Pearl jewelry is considered by many to be something of a classic—so much so that at one time, a strand of pearls was the quintessential everyday piece of jewelry for many middle class American women. Pearl is also a traditional gift for 30th anniversaries.
While you may be able to sell your pearl necklace to an antique or estate jewelry buyer, most jewelry buyers are not interested in purchasing your pearls unless you have a unique and rare pearl.
However, if your pearl jewelry has a clasp, chain, setting or accents that are gold, silver, platinum, diamond or gemstone, some jewelry or metals buyers will buy those metals or gemstones.
Follow the steps below to ensure you’re getting the best possible price for your pearl jewelry.
1. Find out if your pearls are worth anything.
The value of pearls can vary significantly depending whether they are natural or cultured, how lustrous they are, the size, the shape, the color, and the origin. Understanding the factors that determine a pearl’s value can give you a better sense of why some pearls command much higher prices than others. Generally speaking, larger, rounder, and more lustrous pearls of natural origin will be worth more than smaller, misshapen, and duller pearls, as well as those that were cultivated. The rarer the color of pearl, the more it will also likely be worth.
That’s why, before you sell your pearls, it’s important to have at least a sense of what it might be worth. If you purchased the pearl yourself or have a certificate of authenticity that came with the pearl, you may already have this information. If not, however, you might consider having an appraisal done. A jewelry appraisal will answer questions like:
What’s the quality of your pearl?
What’s the origin of your pearl?
What’s the size of your pearl?
What’s the color of the pearl?
A jewelry appraisal can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, so if you have reason to believe that your pearl or pearl jewelry isn’t worth that much, it might be better to forgo the appraisal. If, however, you have reason to believe that your pearl is quite valuable, an appraisal will help you understand exactly how much your pearl is worth.
2. Understand what your setting is made out of.
If you are selling loose pearls, you can ignore this. But if you are selling a pearl ring, necklace, bracelet, brooch, earrings, or another piece of pearl jewelry, you also need to consider your setting. What metal is your jewelry made out of? Silver, gold, platinum? Does it contain other precious gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc.?
Especially in cases where your jewelry contains lower-quality pearls, the actual setting might be worth more than the pearl itself. In these cases, you might be better served selling your pearl jewelry to CashforGoldUSA.
Once you have at least a rough sense of the value of your pearls, you can begin looking for a reputable buyer. Don’t be afraid to get multiple opinions, especially if you feel like the offer you received is too low. However, again, keep in mind that there are very few options for used pearls.
CashforGoldUSA has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, pays within 24 hours of sending in your item, free FedEx shipping and insurance up to $150,000, and a highest-price guarantee.
You can sell your pearls in many of the same venues as you might sell any other type of jewelry, such as gold, silver, diamonds, etc. The most common buyers for pearl jewelry include local companies and online businesses.
You can try to sell your pearls locally
If you are looking to sell your pearls locally as opposed to through an online buyer, you have a number of options.
Finally, you can check Yelp or Google for local pearl buyers. Be sure to check reviews of these local buyers so that you are sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Pawn or consignment shops: Selling through a pawn shop will probably get you your money quickest, but you’ll also likely get the least amount of money for your pearl in this way. A consignment store near you may be fruitful, but a lot of work and time. A thrift store is also a good option for pearl jewelry.
Jewelry stores: Jewelry stores near you may purchase either loose pearls or pearl jewelry but are most likely to only offer you cash or credit for the scrap value of any gold.
Auctions: An auction can be an excellent way of selling your pearl jewelry if you have a piece that you know is quite valuable. A local auction house might also be interested in selling high-end pearls, especially if they are a noted brand like Tiffany or Cartier. Auctions can also be effective if you are selling antique or heirloom jewelry, if you are liquidating an estate, or if you have multiple pieces that you would like to sell at once.
Finally, you can check Yelp or Google for local pearl buyers. Be sure to check reviews of these local buyers so that you are sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
You can sell pearls online
Pearls are fashionable again, so you may be able to get a few bucks at an online marketplace like Etsy, Mercari, Poshmar, or ebay.
These are some pearl jewelry currently listed for sale on ebay as October 2024:
If your pearl jewelry consists of low-quality pearls but has a lot of gold, silver, or platinum, we recommend going with an online metal buyer like CashForGoldUSA or their sister site CashforSilverUSA. They’re our No. 1 recommendation for a number of reasons, including:
A+ Better Business Bureau rating
Free prepaid mailer to send your item from your home — FedEx tracking number to watch your item every step of the way.
If you don’t like their offer, they’ll return your item completely free of charge.
Free Jewelers’ Mutual insurance up to $150,000 on each shipment
CashforGoldUSA’s facility insured by Lloyd’s of London.
You can receive payment within 24 hours of accepting their offer
How do I know if my pearls are worth anything?
Most people want to know: How much can I sell my pearls for? Pearls can vary significantly in value, from as low as $50 for common pearls of low quality to tens of thousands of dollars for particularly rare or beautiful specimens.
That being said, the value of a pearl will depend on a number of factors, including:
Whether it is natural or cultured, with natural pearls bringing a far higher price
Its lustre, or how well the pearl’s surface reflects light
Its size, with larger pearls fetching a higher price
Its shape, with perfectly round pearls being prized above others
Its color, with rare varieties carrying a higher price
Again, color plays an outsized role in the value of your pearl. The most common pearls will be a shade of white. Black, silver, golden and gray pearls are far less common than white pearls, but are still relatively common. The rarest of pearls include those which are naturally blue, pink, green, or purple.
The most valuable pearls have high luster, are naturally grown and not cultured, and feature a rare color.
If your old pearl jewelry has especially rare pearls or is a brand like Tiffany or Cartier, you may be able to sell your pearl jewelry, as well as if you have a pearl of significant size and quality. Otherwise, old pearls are typically hard to sell and do not hold much value.
In summary: Is it worth selling pearls?
Pearls are harder to sell than other precious materials for several reasons. There are many pearl necklaces flooding the market, and pearls are an organic material, so unlike diamonds, gold and other gemstones and metals, they deteriorate over time.
If your pearls are small or otherwise lower-quality, you may be best served by selling your pearls to a local pawn shop, or having them restrung in a different design — or saving them. Pearls can make for excellent starter jewelry for a child, and something you could pass along even if you don’t particularly like it much yourself.
In some cases, the gold clasp or beads on the pearl necklace will sell for a higher price than the pearls themselves. In these cases, a local jeweler, cash for gold or gold exchange, or an online gold buyer are a good bet.
CashforGoldUSA informational gold calculator
How do I know if my pearls are worth anything?
The value of pearls can vary significantly depending whether they are natural or cultured, how lustrous they are, the size, the shape, the color, and the origin. Generally speaking, larger, rounder, and more lustrous pearls of natural origin will be worth more than smaller, misshapen, and duller pearls, as well as those that were cultivated.
Are old pearls worth anything?
If your old pearl jewelry has especially rare pearls or is a brand like Tiffany or Cartier, you may be able to sell your pearl jewelry, as well as if you have a pearl of significant size and quality. Otherwise, old pearls are typically hard to sell and do not hold much value.
Is it worth selling pearls?
Pearls are harder to sell than other precious materials for several reasons. There are many pearl necklaces flooding the market, and pearls are an organic material, so unlike diamonds, gold and other gemstones and metals, they deteriorate over time.
When Barbara Kamba-Nyathi divorced her husband after 14 years of marriage and a battle with cervical cancer, she uprooted her life to move away from him.
But even though she initiated the breakup, she was plagued by doubt about whether she had made the right decision.
That is, until a good friend validated her reasons for leaving and gave her the strength to move forward.
“I had grown and transformed over the years, and my ex had remained stagnant,” says Kamba-Nyathi, an inspirational speaker, author and psychologist from Zimbabwe. “We were no longer compatible, and I needed to embrace my newness and open myself to better and bigger possibilities.”
If you’ve ever had to support a friend going through a breakup or divorce, you know how hard it can be to find the right things to do or say to support them.
But Dana McNeil, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, says being supportive is not about saying the perfect words or taking responsibility for your friend’s happiness.
