A Guide to Selling Jewellery at Auction

There can be many reasons to sell jewellery. You may want to downsize, handle an inheritance, or dispose of some pieces that you have simply fallen out of love with. Selling these pieces can release cash, create a new chapter for your pre-loved jewellery, and possibly give you the means needed to purchase some more!

While the range of selling options may be somewhat confusing, auctions present an exciting opportunity to connect sellers with collectors, dealers, and private buyers who share a passion for fine jewellery. They offer a host of advantages over other sales methods.

^{Cartier Kashmir sapphire and diamond flower brooch}

^{Sold for £340,000}

Here at Dawsons Auctioneers, our in-house team dynamically markets pieces directly to an international audience of over 10 million potential buyers. This global reach ensures that your jewellery is presented to individuals who value its craftsmanship and the story it can tell. The competitive bidding environment often leads to higher prices than those achievable through conventional retail or private sales. The sole aim of our expert team is to work for you to secure the highest possible price at auction, whereas other sales methods will try to achieve the best price for themselves to maximise their return.

A reputable auction house will provide expert valuations based on the actual market value of your jewellery. Indeed, Dawsons’ boasts a team of gemmology qualified jewellery experts with years of experience evaluating and marketing fine and antique jewellery. Our team take pride in helping their clients at every step of the selling process, starting with their complimentary and obligation-free valuations. Whether conducted in person at the Maidenhead showroom, in their Hampstead office, or online, these consultations provide a clear understanding of your jewellery's market potential.

^{Diamond three-stone Kutchinsky ring}

^{Sold for £51,000}

To this end, accurate and current market valuations are crucial, and the team at Dawsons value certified diamonds using diamond trading network intelligence such as the RapNet Price List, a daily updated list of average and best asking prices based on diamonds currently for sale, and the Rapaport Weekly Market Comment, a global round-up of the diamond market and its variances.

Our specialists will also consider factors such as provenance, craftsmanship, gemstone quality, and historical significance to determine an accurate assessment so you can make an informed decision with complete confidence.

If your item is valued between £300 and £2,500, Dawsons will invite you to use their free, tracked, and fully insured postal service. For items valued at over £2,500, they can arrange a personalised and dedicated collection service.

^{Late Victorian diamond garland necklace}

^{Sold for £38,000}

Antique and vintage jewellery often tell an intriguing story that is difficult to quantify in a standard retail setting. Auctions celebrate these personal histories, highlighting the individuality of each piece and positioning it within an expertly curated and visually captivating catalogue that appeals to discerning buyers.

If you are ready to part with your antique jewellery, a reputable auction house such as Dawsons provides a seamless and supportive experience from initial appraisal to the final sale. Their team handles everything from client communication to post-sale logistics, ensuring a stress-free process for sellers. Here at Dawsons, ' We are proud to achieve outstanding results for our clients—often far exceeding expectations.'

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Are you considering selling any jewellery?

Dawsons can access a global audience of more than 10 million known bidders, and secure the best price.

Contact an expert Jewellery Valuer today for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help:

info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk / 0207 431 9445