I stumbled upon this site as I was looking for info as to how I would go about getting some jewelry appraised for sale. We have several large pieces inherited from my grandparents that we wish to sell. From what I have seen some here may be interested, but how do I go about finding our values before we look to sell?
Are you speaking of Native American jewelry? This website is focused on that material.
You will have to do research online. If there’s a reputable auction house in your area they sometimes host days to get things appraised. If they like your items they might have a relevant auction and might take your things for the sale, of course charging you for the service. If you’re managing it all personally, take good pics of your things individually, and check comparable prices with an image search site like Google Lens/Google Images. Also you can check out websites that sell used and vintage Indian jewelry and see if anything resembles your pieces.
I recommend you check eBay Sold/Completed listings for things that look like yours.
Good luck!
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Yes it is. I thought I had mentioned that but clearly I did not. It’s silver and turquoise pieces. I believe we have some of the original papers that came with them. Several squash blossoms. I’m pretty sure my grandparents got them in New Mexico, but we have all since moved out of state and so I’m not sure if I can find any local places that would know about these pieces. I’ll try some of what you have suggested, thank you.
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Sounds like you may have some nice items. Feel free to share photos here if you like (front and back, including some close ups, in natural light) if you’re interested. Most of us here enjoy looking at NA jewelry, and we’re usually happy to tell you a little about what you have if we can. If you still have receipts and papers, that’s really helpful and makes it more interesting. But as @chicfarmer alluded, we’re not really appraisers, and most won’t feel comfortable giving a value opinion. Also, if you care to share a general region of the country that you’re in, we may be able to point you to some nearby dealers.
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To get your jewelry appraised, consider visiting a certified gemologist or a professional appraiser who specializes in jewelry. Look for reputable organizations like the American Gem Society or the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers to find qualified specialists. It’s a good idea to get multiple appraisals to ensure you’re getting a fair value. Once appraised, you can decide whether to sell through a jeweler, auction house, or online platforms. Good luck!
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I would think you would need one that specializes in Native American jewelry. There seem to be plenty of experts that know very little about Native American Jewelry.
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If just looking for values to sell your items I recommend saving your money as most appraisers often put unrealistic high “insurance” values on items and charge you for it. Also, my personal feeling is that there is an ethical issue with appraisers that also buy and sell. The American Appraisal Association and American Jewelry Institute are the only two I know of that only appraise.
You can do much of the work yourself with the internet. I would begin by researching similar sold items from auction houses on line. You can then compare sold prices with shop asking prices and decide where you want to start your asking price.
As a side bar, many insurance companies are on to the overinflated appraisals. If looking to have appraised and scheduled on your insurance, contact your insurance companies Excess Surplus Lines underwriter and ask (in writing) who they accept appraisals from.
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