“Viewing it this way is setting you up to have too big of expectations about the goal of your friendship or the real value of your presence in the wounded person’s life,” she says.
Instead, she recommends being open and curious about their experience and just being present with their answers.
Expert tips to be a supportive friend
I talked to several relationship experts and people who have gone through divorce to learn how to comfort someone after a breakup or divorce.
Sameera Sullivan, a professional matchmaker with clients in New York, Houston, Dallas, and Portland, says the impact of a bad breakup or divorce can be softened or hardened depending on the kind of support circle a person has and the comments they receive.
“It’s best to ease the person out from the state of shock by reassuring them again and again about the long-term benefit and their own self-worth,” she says.
Ruth Reisman, 35, a New York City-based audiologist and mom of three, got divorced in 2020. She says that in the initial months after her divorce, she had trouble absorbing anything anyone said to her, whether it was constructive or not.
“I think the thing that was most effective was knowing that the people I loved the most were there to listen, offer a hug, and help with my children at any given moment,” Reisman says.
Kyle Zrenchik, Chief Clinical Director at ALL IN, a mental health agency in Minneapolis, advises people to simply ask the person going through the breakup how they’d like to be supported.
“Support can take many different forms: unconditional positive encouragement, accountability/healthy criticism, helping distract your friend from the breakup, etc.,” he says.
Comforting words for a friend:
“I know different people need different types of support. I just want to make sure you know that I’m willing to help you in whatever way you need. If you don’t have an answer to this right now, that’s fine — but I really want to ask you directly: What can I do to be helpful to you? Whatever it is, I’m 100% committed to being on the journey with you as you go through all of this.”
Tip #2: Offer empathy — not solutions
A lot of people have a tendency to want to “fix” other people and provide solutions to their problems. “Savior complex,” according to this Psychology Today article, is a psychological construct that makes a person feel the need to save others.
But Zrenchik says some “solutions” often come out as cliches — “You were too good for him anyway!” or “Everything happens for a reason!” or “I’m sure you will find someone better.”
“You don’t want to do that,” Zrenchik says. “You want to provide an open sense of empathy that makes space to grieve with the friend.”
Mary Joye, 65, a licensed mental health counselor who runs a private practice in Winter Haven, Fla., says the best way to comfort a friend is to allow them to vent their frustrations, which can clear the air and help them see a way forward.
“When people are going through divorce, I do work on the present problems, but every session ends with reinventing,” says Joye, who also experienced divorce herself. “Allow them to vent and then help them to believe it’s possible to reinvent and ask them what that would look like to them.”
Comforting words for a friend:
“I am thinking about you and I am here. I may not have any answers that will make you feel better or take the pain away right now. What I am sure about is that you are going to get through this. Please consider me a source of support and someone to lean on when it gets hard.”
Tip #3: Don’t assume you know what they’re feeling
Even if you’ve gone through your own divorce or breakup, the way you felt may not be the same way your friend is feeling.
“When a well-meaning person tells their version of a similar situation, it can sometimes come across as minimizing or ‘topping’ the other person’s experience,” McNeil says.
Instead of focusing on your own advice or experiences, she suggests being open and listening to your friend’s experience, which can lead to a meaningful and heartfelt connection.
“Being able to ask about and being willing to sit with their pain without trying to fix it is such a valuable gift to give a friend,” she says.
Comforting words for a friend:
“I won’t pretend to know how you’re feeling right now, but I want to listen and be there for you. Please call me to vent anytime you need.”
People going through a hard time after a divorce or breakup often forget or lose motivation to take care of themselves in practical ways — food, sleep, laundry, exercise, getting a haircut or keeping the house clean. Help with these basics serves your friend’s visceral needs in a profound way.
“Bringing a protein smoothie or salad to your friend who hasn’t been eating and sharing lunch with them is a gesture of loving concern,” McNeil says.
Zrenchik says to help a friend through a divorce or breakup, you often have to be the one to pursue them and set up plans.
“Inviting a friend over for a meal you are making just for them, arranging a game night with your shared friends, or taking a day trip out of town to help your friend get their mind off of things are great, bold ways to show your friend you truly care,” he says.
Alina Clark, 37, a marketing director from Los Angeles, says the most helpful thing people did for her when she was going through divorce was inviting her to dinner (or something else) at least once a week.
“It kept me from becoming isolated and indulging in pity parties,” she says. “It was usually dinner because they wanted to make sure I was eating.”
Comforting words for a friend:
“Do you need anything right now? I can come by this weekend to watch the kids so you can get in some self-care — maybe a massage or trip to the gym. Or we can watch some TV or a movie, go grab dinner and drinks if you prefer! Anything you need to take your mind off things for a little bit.”
Perhaps your friend has some basic needs, including housing, food or utilities. These guides can help:
McNeil says it’s important never to ask someone who is struggling to mask their pain or move forward before they’re ready.
When someone going through a breakup or divorce worries they are being “too emotional” or that they should be handling the pain of the breakup in a different way, they start to feel that they should reduce their own pain to make sure other people feel OK.
“This does little to increase your connection or convey support to your friend,” McNeil says. “If you don’t know what to say, then tell your friend that.”
Kamba-Nyathi says anyone who wants to be a supportive friend should honor the friend’s feelings and offer to be a safe space.
“Do not judge, do not compare them to some other person you know or yourself, and do not criticize,” she says. “Be a friend and not a devil’s advocate.”
Comforting words for a friend:
“I don’t know if anyone has told you this, but it is 100% OK to not feel OK right now. And I’m here anytime you need a shoulder to cry on.”
Tip #6: Don’t trash their ex…yet
Our go-to response to comfort a friend after a breakup or divorce might be to put down their ex.
But speaking from experience, Joye says this probably isn’t what the person wants or needs.
“It was awful to have people try to get me to call my ex horrible names or think of ways to harm him,” she says. “That wasn’t who I am. I didn’t want to be vindictive. I wanted to be vindicated.”
She says being vindictive might offer immediate gratification but does little for the body, mind, and soul.
“However, waiting to be vindicated and allowing the truth to unfold while keeping my dignity was wonderful,” Joye says.
McNeil advises to simply follow their friend’s lead.
“Many people who are still in shock or are trying to process the end of a relationship — especially one where they didn’t make the decision about breaking up — are fragile emotionally and often do everything they can to deny the relationship has ended,” she says.
People tend to romanticize their relationship after a breakup and try to seek comfort and validation from the person who hurt them.
“They often feel incredibly sensitive to any negative comments about the relationship because they may still harbor hope that it can be salvaged,” McNeil says.
And in the event that your friend and the ex do get back together, your friend might avoid being around you since they don’t think you support their relationship.
“If you bash your friends’ partner while they were broken up, you now have a problem on your hands if they rekindle things,” Zrenchik says. “Your friend will always remember how you ‘truly felt.’”
Comforting words for a friend:
“Anytime you want to vent, I’m here to listen. I know you’re hurting and that this is a big transition.”
Tip #7: Give them space to recover
“I tell all of my clients when they are going through a breakup to treat themselves like they have the flu,” McNeil says.
That means they shouldn’t expect as much of themselves or push themselves to make big decisions about the future.
“You don’t have to make a decision right now in the midst of a breakup about when you might have to start dating again or what you might say to your partner if they decide they want to get back together in the future,” she says.
Part of learning how to comfort a friend after a breakup or divorce is giving them space to feel their feelings and recover at their own pace.
“When you have the flu, you allow yourself to rest, and you allow your brain to go offline and just be present with the needs of your body,” McNeil says. “That means trying to get sleep, eat properly, and take time to emotionally and mentally heal.”
As a friend, you can focus on helping the person through that process.
“The main thing is to make space for your friend,” says Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified Imago relationship therapist based in Baltimore. (Imago therapy focuses on turning relationship conflicts into opportunities for healing and growth.)
“This means being there as a blank screen to give them the opportunity to open up and share without judgment or advice, just someone to talk to that can provide support, validate, and empathize without any agenda or strings attached,” he says.
Comforting words for a friend:
“I realize you’re hurting right now and need your space. But I am here to listen and help you through this whenever you’re ready.”
