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Worthy reviews 2024: Is this a legit way to sell jewelry?

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Worthy is one of the most visible players in the online diamond buyer market. It is also unique in that it is not actually a buyer, but a marketplace of diamond buyers, as well as a few other key features.

Is Worthy legit?

Overall, Worthy is a legit place to sell your diamond ring, bracelet, bridal set or other diamond jewelry.

Founded in 2014, the startup has raised more than $73 million from investors. In addition to its Better Business Bureau B+ review rating, and hundreds of customer testimonials, Worthy has been featured in publications including the New York Times (twice), Crain’s New York Business, Washington Post, Entrepreneur, Reader’s Digest, Woman’s Day, and others.

Worthy takes about two weeks, and they only accept diamonds of at least .9 carats.

Keep reading to better understand whether Worthy's auction process is a fit for you, or start start selling with Worthy now >>

Or, if you need cash ASAP we recommend BBB A+ rated diamond buyer Diamonds USA, which directly buys all diamond sizes and other jewelry.

Takeaways from our Worthy review

Worthy is a legit way to sell fine jewelry valued at $1,000 or more, safely and for a fair price.

Benefits of working with Worthy:

  • Free, trackable shipping
  • Insurance up to $100,000 via Lloyds of London
  • Promise of a marketplace where multiple buyers bid on your diamond
  • You set the minimum sale price
  • Free GIA lab report

Drawbacks of Worthy include:

  • Limited scope of the jewelry they buy
  • The process can seem complicated to some sellers
  • Takes about 2 weeks total, whereas other online diamond buyers can deliver cash within a few days — or a local pawnshop or jewelry buyer could pay cash immediately
  • Worthy takes a commission of 10% to 18% off the top of the sale price — (all diamond or jewelry buyers take a cut, and their fees are within typical range)

For most diamond jewelry, DiamondsUSA could be a better fit for you. DiamondsUSA has a sister site, CashforGoldUSA, through which you could sell gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, coins, and much more. Both buy directly and sellers can be paid within 3 days of requesting a mailer (24 hours after the sale). The companies' parent company, C.J. Environmental, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Keep reading to learn if Worthy is right for you.

What is Worthy?

Worthy is an online jewelry marketplace where anyone can submit a diamond engagement ring of at least a half carat, branded jewelry like that from Tiffany, wedding jewelry, diamond necklaces, bracelets and bracelets, as well as watches including Cartier and Rolex.

One unique benefit to working through Worthy is that they provide sellers with a free GIA lab report — a value of $100 to $200 — which helps you understand the specifications of your diamond, and its market value. Worthy’s online auction allows multiple jewelry buyers around the world to bid on your jewelry, potentially driving up the price and helping you get the highest market price. 

Platinum vs white gold: Which is more valuable?

How Worthy works

Worthy uses an auction format. If accepted, your ring is photographed and listed for auction. Diamond buyers in their network can bid on listings.

Listing your ring, bracelet, loose diamond, watch, diamond jewelry, necklace, engagement ring, estate and inherited jewelry, or other items on for sale via Worthy works like this:

  1. Go to Worthy.com.
  2. Enter your contact info, and a few details about your jewelry, including any lab report and a picture.
  3. Receive a trackable FedEx lable by email, or schedule a pickup was soon as the next day
  4. Send your item via a trackable FedEx mailer, insured for up to $100,000.
  5. Receive a GIA-certified lab report and for your engagement ring or other jewelry.
  6. Work with a Worthy associate to set the price for your item. 
  7. Once the auction closes, you receive payment via Paypal within 2 to 5 business days — or by check.

What percentage does Worthy get?

Worthy.com gets paid via a commission on the sale price of your valuable. Here is their commission fee schedule:

Sale price of your itemCommission fee
Up to $5,00018%
$5,001 – $15,00014%
$15,001 – $30,00012%
$30,001+10%
Jewelry Box (3 or more valuables)18%

How long does it take to sell a ring on Worthy.com?

The whole process of selling your jewelry with Worthy.com takes 10 to 14 days from creating an account to getting paid. Some reviewers report it can take longer. Not all items sell.

How long does it take for Worthy to pay?

Once your piece is sold you can get your money via a bank transfer, PayPal or check — your choice.

You will receive payment based on which method you choose:

  • PayPal: 2 to 5 business days from close of sale
  • Bank transfer (ACH): 2 to 3 business days
  • Paper check via USPS mail: 4 to 5 business days

Worthy's entire process from getting an online estimate to getting paid is about 2 weeks.

Can I get my ring back from Worthy?

This what Worthy says about this question:

Prior to auction there is no obligation of any kind. During the preparation process, you will work with an auction manager to set a reserve price (the minimum price you are willing to accept). If the highest bid meets or exceeds your reserve price, you are committed to selling the piece. If the highest bid does not meet or exceed the reserve price you chose, you can opt to have the piece shipped back to you free of charge.

Worthy recent sales:

These rings and jewelry were recent Worthy.com auctions:

1.52 ct. round cut solitaire ring, H, I1 — sold on Worthy.com for $4,300:

Worthy review recent sale of a solitaire diamond engagement ring for $4,300.

