do you need your item appraised?” The answers vary. Sometimes it’s “I just want to know what it’s worth.” Or, “I’m thinking of insuring it.” Is there any other reason? “I’m considering selling it. Do you also buy jewelry?”

A private owner considering how, or just whether, to sell his or her jewelry sometimes uses “appraising” to mean, “How much will you (or someone else) pay me for my jewelry?”

If you contact enough buyers, you will get a pretty good idea of what your jewelry is worth in the re-sale (or "secondary") market. You will be doing your own price research. How many buyers are enough? Maybe only three or four. But where are these legitimate buyers who are serious enough to write a check on the spot?

Here is a list, roughly grouped according to type of market:

• Pawn shops, flea markets and scrap dealers
• "Antique” shops and some who run estate and garage sales
• Wholesale estate dealers and independently owned retail jewelry stores
• Auction houses (local, regional or international)
• Private buyers of all kinds (including collectors, who may also sell)

Jewelry Consignment Shop intends to explore the real, permanent store of wealth that estate jewelry can be, from the most humble to haute joaillerie. We hope to refine this list as we help our community achieve the full value of their jewelry.