Tip #8: Highlight their growth
Once you’ve given your friend adequate time to work through their initial feelings after a breakup or divorce, you can begin to communicate the personal growth you witnessed during and after that relationship.
“This is a sneaky, but totally appropriate, way of helping your friend to begin thinking about the breakup through a somewhat positive light,” Zrenchik says.
After relationships have ended, people tend to focus on what they lost, but highlighting their personal growth will flip that narrative and help them focus on what they gained. Maybe your friend gained confidence, took a big leap forward in their career, or learned to walk away from a toxic relationship with lots of red flags.
Sullivan says reassuring your friend about the long-term benefit of going through their divorce or breakup can help them cope with it.
“My clients have felt a lot better when people make them see the brighter side of things and tell me that the perspective helped them get over the bitter feelings of a divorce,” she says.
Comforting words for a friend:
“I’m sure it’s hard for you to think about this right now, but I need to be honest. I’ve gained such a respect for the growth I’ve seen in you over the course of the relationship. I know you’re at the hardest part of it right now, but I’ve had a front row seat to seeing you learn a ton about yourself, step out of your comfort zone, work through obstacles, etc. I just want to highlight the respect I have for the way you’ve handled the entire span of the relationship.”
Tip #9: Step in if your friend needs help
While everyone has their own timeline for moving on and dating again after a relationship, there are some people who just can’t move on or stop obsessing over their past relationship.
“If someone is obsessing, then there is likely nothing you can really do to stop them,” Zrenchik says. “You are not their therapist or psychiatrist, and interrupting obsessive thoughts is very challenging.”
Don’t be afraid to let your friend know when you think they may need to reach out to a professional therapist for clinical support, McNeil says.
“If a friend is just not seeming to rebound, seems more depressed than you would expect them to be, or makes any kind of comments about ending their life, then it makes sense for you to suggest they seek out more support,” she says.
Offer to take the heavy lifting off their hands by finding a reputable therapist in your area or by helping them sign up for therapy.
BetterHelp is our top choice for online therapy and gives you the opportunity to connect with a therapist without ever leaving your home. Here’s why we recommend them:
Nearly 2 million active users
A Better Business Bureau rating
Access to 20,000+ licensed therapists — who all have a Master’s or Doctorate degree
Financial aid available
Plans start at $60-80/week for 24/7 unlimited messaging plus a weekly video or phone session
Specialists available based on religion, age, sexuality, race, age and gender, plus couples therapy
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It only takes a few minutes to sign up with BetterHelp online therapy to start talking to a licensed therapist within 24 hours.
“I just wanted to check in with you and make sure you are OK. I noticed you haven’t been yourself since the breakup, and I hope you know you can come to me anytime you don’t feel like keeping it all together. Have you thought about talking to someone about this?”
Tip #10: Share words of encouragement
When your friend has done some healing, remind her how much she’s grown through this process and how much she still has to look forward to.
Comforting words for a friend:
We asked real single moms on Facebook to share the words of encouragement that helped them get through divorce:
“It is hard right now, but I promise, in a year, you are going to look at yourself and be so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
“Your kids get to experience a version of you that is truly happy. That’s an incredible gift to give them.”
“You are worthy of change and it will be for the better. You may not feel it now but in time you’ll know you made the right choice.”
“You are choosing freedom, for you and for your children.”
“Be kind to yourself as you adjust to your new normal. In time, you will find that the new life you create for yourself is more amazing than you could have imagined.”
“You are modeling for your children not to accept less than they deserve in a relationship.”
“You’ve already done the hardest part, which is to decide to leave. The next hardest thing was telling your kids. The two hardest parts are over.”
“Though this is painful, it’ll pass. Cherish it for the good moments it had and release it. You might end up with a friend in the future. Either way, the future is waiting for you.”
“You are a strong woman! I’m proud of you!”
Common questions about comforting a friend
What do you say to a friend after a breakup?
Every person going through a breakup has different needs. Here are a few things you can say to comfort a friend after a breakup or divorce:
If you want to offer them a safe space:
“Wow, I’m so glad you are telling me about this, but I am also so sorry to hear about the breakup. First off, don’t feel like you need to put any boundaries around your emotions. Just let your body feel what it needs to feel. Let’s start with this: How are you doing? I mean for real. How are you doing?”
If you want them to know you care:
“Hey. Just letting you know that you are on my mind today. You are such an AWESOME friend and one hell of a catch. Please believe me when I say that I think you have a really bright and exciting future ahead of you.”
If you want to give them motivation:
“I am here, I am not going anywhere, and we will get you through this difficult time together. I don’t know how everything will turn out or how long it will take, but I just wanted to remind you that you are more resilient than you think you are, stronger than you remember, and so deserving of love and happiness. This is a temporary season of your life, and there will be sunny days again.”
How do you cheer up a friend who broke up with his/her boyfriend?
Even if your friend is the one who broke up with his/her boyfriend, they’re still likely experiencing a lot of pain and potentially doubt about their decision.
You can start by making sure their needs are met and by simply being there to listen openly and help them see a way forward.
However, McNeil cautions people not to approach cheering someone up as taking responsibility for their happiness.
You can invite your friend to go see a movie, go for a walk, or go out to dinner if they feel up to it. These gestures let your friend know you care and give them a healthy distraction from the pain they’re dealing with.
What do you text your best friend after a breakup?
If you want to offer words of encouragement after a breakup, send a quick text to show your support:
Try one of these text scripts:
“My life would not be the same without your friendship. You are so important to me and I want to let you know you are not in this alone.”
“Just wanted to text to say how proud I am of you. I know things are hard right now, but you’re getting through it every day and that’s enough.”
“I don’t know how everything will turn out or how long it will take, but I just wanted to remind you that you are more resilient than you think you are, stronger than you remember, and so deserving of love and happiness. This is a temporary season of your life and there will be sunny days again.”
What do you say to a friend after a breakup?
Every person going through a breakup has different needs. Offer your friend a safe space and let them know you care.
How do you cheer up a friend who broke up with his/her boyfriend?
You can start by making sure their needs are met and by simply being there to listen openly and help them see a way forward.
What do you text your best friend after a breakup?
If you want to offer words of encouragement after a breakup, send a quick text to show your support: “Just wanted to text to say how proud I am of you. I know things are hard right now, but you’re getting through it every day and that’s enough.”
What do you have in your jewelry box?
A diamond engagement ring from a divorce?
Gold or silver jewelry — like a broken gold chain or necklace from high school?
Estate or antique jewelry that is sentimental but unworn?
Diamond jewelry — like a tennis bracelet or stud earrings that frankly, were never your style?
The good news is you have many quality options for your old jewelry — including selling it for immediate cash to a reputable buyer.
We recommend CashforGoldUSA because it accepts all gold, silver, diamond and gemstone jewelry, pays within 24 hours, a BBB A+ rating, and a best price guarantee.
Who will take my old or unwanted jewelry?
In addition to selling, here are ways you can get rid of your old or unwanted jewelry:
Our No. 1 recommendation for selling jewelry is CashforGoldUSA, which has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, pays within 24 hours, and buys a wide variety of jewelry, gold, silverware, gemstones and coins.
Old jewelry, if it is fine jewelry, is typically worth its scrap value — that is, the spot price of the gold, silver or platinum it contains, plus the resale value of any diamonds or gemstones, minus the buyer’s commission, which can be 20% to 70%. An exception is if your jewelry is a very unique design or is from a known luxury brand like Tiffany or Cartier.
Learn more about the value of scrap jewelry components in our guides on selling gold, silver, platinum and diamonds.
2. Recycle unwanted jewelry
Gold and silver buyers ultimately recycle your fine jewelry, smelting it down into bars, bullion, coins that can then be turned into other jewelry, electronic components or other uses. This is good for the environment, as metals and gemstone mining and processing is extremely toxic to the environment.
3. Pawn jewelry
You may consider pawning your jewelry to a pawn shop near you, especially if you need money quickly. While pawn shops have a reputation for being sketchy, the reality is that most pawn shops are reputable businesses with deep roots in their communities.
How much do you get for pawning jewelry?
As with other things sold to pawn shops, you will get 25% to 60% of the retail value of your item from the pawnbroker. This may be tempting if you really, really need the money very quickly, but there are other ways to get a much higher return on your jewelry — which is likely one of the most valuable things you own.