Tiffany diamond stud earrings sold at Worthy.com for $1,575:

Worthy review recent sale of Tiffany diamond stud earrings for $1,575.

A Rolex watch sold at Worthy’s online auction for $8,000:

Worthy review recent sale of Rolex watch for $8,000.

Learn more about selling your watch.

Worthy.com pros:

Pricing and payment

  • Worthy.com is an online auction, with the promise of multiple bids from vetted buyers — which could drive up the sales price and the money you receive
  • You have control of the auction minimum sale price

Reputation

  • Better Business Bureau A rating
  • 4.6/5 stars on Trustpilot

Safety

  • Send in your jewelry with a free, 100% trackable FedEx mailer 
  • Your ring is video recorded from the moment it enters the Worthy NYC offices, and insured up to $100,000
  • Worthy promises to return your item at any point before the auction starts, or if the reserve price is not met

Value add

  • Sellers receive a free GIA-certified lab report — the only way to get a fully accurate appraisal and resale price estimate

Worthy.com cons:

  • The Worthy auction process is online, which can be challenging for some people. Especially if you have a very valuable or sentimental item, it might feel more comfortable to meet in person. If you happen to live in or visit New York City, Worthy will welcome you into their offices to meet them for an initial appraisal with their Chief Gemologist Roy Albers, who is the former head of gemstone acquisitions for Tiffany & Co.
  • There is a lot of communication. Between the texts, emails and phone calls, customers report a lot of interaction and many steps in selling their item. This can be annoying, but some people find it comforting to be in close contact with the company.
  • Compared with other jewelry buyers that complete the entire process within a few days, Worthy's process takes about 2 weeks.
  • Worthy only buys jewelry that will sell for at least $1,000, which is typically a diamond center stone of .7 carats or larger. They also accept lab diamonds of at least 3 carats.

Worthy alternatives

For smaller stones, learn about are other reputable online jewelry buyers including CashforGoldUSA — which we recommend for diamonds, gold and silver jewelry, flatware, scrap and coins.

myGemma, formerly WP Diamonds, is another quality online jewelry buyer, which also limits what it accepts to branded jewelry and diamond jewelry and loose diamonds larger than a 1/2 carat. Read our myGemma review.

If you need cash quick, you can shop your diamond around to pawn shops and other jewelry buyers near you.

For centuries, the wealthy have sold their inherited art, furniture and jewelry at auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams and Phillip auction houses in New York and London. However, those places only work with very expensive pieces.

Worthy reviews

BBB reviews

Worthy.com is accredited with the Better Business Bureau where it has a B+ rating with a 4.26/5-star average, based on 200+ reviews as of March 2024:

Trustpilot reviews

Worthy.com has a 4.6/5-star average based on more than 3,700 reviews on Trustpilot:

5-star Worthy.com review on Trustpilot from March 2024.

Bottom line: Is Worthy a good way to sell jewelry?

Their high Better Business Bureau rating, mostly positive online reviews, and unique process (especially the free GIA report) make Worthy.com a quality option for selling your diamond engagement ring, branded jewelry, or high-end watch if it’s worth more than $1,000.

Before you sell anywhere, do your homework:

1. Learn more about how to sell diamonds for the highest price before you decide.

2. Consider the value of the jewelry, gemstones, and diamonds you’re selling by getting a jewelry appraisal or diamond appraisal.

3. Review all the ways to sell an engagement ring, diamonds, gold, jewelry or watches, including: selling scrap silver or gold to a gold buyer or diamond jewelry buyers like DiamondsUSA or myGemma

Or sell near you to a local jewelry store or a pawn shop.

Is Worthy.com legit?

Worthy is a safe, trustworthy site that will help you sell your jewelry for a fair price, has a B+ BBB rating and excellent customer service.

What percentage does Worthy take?

Worthy.com gets paid via a commission on the sale price of your valuable ranging from 10-18%.

Our Worthy.com ratings:
  • Listing experience for sellers
  • Sellers' fees
  • Value for sellers
  • Customer service
4.5

2 Comments

I’ve read quite a few negative reviews regarding Worthy. Wondering where is the logic when they state that they only accept jewelry 1,000 and up,but are selling the rings for 150.00 to 999.00. And they strongly encourage these low reserve prices. Saying if you agree to their low reserve price,they can guarantee it will sell,which of course it would,a buyer is practically stealing it at the offensive price. I wonder why they strongly push the low price, especially when they state only deals with fine jewelry 1,000.00 and up. Hmmm ,something isn’t right. Perhaps the auction we see is not the true legitimate auction of our item. This may need to be looked into. Thank you

Thank you so much for posting this informative article. I’m all about simplicity, so at your recommendation used Worthy for selling an engagement ring and wedding band. They were incredibly communicative, sent me a box for secure overnight mailing, and within a couple weeks I had a sum of money in my bank account that I was happy with. Maybe I could have eked out a higher price from another buyer – maybe. Even so, I’d happily pay a price for convenience and anonymity in selling my rings, which Worthy expertly offered. Again, I am so happy you pointed me to Worthy and will recommend them to others who find themselves with jewelry to sell.

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