Written by: Cynthia Findlay Antiques
Before you sell your antique ring, make sure you understand what makes it valuable.
The value of an antique ring varies depending on a number of factors. Some rings will be higher priced because they are from a certain era, or made by a certain artisan. If you are thinking of selling your estate jewellery, you should understand more about the piece. In order to get top dollar for your piece, you will need to know the value of it and understand what makes the piece valuable in the first place.
Know Your Ring
Whatever your parents or your grandparents told you about their art deco rings might just be their opinion. If you really need or want to sell your ring, it’s important that you get an appraisal from a certified gemologist. An appraiser will review the cut, clarity, color and carat. The value of your ring will be associated with that appraisal.
Set a Fair Price
The sentimentality of a ring can lead you to set unreasonably high expectations on what the value should be. You also may disagree with your appraisal, thinking the ring should be higher value for any one of a number of reasons. You may not be wrong, but you should ground yourself and set a price that is reasonable. Ask your appraiser what the stone might be worth by itself, and review similar pieces online to see how yours compares.
Shop Around
Much like you might shop for a ring, you should shop for a buyerYou should find someone willing to play close to appraisal value for a piece, and a pawn shop isn’t that buyer. A vintage jewellery store might be more appropriate, and will probably pay a better price for the piece.