If you need money but don’t want to part with your jewelry, consider a jewelry loan from Diamond Banc. A jewelry loan allows you to use your jewelry as collateral to secure a loan, in exchange for interest.
Here’s why we like Diamond Banc:
Accepts diamonds, fine jewelry, luxury watches, gold and precious metals valued at $500 to $500,000
Loans up to 80% of the estimated liquid wholesale value of your jewelry
Pawning jewelry will get you quick cash. But spending just a little more time getting multiple offers, including from online gold buyers, will likely earn you more money for your jewelry.
4. Consign it
Jewelry stores and antique shops both may purchase your estate and vintage jewelry — either for a flat rate or on a consignment agreement.
Consignment shops typically accept an item for consignment and then pay the original seller a percentage of the sales price if and when the item sells.
Expect consigning your jewelry to take longer than pawning and direct sales or online sales, and consignment stores typically do not net higher profits for the seller.
5. Use it as a collateral for a loan
If you have a piece of fine jewelry or an old watch that would sell for at least $500, and you prefer to keep it but need the money, there are companies that specifically offer jewelry loans.
Also has locations for drop off in Tampa, Boca Raton, Miami, Aventura, Orlando, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Kansas City, Columbia, and Rochester
Borrow between $500 and $500,000
Rates as low as 2.5%
Receive funds in as little as 24 hours
Accepts diamonds, fine jewelry, luxury watches, gold and precious metals
Loans 65%-75% of the estimated liquid wholesale value of your jewelry
Assets are fully insured and stored in alarm-protected, 24-hour security monitored, fireproof vaults
Offers 30-day loans that can be extended for as many 30-day periods as needed
6. Auction it
While some auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s cater exclusively to the wealthy looking to buy and sell items worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, the truth is that online jewelry auctions are much more accessible than you might think. Some, like Worthy.com, will accept and list for auction pieces of high-value jewelry from brands like Tiffany and Cartier.
7. Upcycle or repurpose jewelry
If you have a diamond engagement ring from a past relationship, you may consider repurposing the stones into a necklace, earrings or other piece. Some people then have the gold or platinum setting melted down for the new setting.
Repurposing diamond engagement rings
Often, people will find ways to repurpose the stone and even the metals in an unused engagement ring. This can include:
Turning the diamond from an engagement ring after a divorce into a necklace, earrings or another ring or other jewelry for either the owner, or her children.
Turning an inherited engagement ring’s stone and metal into a ring or other jewelry for relatives of the former owner.
Gifting an engagement ring to a newly engaged couple who use it in its current or a new setting.
I always think repurposing an engagement ring from a divorce is really bad mojo. Diamonds are not hard to come by. If you want a nice piece of diamond jewelry — for yourself, your kids, your bride-to-be — sell that engagement ring and use the money to buy a nice, fresh new one without the bad memories.
Repurposing old or broken jewelry
There are many creative ways to repurpose old or broken jewelry: have it melted down into a new piece, include a gemstone or diamond in a cluster of new stones, and take a vintage or sentimental piece of jewelry and refashion and redesign the materials into something of your taste.
Upcycling old jewelry
Many jewelers will happily let you cash in your diamond, gemstone, gold and other jewelry towards a credit to upcycle your old jewelry into something larger, more modern, or simply more your style and taste.
You can also take it upon yourself to sell your old jewelry and upgrade (upcycle) to something new and better.
For jewelry that has sentimental value, upcycling or repurposing it into a new piece is a great option. For jewelry that doesn’t have any sentimental value, you might choose to do something else with it.
8. Gift it to loved ones
If you feel the need to cleanse your jewelry box or otherwise put your unused, old jewelry to good use, give it away to family or friends.
You may have a loved one who appreciates its vintage — such as a relative who also knew the person from whom you inherited your pearls.
9. Donate your old jewelry
If you’re looking to get rid of your old jewelry quickly just for the sake of clearing it out — or if you want to make a charitable contribution — there are several places you can donate it.
Nonprofits like Dress for Success, I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation, or Support Our Troops
Post it for free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
10. Give away your old jewelry
Post it for free on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or donate a piece of fine jewelry to a charity auction — and enjoy the tax deduction and good feels.
11. Trade your old jewelry in on a new piece
Most jewelry stores will allow you to trade in your old jewelry for an upgraded piece. You’ll just have to pay the difference in price between the two.
A lot of stores will offer you a higher trade-in value than cash value as an incentive to buy something new (similar to the way car dealerships entice you with a high trade-in value so you’ll purchase a new car from their lot).
FAQs about what to do with old jewelry
What can I do with cheap jewelry I don’t want?
If your jewelry is made of any precious metals or gemstones, you can sell it to a jeweler, gold or silver buyer, or pawnshop. Some high-end costume jewelry may have resale value on ebay or at a local antique or consignment shop.
However, if your costume jewelry doesn’t have a high value, you can donate it to a nonprofit or charity auction. You can also give it away to someone you know or post it for free or low price on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace — or let a child in your life use it for dress-up.
How do you dispose of old costume jewelry?
If your jewelry has any gold or sterling silver beads or a clasp, you can sell it to a buyer like CashforGoldUSA, which partners with a refinery that will smelt it down into bars, bullion and coins that can be turned into other jewelry, electronic components or other items.
If your jewelry doesn’t contain precious metals but is still in good shape, you can donate it to a thrift shop or charitable organization.
When should you throw out jewelry?
The following items typically do not have much resale value:
Silver-plated jewelry
Costume jewelry that is not in style nor is made by a known brand
Pearls
Small gemstones
Now, you may be able to find someone who loves the designs and is happy to pay you a modest price for these items, or you can donate them to a thrift store and enjoy the tax deduction. Someone may want them for crafts or art projects, including a school, college or community art program.
Otherwise, sometimes you just have to throw out jewelry, and that is OK — especially if you tried to give it away and no one wanted it!
Can you get money for old jewelry?
There are a lot of ways to get money for your old jewelry. Estate jewelry can be sold to an antique buyer, consignment shop, pawnbroker or online via a site like Etsy. Or you can sell your old gold, silver or gemstone jewelry to an online jewelry or gold buyer.
You can sell your gold, silver, platinum, gemstone and diamond jewelry to CashforGoldUSA, which our investigation found to pay the most of its competitors for jewelry. Get a 10% bonus and 24 hr. payment now >>
You can also get the melt value of your old jewelry with this online gold calculator from CashforGoldUSA:
This calculator is for information purposes only and is not the amount you should expect to receive. It provides the highest melt value of your gold today, not an offer. Your offer will depend on your appraisal.
Bottom line: Is it worth it to sell old jewelry?
If you have fine jewelry with precious metals, diamonds and gemstones, then you definitely should sell your old jewelry! Gold and silver prices are around record highs, and diamonds are always worth something.
Get a quick quote on your old jewelry from CashforGoldUSA, which accepts all gold, silver, diamond and gemstone jewelry, pays within 24 hours, has a BBB A+ rating and a best-price guarantee.
Old jewelry, if it is fine jewelry, is typically worth its scrap value — that is, the spot price of the gold, silver or platinum it contains, plus the resale value of any diamonds or gemstones, minus the buyer’s commission, which can be 20% to 70%. An exception is if your jewelry is a very unique design or is from a known luxury brand like Tiffany or Cartier.
Can you get money for old jewelry?
There are a lot of ways to get money for your old jewelry. Estate jewelry can be sold to an antique buyer, consignment shop, pawnbroker or online via a site like Etsy. Or you can sell your old gold, silver or gemstone jewelry to an online jewelry or gold buyer.
Is it worth it to sell old jewelry?
Yes! Gold and silver prices are around record highs, and diamonds are always worth something.
If you never wear your Tiffany engagement ring or other jewelry, sell it before prices fall further.
Tiffany does not buy back jewelry, so if you want to sell your items, you’ll need to explore options such as a pawn shop, jewelry store, or online marketplace.
Tiffany & Co. is an iconic, legacy luxury brand that tends to hold its value more than unbranded jewelry. That said, the price of diamonds is plummeting across the board, so do not expect any more than half of what you paid for your Tiffany — and perhaps even less.
