Common 
Questions
(FAQs)

A jewelry valuation is an estimate of what your piece may be worth based on the photos and details you provide. The more accurate your inputs, the more precise your valuation. Each valuation is based on visible materials, markings, weight estimates, and current market prices. You can review the analysis to see the assumptions used. Because jewelry varies widely, valuations are only as strong as the information provided. Valuations help you understand what you own, track value over time, and make informed decisions about selling.

Unvault reviews your photos, markings, metal type, design, and any information you submit. If details are missing, our system applies standard industry assumptions. Each piece receives a low estimate, a high estimate, an estimated value, and a confidence range. Clear photos and accurate details lead to more precise results. If you choose to sell, a professional in-person authentication determines the final value.

A jewelry valuation estimates what your piece may be worth in today’s resale market based on real data, material value, and current prices. A traditional appraisal is usually created for insurance purposes and often reflects replacement cost at retail, which can be much higher than resale value. Unvault valuations are designed to help you understand the real, market-based value of what you own and make informed financial decisions.

Your valuation becomes part of your digital portfolio. Many customers use it to understand what they own, track value over time, compare pieces, and decide when and how to sell. If you sell through Unvault, your valuation serves as the starting point for your final offer.

If you are reasonably confident, you can select the option that seems most accurate. If you are unsure, choosing “Other” is perfectly fine.
We verify all materials during authentication if you decide to sell, so uncertainty at this stage will not prevent you from receiving an accurate final value.

The estimated range reflects what can reasonably be determined from photos and submitted information. After physical inspection, weighing, and testing, the final value may be slightly higher or lower if metal purity, gemstone quality, weight, condition, or hidden details differ from initial assumptions.
If this happens, the reasons are clearly explained before you decide whether to proceed.

Your valuation is a strong, data-driven estimate based on the information you provide. When you choose to sell, we verify your item through professional authentication and testing.
Your final offer reflects the confirmed materials, weight, and quality of your piece. You always see and approve the final price before completing the sale.

The platform fee ranges from 15% to 20% depending on the item. This covers authentication, testing, insured shipping, processing, and customer support. The exact fee is clearly shown in your final offer.

Unvault buys gold, silver, and platinum jewelry. We do not buy plated or filled items, loose stones, pearls, lab-grown diamonds, or most semi-precious stones such as amethyst, jade, and rose quartz.
If you are unsure whether your item qualifies, you can still submit it for review.

Unvault provides a transparent, data-driven valuation before you ever ship anything. Every final offer includes a full breakdown of your item's authenticated weight, metal purity, and current market value — so you can see exactly how your final number was calculated. You're never pressured to accept, and if you decline, we return your item for free.

Local jewelers and pawnshops typically offer 60-80% of the value because they need to resell at a profit. Unvault buys directly based on real material value at gold, silver, and platinum spot prices, so you keep more of what your jewelry is actually worth. Our process is also fully documented and transparent, with no pressure to accept on the spot.

No, there is no need to clean or repair your jewelry before submitting it. Our team is experienced in evaluating pieces in all conditions and has the tools and expertise to properly assess worn or damaged items. Submitting your jewelry as it is allows us to evaluate it accurately without you having to do anything extra.

You remain in full control. If you decide not to proceed after reviewing your final offer, we will return your item safely and securely.

There is no charge to have your item shipped back. Return shipping and insurance are provided at no cost to you. Insurance for return shipping is limited to the authenticated value of the items.

Most customers complete the full process in 5–8 business days. Shipping takes 2–3 days, authentication takes 2-4 business days, and once you accept your offer, payment is sent within 1 business day after acceptance via Stripe, PayPal, or check.

Yes. FedEx is a highly reputable partner for insured shipments, and we use them because of their reliability and detailed tracking. We will send you an insured shipping label to the email address you provide.

Yes. You may send multiple pieces in one shipment. If insurance limits require separate shipments, our team will guide you through the process.

Yes. Diamonds and gemstones are evaluated when they arrive. Their quality, treatment, and authenticity may affect final value and are clearly communicated.

Once received, our team performs physical inspection, metal purity testing, precise weighing, and gemstone evaluation. The process is recorded on video and documented for transparency. You receive the results along with your final offer.

Once items are authenticated, our contact team will email you the final offer to your registered email address. The total authenticated value, platform fees, and your final offer for payment will be detailed in that email. You will also receive the video/photos of your authentication process and transparent value breakdown of each item.

You can respond to the email from our contact team with any follow-up questions, or let them know you accept the offer.

After you have accepted the offer, you must add your payment details to your Unvault profile if you haven't already. Payment details can be added to the Payment Section of your Unvault profile and are securely stored by Stripe, our payment partner. We strongly prefer paying via Stripe, but we also have options of PayPal and Check available upon request.

Most customers complete the full process in 5–8 business days. Shipping takes 2–3 days, authentication takes 2-4 business days, and once you accept your offer, payment is sent within 1 business day after acceptance via Stripe, PayPal, or check.
Payment timing varies by method once processed: PayPal is instant, ACH transfer takes one business day after we process payment, and checks arrive within 7–10 business days.

Yes. Your photos and personal information are stored securely. We do not sell or share your data.
Your payment data is stored by Stripe and we do not have access to those details.

Unvault operates with insured shipping, professional testing, video documentation, transparent pricing, and clear communication. You can reply to any Unvault email to reach a real person on our team or contact us at [email protected].

Unvault is not a same-day payout service. Because shipping and authentication take time, this is not the best option for urgent cash needs.

Unvault was founded in 2025 and is headquartered in San Mateo, CA. We're BBB accredited, a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and have been featured in Bloomberg.

Consignment can mean waiting months for a sale that may never happen, with commissions of 40–60% cutting into your final payout. With Unvault, you get a firm offer based on authenticated material value, usually within 4–7 days with no waiting, no uncertainty, and a guaranteed payout the next business day after you accept.

For gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, the offer is primarily based on metal content and weight — not the brand. That said, designer or signed pieces may carry additional resale value, which our team takes into account during authentication. If your piece has notable markings, include clear photos when submitting for the most accurate valuation.