Selling your diamond jewelry can be a difficult decision no matter how you acquired it. Jewelry can have powerful sentimental value, so you’ll want to make sure you’re emotionally ready to part with it. Once you’re ready, this post will help you find the best place to sell your diamonds in Washington DC and beyond.
People sell their jewelry for many reasons. Some people want to make sure they get a accurate valuation and a fair offer. For others, convenience and getting an offer quickly are most important. This post will explain the pros and cons of each buyer so you can decide what’s best for you.
Selling Diamonds Online
Pros: Convenience, no appointment
Cons: Slower process with snail mail, improper valuation, no seller education
You have two basic options when selling your diamonds online. You can use consumer-to-consumer sites, like Ebay and Craigslist, where you are very unlikely to get what your jewelry is truly worth. Or you can sell online to a jeweler. That’s is a better option, but there is still one major downside:
There is no way for a buyer (even a jeweler) to give you a proper valuation of your diamond jewelry without having it in their hands. That means you’d either have to part with it before receiving payment, or risk selling at an unfair price.
Selling online is convenient, because you can do it from the comfort of your own home. But if you want to make sure you get a fair valuation, avoid selling diamonds online. There are safer options out there.
Pawnshops
Pros: Fast exchange, cash in your hand when you leave, no appointment
Cons: Lower buying prices, possibility of high-pressure tactics, improper valuation, no seller education
You can sell jewelry in a pawnshop without making an appointment. That’s why it often feels like the most convenient option. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to get a fair offer at a pawnshop, because most pawnbrokers aren’t diamond experts. Pawnshops buy everything under the sun, so it doesn’t make sense for them to have a diamond expert on staff. It’s unlikely they’ll know the true market value of your jewelry.
Pawnshops are quick and convenient, but they’re not the best place to get an accurate valuation of your diamond jewelry.
Jewelry Stores
Pros: Jewelry specialization, no appointment
Cons: No seller education, no privacy, some stores don’t buy
Selling at a jewelry store isn’t a bad option, but it isn’t your safest bet either. There are two broad categories of jewelry stores: big retailers and small shops.
Big retailers often don’t buy jewelry at all, and they may not always have a qualified jeweler on hand. Many small shops don’t buy either and only do repairs.
If you do get to talk to a jeweler, they will probably be willing to talk to you over the counter, but won’t be able give you a private consultation. If someone else walks into the shop you’ll lose the jeweler’s full attention.
Your chances of talking to a jewelry expert go up when you walk into a jewelry store instead of a pawnshop, but there’s still no guarantee. Most jewelry stores don’t specialize in buying diamonds, so you’re not likely to get a thorough consultation.
Qualified Jewelry Buyers
Pros: Seller education, jewelry specialization and experience, usually the best offers
Cons: Appointment based
A private, one-on-one consultation with an experienced jewelry buyer is different than walking into a jewelry store. You are the number one priority, and you know you’ll be talking to an expert.
Professionals like us are mostly appointment-only. This is to allow enough time to fully explain the detailed evaluation and discuss your options. We also specialize only in jewelry, so we have in-depth knowledge and experience when it comes to appraising diamonds and other estate diamond jewelry.
Experienced jewelry buyers have specialized instruments that help give you the most accurate offer possible. Since you are part of the valuation process, you will see how the offer is formed. This will allow you to decide for yourself if you agree with the assessment and are ready to approve the offer.
How Do You Find a Qualified Jewelry Buyer?
There are a few things you can do to find jewelry buyers in your area.
First, ask your friends and family if they have a recommendation. Chances are someone has dealt with an experienced, professional buyer. In fact, we get a large share of our business via word-of-mouth. Second, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if a business is accredited and what its rating is. You can also look at the business’ Google+ page to see unfiltered reviews by past customers. If you see any red flags, you’re better off looking for another provider.
Remember, even if you meet with a trusted buyer, you are in no way obligated to sell any of your diamonds or jewelry unless you are comfortable with the offer.
If you are looking to sell diamonds in the Washington, D.C. area, we’d be happy to meet with you to discuss your options. We’ll always treat you, your jewelry, and its history with the utmost respect. Happy customers are the reason we’ve been in the jewelry business for nearly a century.
If you’re ready to get an expert evaluation for your diamonds or jewelry, contact us to set up a private appointment.