In this post, we’ll explain what to do with unwanted Tiffany jewelry, how to determine what your jewelry is worth, and where you can sell it:
First, let’s go through options for selling Tiffany jewelry:
Where and how to sell Tiffany jewelry
Thankfully, there are reputable places where you can be assured you will get a great price selling your diamond Tiffany jewelry with a company with a good reputation, including:
You can use jewelry as collateral to secure a personal loan through companies like Diamond Banc that specialize in jewelry loans, if you’re not ready to part with your Tiffany jewelry. Check out our Diamond Banc review.
Jewelry store near you
A local jewelry store can be a good option for selling your Tiffany jewelry, especially if you have a relationship with a jeweler you trust.
Sell at a jewelry auction
Auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, as well as other online jewelry auctions are typically interested in very high-end pieces, especially those with important provenance and documented history. This is not an option for most people.
Worthy’s online auction marketplace accepts jewelry with a resale value of at least $1,000. Read about Worthy in our review.
Sell Tiffany jewelry online to professional jewelry buyers
There are many online jewelry buyers, as well as diamond buyers, a few of them are worth working with. Check BBB and Trustpilot reviews, search through Reddit and get plenty of quotes if highest price is important to you (vs speed of sale).
I elaborate on the big players in the online diamond jewelry seller marketplace. include Abe Mor.
Our recommended place to sell Tiffany jewelry is Worthy.com, an online marketplace that will auction your item to their jewelry buyers. Read our Worthy review.
You may also consider CashforGoldUSA, which pays quicker and accepts a wider range of sizes and values of diamonds, gold silver and gemstones.
How to assess what Tiffany jewelry is worth
Before you start the process of selling your Tiffany jewelry, educate yourself about what to expect. Many people assume that the resell value of their jewelry will only be slightly lower than what they paid for it, or the same as its retail value. However, expect to get between 50% and 70% of the retail value of your Tiffany item.
Before you sell your Tiffany jewelry or watch, take some time to understand its resale value and worth:
Does Tiffany jewelry have resale value?
Yes, the resale value of Tiffany jewelry is high. Tiffany jewelry retains its resale value more than any other branded jewelry because of:
Ongoing, high demand for Tiffany jewelry
Timeless design and high quality associated with Tiffany engagement rings and other jewelry
Ongoing marketing and advertising by Tiffany For more than a century, the word “Tiffany” has been synonymous with luxury. The jeweler’s elegant styles and its emphasis on quality stones and metals has made the store a favorite destination for the rich and famous and also for people seeking timeless beauty.
Tiffany is one of the most trusted, beloved brands in the jewelry industry.
A recent survey of nearly 6,000 consumers by research firm Kadence International, ranks Tiffany & Co. jewelry as having the highest ratings for luxury brands, as defined by measures including product quality, product distinctiveness, brand heritage, enduring appeal, status and exclusivity.
Tiffany engagement rings are the most popular of all branded diamond rings, and therefore more expensive than an unsigned piece of jewelry, studies find.1
You can maximize your profit if you have your item’s original Tiffany blue box (see why it’s so important below) and any accompanying receipts and paperwork like a certificate of authenticity or information booklet about your piece.
Here are some recent Worthy.com ring sales:
How much is a Tiffany necklace worth at resale?
A Tiffany necklace or Tiffany bracelet’s price varies greatly by the materials, and if it features a diamond or other gemstone, the size and quality and if it is made of gold, silver or platinum.
Here are some recent Tiffany necklace auctions on Worthy.com, which range from $3,597 to $19,781:
How much is a Tiffany bracelet worth at resale?
These are some recent Tiffany bracelet auctions on Worthy.com:
Elsa Peretti designs, including her Tiffany bean necklace, Peretti’s silver cuff for Tiffany and others, are also in high demand if you want to sell.
Do Tiffany watches hold their resale value?
Like other Tiffany jewelry, Tiffany watches also maintain a high resale value. These a recent Tiffany watch sale on Worthy.com:
How to figure out how much you’ll get for your Tiffany jewelry
Most local jewelers in your community will offer a jewelry appraisal, even for free. This can be a good estimate of the replacement value of your jewelry, which can help you get it insured, and understand its value. A local appraisal usually is much, much higher than the actual resale price.
However, if you want to know the true value of what your jewelry is worth, and how much you can get for it by selling, you really need a certified lab report from GIA or another noteworthy lab that will charge around $150 to $200 for most gradings.
In this clip from Antiques Roadshow, a woman with an 1870 Tiffany and Co. gold necklace underestimated the value of what she had:
How to tell if a Tiffany diamond is real
Like anything else of value, there are fraudsters and rip-offs when it comes to luxury jewelry brands like Tiffany. Here is how you can know whether the Tiffany ring, necklace or other piece is the real deal:
The best and easiest way to ensure that you do, indeed, own a Tiffany diamond is to get a certified lab report from the Gemological Institute of America. If you do have a GIA certification, you can double-check its authenticity with the free and quick GIA Report Check.
Tiffany’s 4 C’s of diamonds
I also advise that in this stage, you educate yourself about the famous 4 C’s of diamonds. This is where Tiffany’s special sauce is ever-evident and ensures that every Tiffany diamond is of the highest quality.
Cut
Tiffany commits to the highest quality cuts, and guarantees its diamonds for a lifetime.
Color
Tiffany only sells colorless, or nearly colorless diamonds. Here is Tiffany’s color scale:
So, if your diamond is an S color or darker, it is not Tiffany.
Clarity
When Tiffany diamond graders find that a diamond’s clarity falls between two grades, Tiffany will always assign the stone a lower grade—and not inflate a diamond’s clarity grade. Tiffany claims it never sells diamonds with visible inclusions or blemishes.
This is the diamond clarity scale from the American Gem Society:
FAQs about selling Tiffany jewelry
How can I get the most money for my Tiffany jewelry?
Keep your blue Tiffany box (and anything else that came with your purchase)
There are three reasons why presenting that little blue box matters so much:
Establishes Tiffany jewelry’s authenticity
Buyers want the complete Tiffany experience
You can earn more money
ebay sellers aren’t allowed to sell them, and they aren’t widely accessible elsewhere.
A genuine Tiffany purchase will come with a box with the store’s name in a perfectly stamped standard font and paperwork verifying its validity.
What if I don’t have the Tiffany blue box?
If you’ve misplaced your box (or never had one to begin with), all is not lost.
While you may not make as much as you would with the box in hand, there are plenty of buyers on the market still willing to purchase your piece for a reasonable price.
Tiffany & Co. jewelry comes with a certificate of authenticity and a blue booklet.
If you can place any one of these items, include it with your appraisal to get the best estimate possible. Just think, the more information you can provide to your jewelry buyer, the better.
Buyers like Worthy will purchase your Tiffany jewelry with or without the blue box.If your piece of jewelry is authentic, the company’s team of experts will be able to tell. They’re trained to spot the intricacies of a legitimate Tiffany & Co. piece.
Do your research and you can profit from your Tiffany jewelry, even if it’s missing the package.
Does Tiffany buy back jewelry?
Tiffany does not have a buy-back program. But, Tiffany will issue a full refund within 30 days of purchase, with receipt, as long as your jewelry is in resalable condition (be sure to make your proposal and get an answer within that window!)
While Tiffany & Co. does not have a buy-back program, Tiffany does have an upgrade program for engagement rings. Tiffany will give you store credit equal to your original purchase price, which you can use toward the purchase of a new Tiffany engagement ring.
Bottom line: Where is the best place to sell Tiffany jewelry?
Worthy is the best place to auction Tiffany jewelry.
However, if you need cash now, Diamonds USA is less complicated because they buy jewelry.
If you are looking to sell Tiffany jewellery in the UK, our analysis shows that Suttons and Robertsons are great options for cash.
SOURCES
“Tiffany & Co. Tops Luxury Ranking List Among U.S. Consumers,” June 14, 2024 National Jeweler https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/3985-tiffany-co-tops-luxury-ranking-list-among-us-consumers
Does Tiffany jewelry have resale value?
