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If you’ve tried Marie Kondo-ing your home, chances are you might have come across your jewelry box and noticed some that bring you many memories. Jewelry is sentimental and intimate; it reminds us of many memories, good or bad, that have happened in our lives.
“Oh yeah, I remember this necklace. I was wearing this to my high school prom with-”
But there is also jewelry that reminds us of memories that we would instead want to bury forever. And that probably motivated you to throw away the item you once held dear.
There is nothing shameful about decluttering some of your personal baggage, especially the good stuff, to make room for new memories (and make more money out of it).
After all, the jewelry market is expected to grow from $224.38 billion in 2023 to $308.36 billion by 2030. So, if you need extra cash or want to dispose of some items in your jewelry box, now is the time to sell your jewelry.
Today, we will look at the best place where you can list your jewelry items and expect to reach more potential buyers.
So, let’s begin.
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Best Places to Sell Jewelry Online
The online jewelry marketplaces have seen fantastic growth over the years. What was once a business endeavor making significant sales through brick-and-mortar stores now has a growing number of jewelry shoppers making purchases online.
There’s never been the best time to sell jewelry items online. The question is, where should you sell them?
1. eBay
eBay is a convenient, full-service side hustle app, perfect for those who want to skip the high subscription fees usually charged by eCommerce sites.
It is a popular site to make money online, and selling jewelry online can be your next money-making venture. It is highly profitable, assuming you are selling the correct items.
By correct items, it means necklaces, bracelets, or rings that don’t have high resale value on luxury jewelry online sites.
Jewelry items significantly sell well on this platform, and the profit potential is huge! So, before you take your fine jewelry to your neighborhood jewelry shop or sell it on Craigslist, consider listing it first on eBay.
However, not all types of jewelry tend to be popular among sellers. The good news, though, is that your jewelry doesn’t need to be Rolex, Cartiers, Audermars Piguet, or other luxury brands to reach your potential buyer.
Got vintage jewelry that you don’t wear anymore? Well, buyers seem to love them, including retro, Art Deco, and Victorian styles. How about watches, watch parts, or accessories? Locate them in your jewelry box because they seem to be in demand. Even costume pieces of jewelry are highly profitable!
Any seller does not need to lose a single penny selling on eBay. To be a seller, create a profile and start listing up to 250 pieces of jewelry free of charge. The site will only get a commission every time you successfully sell an item, usually 10% of the sale price.
Pros: eBay is one of the world’s largest auction platforms helping sellers earn money fast without breaking the bank. It will not charge you listing fees for your first 250 items, which sets them apart from other storefront options.
Cons: Selling on eBay can be a hassle because it needs your time and effort in jewelry photography and marketing. Unless you have a large cache of jewelry items that warrant building a platform, selling only a piece of jewelry can be hard to do.
2. Facebook Marketplace
With Facebook being the most popular social media site worldwide, with 2.93 billion active users, the Facebook marketplace continues to generate buzz. Launched in 2016, FB marketplace is an e-commerce free feature integrated into the Facebook app.
It is not a literal market per se, but it’s generally made to develop the buy-and-sell groups emerging in the platform, eventually turning into something bigger that makes discovering, selling, and trading items within local communities easier.
Treat it like Craigslist but not as sketchy and offer an easy and faster way to interact with buyers as you can start selling your jewelry directly on your friend circle. It is the easiest way to reach potential buyers because you don’t need to search for your target audience.
You don’t need to invest much time and effort (even money) in promoting your products. You only need to post quality photos, add a description, and name your price.
However, while jewelry is one of the best things to sell on Facebook Marketplace, higher sale value is not guaranteed.
Most buyers tend to haggle on jewelry prices (especially if you personally know them), and as someone who wants to make money selling jewelry online, you do not wish to lose out on earning more cash for sure.
Pros: Each sale on the Facebook marketplace is linked to one’s Facebook account, giving both jewelry seller and buyer a level of safety by providing them background information, i.e., name, location, common friends, etc., of the person they are dealing business with.
Cons: Selling fine jewelry can be daunting because you need to furnish an official appraisal to prove the jewelry’s authenticity.
3. Etsy
Unlike the miscellaneous nature of the jewelry items for sale on FB marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist, the sellers on Etsy often focus on artistic, handcrafted, and vintage jewelry.
Sellers cover each listing cost and are encouraged to create a more personalized experience for the buyer – the opposite of the shopping experience on the informal Facebook marketplace and the anonymous Craiglist.
It is the best place to sell anything absolutely unique, whether it’s an exquisite diamond engagement band designed by the bench jeweler’s own calloused hands or original string jet beads from the 1940s.
If you love making crafts or have vintage things to sell to make money, Etsy is truly one of the best apps to sell jewelry. Besides the fact that jewelry is one of the most popular items on the site, many jewelry sellers earn thousands (if not a hundred) of sales.
