Unvault featured in Bloomberg
Before you decide anything, it helps to know what your jewelry is worth. Most people skip this step; thereby ending up either giving away something valuable or holding onto something with little resale value because they assumed it was worth more.
Gold, silver, or platinum pieces: These are valued primarily by metal weight and purity. Look for stamps like 14K, 18K, 585, 750, or PT950 inside the band or on the clasp.
Diamond jewelry: The value of these depends on the stone's cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, not just the setting.
Designer or branded pieces: Whether its brands like Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef, they carry significant premiums above their metal value.
Costume and fashion jewelry: Are generally low resale value, though signed vintage pieces can be collectible.
Antique or estate pieces: It is important to note that age and provenance can add value, particularly for Art Deco or Victorian jewelry.
If you are unsure which category your pieces fall into, Unvault's free jewelry value estimator gives you a clear picture of what your jewelry is actually worth; based on photos, with no store visit required.
Selling old jewelry is possibly the most straightforward path if you have no attachment to the pieces and want to turn them into cash. The key is knowing where to sell and what to expect.
There are several ways to approach a sale depending on how quickly you need the funds. There are marketplaces that allow you to list items directly to consumers, which might get you a higher price but require more effort in photography and communication.
Alternatively, many people choose to work with professional diamond buyers who provide a more streamlined experience. These companies often handle the shipping and insurance for you, making it much easier to sell jewelry online safely. They typically provide an offer after a physical inspection, ensuring the transaction is secure and professional.
Pricing a diamond isn't just about what you paid for it at retail. Retail prices include significant markups for branding and overhead. Resale value, on the other hand, focuses on raw materials and current market demand.
To get a baseline figure, you can use a jewelry value estimator to see how current market trends affect your specific stone. This gives you a data-driven starting point to decide whether the offers you receive are fair.
First impressions matter, even in a digital setting. Clean your diamond using a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap to remove oils and dust that can dull its sparkle. Furthermore, taking clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles will help potential buyers see the stone's condition and "fire."
** When you are ready to ship, always use a service that provides tracking and full insurance coverage. To support this, most reputable buyers or marketplaces will provide a pre-paid shipping label that includes these protections. Never send jewelry in a standard envelope or without a signature requirement upon delivery.
Always check the reputation of the platform or buyer you choose. This means looking for independent reviews and seeing how long they have been in business. A transparent process should include a clear explanation of how they arrived at their offer and a simple way for you to return your diamond if you decide not to sell.
At Unvault, our experience has shown that by taking these steps, you can navigate the process with confidence and ensure you receive a fair price for your jewelry. Giving yourself a little time to research ensures a smooth, rewarding experience.
Always get at least two offers before you sell. The spread between a pawn shop and a specialist buyer on the same piece can easily be $200–$500.
If a piece has sentimental value but you would never wear it in its current form, repurposing is worth considering. A skilled jeweler, for example, is able to reset stones from an old ring into a new design; regardless of whether it is a pendant, a different ring style, or earrings. The stones keep their sentimental meaning while the piece becomes something you will actually use.
We find that this works best for diamond jewelry or pieces with high-quality stones where the cost of resetting makes sense relative to the stone's value. For lower-value pieces, the jeweler's labour cost may exceed what the stones are worth.
Not every piece needs to be sold or transformed. If a piece has genuine sentimental significance, like a grandmother's wedding ring, a parent's watch- keeping it is a completely valid choice. Consider having it properly appraised for insurance purposes so it is covered if it is ever lost, stolen, or damaged.
Knowing what something is worth does not mean you have to sell it. Many people feel better about keeping a piece once they understand its value. Others, though, feel better about selling once they realise the money could be more useful than jewelry sitting in a drawer.
Metal type and purity: Gold and platinum, for example, are valued by weight. A 14K gold ring has 58.3% pure gold; an 18K ring has 75%.
Gemstone quality: For diamonds, things like cut, color, clarity, and carat weight all matter. A GIA certificate significantly helps.
Brand or designer: A range of branded pieces will hold a premium that generic jewelry does not.
Condition: Damage and missing stones reduce offers but will rarely eliminate value entirely.
Market timing: Given the geopolitical climate, we have seen that gold prices remain elevated, making this a strong time to use an evaluation tool to explore your options.
Ultimately, old jewelry sitting in a drawer is not doing anything for you. Whether you sell it, repurpose it, or decide to keep it after all, the first step is always the same: find out what you actually have.
Get a free Unvault valuation — upload photos of your pieces and receive a full transparent breakdown within 24 hours. No obligation to sell, no in-store visit required!
