We Buy Estate Jewelry– and How!
September 26th, 2009 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG
14K enameled gold pin, a la Cartier
Here are a few selections from a large and interesting collection of quality estate jewelry we purchased recently. Most of the items are modern period, many from Europe like this enameled tiger that evokes the pieces Cartier made famous during the 40’s and 50’s. 6.7 grams of 14k gold with diamond eyes, priced to sell at $195
Tutti-frutti 18K ring
Grand Tutti-frutti style ring, probably French, set with cabochon sapphires, turquoises, and ~ 1 ct of brilliant cut diamonds, weighing 15.2 grams of 18K gold (~1/2 oz!)- a bargain @ $1295
Bee pins, 18k gold
What collection would be complete without the classic honey bee pin– we have three, set with diamonds, rubies and sapphires! A sweet deal- $295 to $395 each
Italian 18K ring with diamonds
This beautifully made ring by Pisani of Italy is the epitome of modern design. Set with 1 1/2 cts. of VVS-VS colorless diamonds, it won’t last at $1595
Fabulous Fakes, 14k gold
Fabulous Fakes, sterling
Our collector assembled a wonderful group of “Fabulous Fakes”, some of 14k gold, some of sterling silver plated gold, set with CZ and the like. The Movie Star Look! The 14k rings start at $225, the sterling ones $35. We also have wonderful “Fakes” necklaces and bracelets-Lots of Bling for not much Green.
We have many more karat gold items including jade bracelets, lapis, garnets, handmade chains, and men’s jewelry that will be displayed in our Estate Department over the coming weeks. If you love well made quality jewelry with modern European flair, this collection will surely please. Stop by soon for the best selection–these items are aggressively priced to sell!
If you are looking to appraise or need advice on how to sell your estate jewelry, please contact Jim Sweaney, at 951 682-2325 or jim@mardonjewelers.com. You’ll be pleased with our expert services and fair prices. We are always looking to purchase quality estate jewelry
Tags: Bling, Cartier, enameled jewelry, Fabulous Fakes, garnet, jade, lapis, Pisani
March 27th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Hi. I’m seeing the price of silver going up and contacting a few places to try and find out what my tea set is worth and most likely sell it. It’s a Reed and Barton 4 Piece in Georgian Rose. It weights around 82 ounces, which converts to around 74 troy ounces. So right now it’s weight in silver is a little over $2500. I have attached a picture of an itendical set I found on the web. If interested I could get a camera and take more pictures. All pieces are 92.5 sterling silver and in perfect condition, just need some polishing. Thanks.
Will Cunningham
March 30th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Looks like you’ve done some good research. We buy mainly jewelry items, mostly gold, so wouldn’t be interested now.
Unless there is some factor for rarity, your item must compete with other similar items on the market. In selling anything like this, the real questions are what is the least you will take for the item, what effort will you put into selling it, and what is the best market in light of the first two questions. For a quick turn, you can sell directly to a refiner– they will pay about 90% of the spot value of the silver content– but its a pity to melt something like this.
Selling to someone in the estate buying business– they will probably only pay what the refiner would, or even a bit less to cover their expenses. That leaves markets like Ebay, etc., or other markets to private parties. Again, depends on your effort and the exposure you can give in marketing it yourself. Not a lot of demand for items like this– our much more casual lifestyles means less use of tea sets!