Jewelry items range from a few dollars to tens of thousands. You can expect many sales here with proper listing (i.e., posting high-quality photos, thumbnails, descriptions, prices, etc.).
On top of that, Etsy is a high-ranking site, and it’s easy to have better visibility on search engines. So, listing your jewelry pieces with appealing photos and optimized keywords will help you reach more potential buyers.
Pros: Etsy is the most profitable site for those who love to make handmade and customized products. It allows you to gain profit doing what you love, be your own boss, and have a side hustle in the comfort of your home.
Cons: Etsy is buyer-centric and doesn’t give helpful selling information or valuation support. While commissions, listings, and subscription fees are inevitable in most eCommerce apps, Etsy charges more with a $0.20 listing fee and up to $10/per month for other subscription packages to enjoy their selling features.
4. 1sTDibs
Do you own a jewelry shop that houses collectible items? Or do you have a piece of luxurious jewelry that you want to sell? Then, you might need 1stDibs, a marketplace where your targeted luxury and semi-luxury shoppers could be found.
1stDibs describes their company as “the leading online marketplace for the most beautiful things on earth.” And that tagline is pretty unquestionable.
Once you sign up on their site and browse their vast collections, you will see the most luxurious jewelry item you have ever seen and more tempting in the eyes of jewelry connoisseurs.
If you think you are one of the most sophisticated jewelry dealers, or if you love to design and retail premium quality jewelry, you would not want to miss out on the opportunity in a company that seems to be the home of the wealthy.
Being a seller on this platform is quite daunting, but once you become a seller here, the sky’s the limit. You must complete the application form and submit proof of credibility as a seller as well as evidence of a top-notch jewelry inventory.
The company’s specialists will review your application, and once established that you’re indeed a prestigious seller offering merchandise that matches the taste of their targeted audience worldwide, congratulations! You were just hand-picked and considered the best of the best.
Pros: The jewelry prices are competitive as they allow the seller to set their preferred price. Got a Carat Diamond Ring for $20,000? Feel free to list it on the platform! You can make the selling price higher and buyers tend to bid higher if they want to buy the jewelry.
Cons: Learning to be a seller on 1stdibs is the easiest part, but maintaining your revenue growth may not be as easy. 1stdibs is a saturated market, and you need to stand out by showing professional-looking jewelry images.
5. Worthy
At Worthy, you don’t need to take photos and list your items on the site. Should you decide to sell your jewelry, say diamonds, their team will send you a free shipping label and packing materials (if you need them) with free insurance coverage for shipping the items for a professional evaluation.
Their team of professionals will inspect, clean, and take photos for auction. Once your jewelry is graded, the company will set a resale value depending on the market price. If the value seems appealing to you, you can then set the reserve price, aka the minimum price you’re willing to take at auction.
You can, therefore, sit back and relax, knowing that your precious jewelry is in good hands and that you’re well guided from inspection, listing, to sale. This process helps you ensure that you are not selling your jewelry to too few and the wrong people.
You will not receive any bid lower than the reserve price, and should you later realize that the valuation is not to your liking or there is no higher bidding, Worthy will return your jewelry without hassle and cost. Worthy won’t charge anything until your items are sold.
Pros: Worthy has an experienced gemologist who evaluates and grades each item before the auction, making it easier for you to get a competitive offer on precious items.
Cons: The bidders determine the final sale price and not by estimate. Worthy also gets big commissions as high as 18%.
Best Places to Sell Jewelry Near You
If you need quick cash for gold, silver, and other precious metals, you don’t need to search for the best apps to sell jewelry. While the internet makes it convenient for us to sell valuable items online, this is not the only option.
You have a wide array of options, from big and small shops to your mom’s best friends or the pawn shop down the street. There are many people who are interested in buying your precious stones and other valuable items.
6. Jewelry Store
Strapped for cash and your piggy bank’s giving you the silent treatment? Imagine wanting to make $600 fast – what if the answer’s been hanging around your neck or on your fingers? Time to rummage through your jewelry stash and maybe pop over to the jewelry store just around the block.
Connecting with a neighborhood jeweler makes things smooth, freeing you up to handle other pressing life stuff. And since they’re practically next door, offloading those sparkly extras is a breeze. Bonus? You get to skip the hassles of online selling – no chasing buyers or fussing with packages.
However, physical jewelry shops might be a bit conservative with their offers. Their storefront costs, from rent to ads and staffing, plus less online rivalry, can play a part. So, while it’s a quick fix, you might bag a bit less cash than exploring other routes.
Pros: Jewelry stores are your best bet to get instant money today. Craigslist, nowadays, has many scammers and can be pretty dangerous for you if you’re to sell your valuables. On the other hand, Pawnshops offer much lower prices than jewelry stores.
Cons: Sale is not guaranteed in jewelry stores. They often buy in-demand pieces and won’t purchase damaged jewelry.
7. Craigslist
Feeling underwhelmed by offers from local jewelers or pawnshops? Craigslist might just be your answer to a better deal. With its local focus, you get to tap into nearby potential buyers who might be seeking just what you’re selling.
