Jewelery (ring) valuation and sale.

[chim_knee]

I am thinking of selling a ring and wondered whether anyone here has any experience of jewelery valuation and subsequent sale.

The ring isn't mega-valuable (less than £10k) but the places I've (idly) looked at to get it valued want to charge 10% of the valuation as a fee. Therefore it's kind of in their interest to inflate the valuation - isn't it?

Does anyone know the process or can anyone recommend someone in the Hertfordshire area that'd be reliable/trustworthy etc?

Also, how would I go about selling the ring for the best possible price?

Any advice/experience greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Phil.

[sleep envy]

YHM (in 5 mins)

[kerfuffle]

Rascal said he'll give you a fiver if you'll put your ring on his finger

[iandbeech]

Wouldn`t it be better to take it to a specialist auction house for a valuation for selling?

We had a ring valued many years ago which was really for insurance - but that does not give you a true indication of a true selling value.

[chim_knee]

kerfuffle said:

Rascal said he'll give you a fiver if you'll put your ring on his finger

iandbeech said:

Wouldn`t it be better to take it to a specialist auction house for a valuation for selling? We had a ring valued many years ago which was really for insurance - but that does not give you a true indication of a true selling value.

That's what I wondered. The thing is, the ring isn't "special" i.e. old etc. It's just a fairly big emerald and a couple of diamonds. Anyone know how/where to find "specialist" auction houses?

SleepEnvy: Got your mail... listen, I'm flattered - but straight. Sorry. Haven't got access to email at the moment. I'll pick the mail up when I get home!

>> Edited by chim_knee on Wednesday 16th November 12:13

[alexkp]

Jewllery valuations and sales are a tricky one.

The valuation price and sale price rarely correspond. For a ring to be worth much more than it's component parts ie the gold and the diamond, it has to have a particular significance in terms of maker or historical interest.

I would try taking the ring to a number of reputable jewllers and see what they offer. Just say "I am thinking of selling this - what would you offer for it?" Once you have visisted a few you should be able to discern the trade value. To get more you need to try a private sale - but these are more difficult. You could try it at an auction or on ebay with a reserve a little above the trade.

Hope that helps.

[Stamp]

With out seeing it, I would agree with Alex and also I would sugest taking it to a good auction house with a specalist jewelry department. Christies, Sotherbys and Bonhams in Bond St / King St London would be a good bet. They would give a fair idea of its worth in a sale. They have to be fair, as if they over value it, you will be at them if it under sells. You could trawl for ever though. Dealers will value something higher if they like it. My field is chairs. If I like a chair, I am more likely to take a punt and offer more. At the end of the day, in auction, you only need two people who like it / want it, and it will fetch more than the estemate. There has been a lot of bad press about auction valuations recently and they have sharpened their act a little.

[chim_knee]

Perfect, thanks guys. My concern with going around jewelers was getting the "it is nicked" look. I have a receipt for it but something makes me not want to show that first, if you know what I mean.

Cheers!

[mybrainhurts]

Stamp said:

My field is chairs. If I like a chair, I am more likely to take a punt....

My field is over the third hill. I usually take a rowing boat round the lake.....

I am Red Fox.......

Are you Grey Squirrel....?