Yes, Tiffany resale value is high. Because of the ongoing, high demand for Tiffany jewelry, and because of the timeless design and high quality associated with Tiffany engagement rings and other jewelry, and ongoing marketing and advertising by Tiffany, Tiffany jewelry retains much of its value.
Does Tiffany buy back jewelry?
If you are wondering does Tiffany buy back jewelry, the answer is no. But, Tiffany will issue a full refund within 30 days of purchase, with receipt, as long as your jewelry is in resalable condition.
Whether you are selling diamonds, gold, an engagement ring or other fine jewelry, or vintage or costume jewelry, you may choose to sell locally for immediate cash, and hopefully the highest price.
You may have normal fears of getting ripped off, or otherwise finding a legitimate buyer who will give you a fair price.
In this post I focus on sell how to sell fine jewelry, including gold and diamonds.
However, if you have unwanted costume or fashion jewelry, these posts are for you:
For immediate cash for fine jewelry with gold, silver and diamonds, find a reputable pawnshop, jeweler or gold and diamond buyer.
While you might not have considered an online jewelry buyer, today there are several reputable companies that allow you to sell your fine gold, silver and diamond jewelry without leaving home, and get paid within 24 hours.
We detail the leading businesses below, and our top recommendation is CashforGoldUSA and their sister site Diamonds USA, with their A+ BBB rating, 24 hour payment and that they accept all gold, silver and diamonds.
How to find reputable jewelry buyers nearby
The logical place to start is with a Google search for “best place to sell jewelry near me,” if you want to start locally to sell your jewelry. We’ve made your search easy by including an embedded Google search tool below.
Instead of searching for jewelry buyers near me, jewelry sellers near me, jewelry purchasers near me, enter your ZIP code, and Google will do the rest. If you need cash now, you can use Google to find businesses that are open now:
The benefits of going to a nearby jewelry buyer are you can get cash immediately, support a local business, and work face-to-face with someone you trust.
The cons of selling locally is that you have to physically go into the store, which can be time-consuming and embarrassing.
To find a reputable local jewelry buyer in your community take these steps:
Ask local friends, family, neighbors for recommendations for a reputable gold, diamond buyer or jeweler in your community
Search the company’s Yelp, Better Business Bureau and Google reviews
Visit in person, and get a quote
Visit multiple local businesses
You can also reach out to an online buyer, get a quote and see if they can beat local offers. Companies like CashforGold and Worthy will return your time for free, 100% insured, if you choose not to sell with them.
Here are a few local business you could start with:
3 places where you could “sell jewelry near me”
1. Search for “pawnshop near me”
Pawn shops are prevalent in most communities, and while pawn brokers have a shady reputation overall, there are some quality businesses that will give you a fair price for your fine jewelry. However, that fair price is typically around 50% of the retail price of your diamond, and 50% to 80% of spot price, or melt price, of any gold.
2. Search for “jewelry buyer near me”
A jeweler near you will likely offer a free jewelry appraisal that can help you understand the quality and value of your item — whether or not you choose to sell to them.
Jewelry buyers might include a jeweler, cash-for-gold outfit, coin dealer, or metals exchange. They all work more or less the same: Offer you a payout based on the weight and karat of the gold or silver of your item, times that day’s spot price. Diamonds are valued separately.
A trusted local jewelry store can be a very good place to sell your item — they will be knowledgeable about your necklace, ring or bracelet, offer a fair price and often a premium in store credit if you choose. Many jewelers pride themselves in building long-term relationships with customers, as do pawnbrokers and coin dealers.
1. Search for “sell jewelry online” to find an online jewelry buyer
Selling jewelry online might make you nervous your piece will be lost, stolen, or you will get ripped off.
However, online jewelry buying is a very competitive space, and therefore it encourages buyers to maintain good reputations online with users and reviews, as well as with their trade organizations, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot and Reddit.
These are all reputable jewelry buyers and marketpalces, but most take a couple of weeks to compete the process, and have minimum values of $1,000 or more.
For those and other reasons, our No. 1 recommendation for selling fine jewelry is CashforGoldUSA with its A+ BBB rating, 24-hour payment and more than 20 years in the business. They buy 100% of all real gold, silver and diamonds.
You receive a free FedEx or USPS mailer, with a tracking number.
Receive an offer for your jewelry by phone or email. Accept or reject it.
Get paid within 24 hours by direct deposit, paypal, Virtual Visa credit card, print-at-home check, check mailed overnight FedEx, check sent via USPS First Class mail
10% bonus if you send in your jewelry within 7 days.
If you choose not to sell, return your item via insured, trackable FedEX for free.
Should you sell jewelry on The RealReal?
The RealReal is an online marketplace for luxury resale items, including fine jewelry. The site prices your consigned jewelry based on current market trends, and you get paid a commission up to 70% depending on the list price of your items.
The RealReal is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, but it has only 1.06 out of 5 stars, with numerous customers complaining about long wait times to process consigned items, items not being returned in the same condition they were sent, unapproved markdowns, and difficulty resolving issues with customer service. Trustpilot reviews are more positive, with the site boasting 4 out of 5 stars based on 35K+ reviews.
There is no guarantee that your item will sell on The RealReal, and successful jewelry sales there are by professional jewelers or others who have the ability to professionally photograph, display and market jewelry on the site. To consign with The RealReal, you’ll first have to schedule an appointment to meet with a representative and be accepted.
The process of selling on eBay is similar: a lot of work to photograph, post, manage and ship items, while competing with professional jewelry sellers.
Is it worth selling jewelry on Facebook marketplace?
The good thing about selling jewelry on Facebook marketplace is that you get to set your own price and don’t have to pay a commission. However, there are some cons/potential risks to be aware of:
You may be selling your jewelry without understanding its actual value (unless you get a professional appraisal and lab report first), so you might be leaving money on the table listing below the item’s actual value — or over-pricing it, in which case it is unlikely to sell.
You likely won’t reach as many quality buyers, which means you won’t get the highest possible price for your items. When you work with a professional gold or diamond buyer, they know how to photograph, market, price and sell fine jewelry to get the highest return.
Listings on Facebook marketplace are not anonymous, and potential buyers can see any public information showing on your profile. If you are posting valuable jewelry, you might become a potential target for thieves. Before you list anything, make sure no identifying information is accessible on your profile. However, this can set off red flags to any potential buyer.
You’ll be handling transactions on your own, which means you need to be careful if you meet up with buyers. Pick a safe public place to deliver your items, and make sure no one tries to follow you home. If you plan to mail items to a buyer, consider investing in a PO Box to list as your return address.
Is it safe to sell items under a “Craigslist jewelry for sale by owner” listing? What about Poshmark
Jewelry sales are best left to professional buyers like CashforGoldUSA who will know how to prepare, photograph, and market your jewelry. You are unlikely to find as many (or any) high-quality buyers on Craigslist.
The safety risks of selling on Craigslist are even higher than on Facebook marketplace because you can’t see anything about the person who wants to buy your items.
Poshmark is an online consignment platform where individuals post their items to sell directly to the public. Again, unless you are investing in launching an online store on the platform, it makes more sense to sell a few jewelry items directly to a local or online jewelry buyer — typically for scrap.
Is it worth selling jewelry through a consignment shop?
Selling on consignment can be worthwhile for those with professional experience and multiple pieces of branded or otherwise very valuable jewelry. Most gold, diamond and gemstone jewelry will be sold for scrap value, which we recommend you take to any of the options mentioned above: pawnbrokers, jewelers, cash-for-gold outfits, or an online gold buyer.
Can you resell jewelry back to jewelry stores?
You may want to return your engagement ring or other jewelry back to the store where you bought it — or participate in a resell program from Tiffany, Cartier, Kay Jewelers, and Zales.
While jewelers will not typically buy back jewelry they sold you after a 30-day window, some retailers do have trade-up programs that allow you to cash in the value of your current diamond and apply that to a more expensive piece of jewelry, or larger center diamond.
What about diamond upgrades and trade-ins?