There is no sale guarantee, though, and one of its drawbacks is that you must be patient for someone to notice what you put out there.
On the bright side, with around 150 million users browsing its listings monthly, Craigslist isn’t a small pond. The platform is user-friendly, and the ball’s in your court for pricing. You get to call the shots on what your piece is worth.
That said, selling any item on Craiglist comes with its own challenges. The platform can be a crowded marketplace. And while local deals might feel cozy, don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Always be vigilant and savvy about who’s on the other side of the deal.
Pros: Craigslists attract a local audience, allowing you to reach potential buyers within your immediate vicinity. This can be an advantage as most jewelry buyers would like to see and inspect the valuable item before purchasing.
Cons: While Craigslist is a great platform to get some cash for random household items (i.e., sell used furniture), it can be dangerous if you’re to sell your valuables on this platform. The reality is you are not sure who the buyer is, so never invite a stranger to your house to inspect the valuable items up for sale. Your safety should be the first priority.
8. Pawnshops
If you’re a fan of reality shows like “Hardcore Pawn” or “Pawn Stars,” then you’re probably familiar with how pawnshops work.
Thanks to flashy, usually colorful, and highly noticeable signage and advertisements everywhere, from Google’s search results to local newspapers, Pawnshops are often the first place people may come to when they need to sell their old, used gold jewelry.
A pawnshop is ideal if you’re in a rush and need cash in exchange for jewelry (or other household items. They leverage people’s desperation or urgent need for money by offering them low prices for the jewelry items they bring.
But as much as you can sell pretty much anything at a pawnshop, more items are in demand than others and are likely to fetch higher amounts of cash. Concentrate on selling gold, silver, and diamonds for a more acceptable price.
Selling jewelry here is easy. You only need to bring the jewelry you want to sell to the nearest Pawnshop near you and tell the pawnbroker that you would like to sell it and take whatever price he offers you.
Since Pawnshops tend to give lowball offers, it is wise to bring your items to a jewelry store for a free quote for comparisons and perhaps get a better deal.
Pros: Besides the fact that pawnshop promises quick cash when you need it the most; selling your items here is a straightforward process. You bring in your jewelry, and the pawnbroker appraises it and makes you an offer based on its value (although lower than the market value most of the time).
Cons: Attempting to sell jewelry for cash at a pawnshop will mainly result in a less favorable outcome, as they already expected you to know that their selling prices are below the market value. If you’re not in a hurry for money, consider other options to sell your valuable pieces.
Tips for Selling Your Jewelry
Which is more fun, paying taxes, getting your wisdom tooth out, or selling your jewelry? Not much of a choice, but the following tips will help you take the frustration out of selling your jewelry online or in your local area. These are not new tactics but truly game-changers for your jewelry-selling venture.
Prepare you jewelry
Once you have already determined which items from your jewelry box you want to sell, you need to get your jewelry sale-ready. If the item is broken, bring it to a reputable jeweler to repair it. Also, if you think the item is valuable, you should have it cleaned by a specialized jeweler.
Another step in gearing up for the sale is gathering any boxes or paperwork associated with the jewelry. This not only vouches for its authenticity but can also bolster its perceived value when it’s time for appraisal or sale.
Know the worth of your jewelry
It’s important to look for a certified jeweler as they can better assess the value of your valuable items and inform you of the right price. Your jewelry may be sentimental to you, but the emotional value you associate it with will not affect the current market price of your jewelry.
Before heading to the jeweler, take a moment to browse online marketplaces. Checking out how much similar pieces are selling for can give you a solid reference point and potentially strengthen your bargaining position.
The price tag on your jewelry is swayed by various elements, from its current condition, style relevance, and potential repairs to prevailing fashion trends. Keep in mind that a pre-owned piece’s value will naturally differ from its brand-new counterpart.
Consider how you want to sell your jewelry
Assessing the urgency of your need to sell jewelry can guide you to the right venue or platform. If instant cash is your priority, local jewelry stores and pawnshops might be your go-to.
However, if time is on your side, venturing online can often fetch a more favorable return on your precious pieces.
FAQs
Is it Worth Selling Old Jewelry?
Selling your old jewelry for some extra cha-ching is worth it, especially if the goal is to have instant money on hand or get rid of items you no longer need. If the jewelry is no longer valuable, selling it will give you extra funds to spend on the most important items, add to your savings, or fund your adventures.
Where can I get the most money for Jewelry?
The best place to sell jewelry and get the most money will depend on your willingness to invest time and effort. If you don’t mind exerting time and effort to sell your precious items, online marketplaces are your best option, as they allow you to reach a wider audience willing to pay the price you set.
You can also get the most money with your local jewelers or neighborhood jewelry shops if you are patient enough to look for one that will offer the best deals. However, remember that these establishments provide lower prices than selling your jewelry online.
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