Local jewelers, as well as some national jewelry stores, offer diamond upgrade and trade-in services, in which they will evaluate your jewelry, offer you a sum that you can then apply to another, more expensive piece of jewelry:
Kay Jewelers diamond upgrade and trade-in services
Jared diamond upgrade and trade-in services
Tiffany diamond upgrade policy
Nordstrom diamond upgrade policy
This list is, in general, legitimate jewelry retailers. But if you are looking to sell a ring, watch or other jewelry for the most cash, upgrade and trade-in services are not typically the best route. Why?
A local jewelry store — including a national chain — will not provide a certified lab report on your jewelry, so unless you obtain one on your own, you have to take the jeweler’s valuation of your current diamond at face value. In other words, Kay Jewelers, Jared, Nordstrom or Zales will extend an estimated resale value of what your diamond is worth — but you have no way of knowing what you could get for it on the open market.
If you really want cash for your unused or unwanted jewelry, don’t let a sales person talk you into getting a BIGGER, MORE EXPENSIVE piece of jewelry, when what you really want is cash. Keep in mind that the retail (and resale) value of diamonds has declined more than 25% in the last year.
What you should do before you sell
Often, the first place someone goes when they are thinking about selling unwanted jewelry is their local jeweler.
This is a solid first step, but it should not be your last.
It is important to educate yourself about the kind of jewelry you have.
It is also important to educate yourself about how to sell jewelry:
Assess whether your fine jewelry is branded, such as Tiffany, Cartier, Harry Winston and Bulgari, or whether it will likely be disassembled and sold for scrap.
Get several quotes from local jewelers and online jewelry and diamond buyers.
Understand that you will likely get 30% or less than what you paid for your jewelry. So if you bought your piece for $1,000, you’re looking at a selling price of $300. The price of diamonds has declined in recent years, and any gold is contingent on today’s price of gold.
Be sure to shop around, and feel free to negotiate with any offer — including with online buyers. Why?
Fair price. Even if your jeweler is 100% honest and reputable (as many are!), he or she offers just one offer, and one opinion about what your piece of jewelry is worth. Setting a price for any piece of jewelry is highly subject to opinion and mistakes. The grade of a gemstone or diamond, the market value of various styles is subject to interpretation. Look for jewelry buyers that post highest-offer guarnatees.
Fraud is rampant. For many reasons, the jewelry industry has historically been rife with fraud and dishonesty. If you are relying on a quote from just one local jeweler, you are more likely to get ripped off. Thankfully, organizations like the Better Business Bureau, as well as online review sites and blogs mean that the entire world can hold accountable businesses with hundreds or even thousands of reviews and reports — especially online businesses, including gold, diamond and jewelry buyers.
Many relationships involve precious jewelry — investments that represented care, love, tradition.
When the relationship ends, those engagement rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets can linger in velvet-lined jewelry boxes for years — or even the remainder of the new owner’s life!
Here’s the thing: Even if that jewelry is worth tens of thousands of dollars, it is still clutter to you.
It all holds energy, good or bad.
Cleanse out the bad energy, welcome the good.
All that negative energy can translate into a positive experience, money to pay bills, or investments in the future.
Even if you are unsure whether the value of the gold or diamonds may go up soon, money in your pocket today is 100% guaranteed, vs the unknown of future prices. Plus, you can pay off debt which saves money in interest, or put money into a 401k or 529, which saves money on taxes — guaranteed.
Reasons to sell your jewelry include:
Money in a bank account is always better than jewelry sitting in a box somewhere.
If the jewelry has sentimental value — an heirloom, estate or antique jewelry, a gift, engagement gift, etc. — you can honor the person and story behind the ring, bracelet or earrings by spending the proceeds on something positive that does enhance your life. This might include investing in your future, buying a home, a vacation, education for your kids — or another piece of jewelry that you DO wear and that brings you joy!
If you don’t wear the item, you likely feel bad about it in some way: Either negative feelings about where or whom it came from (complicated relationship with the giver, divorce, guilt for buying yourself something you don’t use). Get rid of the jewelry, and get rid of the negativity!
Say no to clutter!!
No, your kids don’t want it. Your daughter does not want an engagement ring from a relationship that ended in divorce. And your future daughter-in-law sure as shit does not want that! Let it go!
A list of reasons you SHOULD NOT sell your jewelry — online, or anywhere else:
You wear it regularly and feel good about wearing it.
That’s it. That is the only reason you should NOT sell your ring.
While jewelers will not typically buy back jewelry they sold you after a 30-day window, some retailers do have trade-up programs that allow you to cash in the value of your current diamond and apply that to a more expensive piece of jewelry, or larger center diamond.
Is it safe to sell your jewelry online?
Some are excellent, while others are, frankly, shady. Before you send your ring to a buyer you found online, check the company’s status with the Better Business Bureau, TrustPilot, and Yelp.
Should you sell jewelry on The RealReal or Poshmark?
The RealReal and Poshmark are online marketplaces for apparel and accessories, including fine jewelry.There is no guarantee that your item will sell, and successful jewelry sales there are by professional jewelers or others who have the ability to professionally photograph, display and market jewelry on the site.
Is it worth selling jewelry on Facebook marketplace?
The good thing about selling jewelry on Facebook marketplace is that you get to set your own price and don’t have to pay a commission. However, there are some cons/potential risks to be aware of.
Is it worth selling jewelry through a consignment shop?
Selling on consignment can be worthwhile for those with professional experience and multiple pieces of branded or otherwise very valuable jewelry. Most gold, diamond and gemstone jewelry will be sold for scrap value at a pawn shop or local or online buyer.
According to a Pew Research Center study, 3 out of every 10 U.S. adults have used an online dating site or app.
While 57% of those people claimed to have had an overall positive experience, others — especially women ages 18 to 34 — have reported troublesome interactions. The 2022 Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler has inspired countless stories of questionable if not dangerous behavior on these platforms. According to the research:
6 in 10 women in that age group had someone continue to contact them after they said they were not interested
57% were sent an unsolicited sexually explicit message or image
19% had someone threaten to physically harm them
That said, the majority of relationships today start online, with tens of millions of happy couples finding love, marriage, friends with benefits, fun dates and any other kind of partnership with a swipe right —including on platonic friendship apps.
While there are certainly risks to online dating, fortunately, there are steps you can take to date online safely, including choosing the right dating platform.
eharmony is our No. 1 choice for safe online dating because of its state-of-the-art ID verification and video dating software that allows you to virtually vet your potential matches before you meet up in person.
Online dating safety tip #1: Choose the right dating platform
Collette Gee, a Los Angeles relationship specialist and author, says the best dating apps are ones that protect users and provide the best experience based on what the user is looking for.
“In my opinion, eharmony is one of the best dating apps for anyone looking to find real love and to do so safely,” Gee says. “eharmony provides a safe user experience, while some dating apps and sites aim to protect the company more so than the user.”
She advises people not to choose a dating app based on its popularity but rather based on your relationship goals and expectations in a potential match. For example, if you’re looking for someone who shares your Catholic or spiritual beliefs, consider a dating site that caters to those users. Here is our list of the best dating sites and apps for single parents.
Chicago-based dating coach Kevin Darne echoes that sentiment. He recommends putting yourself in your ideal partner’s shoes and figuring out which online dating app that person would use.
“In order to meet the kind of people you want to meet, you have to run in their same circles,” says Darne, who wrote a book about safe and successful online dating. “Is a doctor likely to be on a free dating app? Probably not.”
Here’s a list of some of the top dating apps and their current safety features:
– Extensive questionnaire deters most people from creating fake accounts – SMS Verified designation given to profiles that confirm their phone numbers – Closes accounts if they find out the member is married or provided false information – Video dating feature allows you to meet potential dates virtually before you decide to meet in person – Prohibits registered sex offenders from joining or anyone who has been convicted or pleaded no contest to a felony, violent, or sexual crime
– Verified status given to profiles connected to social media accounts – Prohibits registered sex offenders from joining or anyone who has been convicted or pleaded no contest to a felony, violent, or sexual crime
– Profiles created from social media accounts, so it’s harder to create a fake profile – Profile verification with identity via a photo, phone number, or with your personal Twitter account
– Women initiate conversations – Option to verify profile
Online dating safety tip #2: Understand the risks
To understand how to date online safely, you have to know the potential risks. Here are some of the top safety concerns today’s online daters should keep in mind:
Fake accounts and catfishing – Some users will gain your trust/affection with no intention of ever meeting you, only to ask for financial assistance or explicit photos.
Scammers and cyber attacks – Other users try to gain access to your personal information to potentially steal your identity or blackmail you with any private information or photos you share.
Sexual and violent offenders – While there are no official stats on the number of online dates that led to stalking or sexual or violent crimes, this risk does exist, so it’s important to do your homework about anyone you’re planning to meet.
The following online dating safety tips will help you protect yourself from these and other potential risks:
Online dating safety tip #3: Keep your information private
Gee says never to tell someone you met through a dating app where you live until you’ve gone on several dates and built trust. Your phone number can also be used to find out where you live.
“At one time, it was proper to allow a suitor to pick you up and drop you off at your home, but it is no longer safe,” she says.
Liam Barnett, a dating and relationship coach in Alaska and founder of the site Dating Zest, says people tend to allow themselves to be more vulnerable online, which makes them susceptible to being scammed.
“That person is not standing in front of you, and that’s what boosts your energy and confidence to share,” he says.
Instead of giving out your phone number, communicate on your chosen dating platform or use a third-party service that disguises your real phone number. Some good options are:
Google Voice
Burner
Hushed
Sideline
Flyp
2ndLine
Karolina Bartnik, a dating and relationship expert based in London, says you shouldn’t trust anyone who pressures you to give out your phone number, social media handles or other personal information.
“If a guy is serious about you, he will wait and be willing to work to win your trust,” she says.
Most dating apps do not conduct formal background checks, though several top apps like eharmony are testing their inclusion in the future.
So what can you do now to date online safely?
There are several ways to learn information about someone before you meet in person (especially if you’re meeting for a hookup).
1. Conduct a Google search.
If you know someone’s last name, you might be able to find their social media profiles and look through any information they’ve made public.
“Social media provides a lot of information about a person,” Bartnik says. “Seeing who they follow, who their friends are, etc., can give you a good insight into who this person really is.”
Google search results can also turn up information about criminal convictions or other potential red flags.
If you suspect the person you’re talking to is using a fake photo, you can download and run it through Google’s reverse image search. This will show if the image was pulled from a website or another person’s social media account.
2. Video or voice call first.
You can also use third-party video calling services like Zoom or Skype to get to know your dates. Just make sure the phone number listed on your account is one you’ve disguised.
Bartnik says it’s much harder to pretend to be someone else in a video than it is over text.
“Having this kind of contact before meeting in person will let you avoid some major disappointments or even potential danger,” she says.
3. Conduct a background check.
If you really want to be thorough before you meet someone in person, you can run a background check through TruthFinder.
Online dating safety tip #5: Pick a safe date location
Choosing a safe public location for your date and letting someone know where you’ll be can protect you from a dangerous situation.
Gee adds that you shouldn’t go somewhere too close to home or somewhere you regularly visit.
Tell a close friend or family member where you’ll be and who you’ll be with, and plan to check in with them by a certain time to let them know you’re safe. If you don’t call or text by that time, have them call you.
Also, end the date at the venue and do not allow your date to follow you to your car.
Darne says daytime dates are typically safer, plus they allow people to dress casually and be more relaxed.
“Daytime dating activities tend to be less alcohol fueled and generally conclude long before bedtime, which eliminates the pressure of hooking up,” he says.
Online dating safety tip #6: Look out for red flags
If you want to date safely online, keep an eye out for these and other red flags that should pique your concern that the person you are talking to is a scammer:
1. Scammers aren’t interested in meeting in person.
“Real users will want to take things further and meet you in real life or at least a video call,” Bartnik says.
Otherwise, the person is really only looking to take advantage of you in some way — or is just emotionally unavailable.
2. They ask you for explicit photos or personal information.
“Don’t be overwhelmed and act without thinking if your date showers you with tons of compliments during the first conversation,” Barnett says. “If he or she is overly romantic and uses too many compliments when you have spoken just a few times, there is another reason behind those compliments.”
3. Their pictures look too good to be true.
“If you match with someone who looks like a model but doesn’t share much personal info in their profile, watch out. Fake accounts often use photos of professional models as profile pictures,” Bartnik says.
4. They know things about you that you haven’t shared.
“Notice if the person is asking you about things you have posted on your social media,” Barnett says.
5. They develop feelings too quickly.
“Love bombing is when someone tells you they love you and want to marry you before they even know you,” says Michelle Baxo, a women’s love and mindset coach and founder of Power Love Project.
The risks of dating a love bomber range from being involved with someone who will break your heart, to being a cheater, to someone who is looking to manipulate you into dangerous situations.
6. They start asking you for favors.
“Asking you for favors before you’ve met or very early on — this is a strategy to test your willingness to give them things,” Baxo says.
This can include asking you to leave reviews for their business online, access to your financial information or other financial favors.
7. They tell you what you want to hear.
If someone agrees with everything you say or appears to have an overwhelming amount in common with you, consider taking a step back.
“This is a strategy to make you feel connected and understood,” Baxo says. “While it is possible this person is just what you need, be aware of the potential for psychological trickery.”
Baxo says that since the online dating process leaves a lot to the imagination at first, the human brain often jumps in to fill in the gaps, which can leave you making very dangerous assumptions about the person’s character.
Baxo’s theory was proven in two studies published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships studied partners in long distance vs. geographically close relationships. Despite limited interaction, the long-distance partners showed evidence of greater stability, in part because of romantic idealization. However, the long-distance partners were more likely to break up upon moving to the same location.
Online dating safety tip #7: Trust your instincts
After she was personally stalked by a sexual predator, Baxo urges women to err on the side of caution when it comes to safely dating online and to follow their instincts.
“The detectives on the case enlightened me that often women who are attacked had a gut feeling that they were unsafe but didn’t listen,” she says.
Her advice?
“Block someone as soon as you feel unsafe — physically or emotionally.”
FAQs about online dating safety
What is the safest dating app?
The experts I talked to overwhelmingly listed eharmony as their top choice for the safest online dating app.
This is why eharmony is our top choice for dating safely online:
Free basic account
Lengthy quiz to weed out daters who aren’t serious about meeting someone
All profiles are verified as real — and not cheaters or married
Algorithmic matching with the goal of long-term, meaningful partnership and marriage
Video dating feature
A- Better Business Bureau rating
How do you stay safe online dating?
There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself online, including:
Choose a reputable online dating platformKeep your personal information private
Conduct a background check or internet search before you meet up
Choose a safe date location — somewhere public that you don’t visit frequently
Tell a trusted friend where you’ll be on your dates
Pay attention to red flags
Follow your instincts (if it seems too good to be true, it probably is)
What are the risks of online dating?
The main risks in online dating stem from the fact that you’re interacting with complete strangers — and personal information can be shared digitally, quickly. If you don’t take the proper precautions, this can leave you vulnerable to a number of frustrating or even dangerous situations, like:
Catfishing
Financial scams
Identity theft
Stalking
Sexual assault
Violence
“Our intuition is often our best protection when it comes to scams and exploitation,” Bartnik says. “When something feels off, don’t ignore it.”
How can you tell a scammer when online dating?
Scammers are to interested in meeting in real life, will ask for suspicious personal details like your address or bank info, ask for favors and are way, way too good-looking in their profile pic to be the real deal.
How can you tell if an online romance is real?
If someone you meet online is truly interested in you romantically, they will take their time getting to know you, want to meet in-person shortly after connecting yet not pressure you beyond your boundaries. A truly interested date will not ask for favors — financial or otherwise — or otherwise make you feel weird. Also, an online romance is real if you, are interested!
How can you tell a scammer when online dating?
Scammers are to interested in meeting in real life, will ask for suspicious personal details like your address or bank info, ask for favors and are way, way too good-looking in their profile pic to be the real deal.
How can you tell if an online romance is real?
If someone you meet online is truly interested in you romantically, they will take their time getting to know you, want to meet in-person shortly after connecting yet not pressure you beyond your boundaries. A truly interested date will not ask for favors — financial or otherwise — or otherwise make you feel weird. Also, an online romance is real if you, are interested!
